Dr. La Plante has awarded with the ARPA-E RECLAIM Grant “Electrochemical Lithium and Nickel Extraction with Concurrent Carbon Dioxide Mineralization“
The University of Texas at Arlington will develop acoustic stimulation and electrolytic proton production to produce lithium (Li) and nickel (Ni) from CO2-reactive minerals and rocks that contain calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg), while sequestering CO2 in the form of carbonate solids. The technologies use electricity to extract valuable metal ions from the surrounding mineral matrix at sub-boiling temperatures. Feedstocks will include Li/Ni/Ca/Mg-rich igneous and sedimentary minerals.
First, an electric potential will be applied to water to simultaneously produce acidity and alkalinity. The solid feedstocks will be dissolved in the acidic anolyte under acoustic stimulation. Exposure of calcium hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide to CO2 will result in CO2 sequestration.
