News

Task 3.2 focused on the development of ion-exchange polymers formed into beads able to carry out the separation of Li+ from the other cations found in a brine (e.g., Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+). In a later step, such ion-exchange polymers will be formed into membranes to carry out such separation in conjunction of an “extracting fluid”. At the present stage, Li separation from the brine is carried out by a multi-step process. The latter consists in the following elementary steps: (i) selective binding of the brine cations into the beads; (ii) concentration of the cations and modulation of the counter-anions; and (iii) final separation of Li by means of high-efficiency solvent extraction. The beads used for selective Li separation consist of a very inexpensive ion-exchange aromatic polymer, whose production is straightforward and whose physicochemical properties are easy to modulate to tailor selectivity. UNIPD will mainly focus on the extraction of Li from the brines; Sr extraction will be considered at a later stage. The Li extraction will be first tested on synthetic brines and later implemented on natural brines.

By discerning correlations and interdependencies among major cations, anions, and fluid characteristics, INLECOM INNOVATION aims to unravel the complex web of factors controlling Lithium concentrations.

The CRM-geothermal project seeks input from West Cornwall residents to shape dual geothermal energy and metals extraction plans

Constructor University Bremen researchers, led by Prof. Dr. Michael Bau and Dr. Lukas Klose (Work Package 2), recently embarked on a scientific expedition to Iceland

In October 2024, the CRM-geothermal project hosted a consultation in Cornwall (UK) to gather the thoughts of local communities and other stakeholders on how dual geothermal-metal extraction projects can achieve ‘social licence to operate’ in the UK, EU and beyond.

Our project partner Dr. Brill Institutes Group is looking for a Master student to be completed as part of the CRM-geothermal project. 

In his Master Thesis, Samuele Frigo performed the characterisation of the geothermal system in fractured crystalline rocks at United Downs (Cornwall, UK) by means of Thermal-Hydraulic-Chemical modelling. Samuele is a Master student from the University of Greifswald,...