Texas A&M develops fish-like nanorobots to harvest lithium from seawater
Researchers at Texas A&M University are testing tiny, fish-shaped robots that can capture lithium ions from ocean water, aiming for a greener alternative to traditional mining.
A project funded by the U.S. Department of Energy is under way at Texas A&M University to develop micro- and nanorobots that mimic fish swimming in seawater and selectively bind lithium ions. Led by professor Jingjing Qiu, the team received a $1 million award to explore this low-impact extraction method as a supplement to land-based mining and underground brine operations. The robots are activated by external forces like light and can be collected using magnetic fields after they have harvested lithium.
Researchers aim to demonstrate viable recovery rates, address challenges of separating lithium from other dissolved minerals, and prove the devices can survive harsh ocean environments. Success could provide a domestic, less-environmentally damaging source of lithium for batteries and renewable-energy storage. The effort is one of 19 critical-mineral initiatives the Energy Department is supporting to strengthen the United States’ clean-energy supply chain.
Why it matters
A cleaner way to obtain lithium could reduce mining damage while securing supplies for batteries and renewable energy.
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