Due to its critical role in producing batteries, most prominently for electric vehicles (EVs), lithium hydroxide is in high demand across the world. As a way of remaining competitive, lowering costs, and responding to growing demand for cleaner practices, top companies are embracing innovation in production processes as the need for lithium products keeps growing. Learn how some of the foremost companies in lithium hydroxide are innovating their production processes.
- New Manufacturing Methods: Streamlining the Process
New and improved manufacturing methods are one of the key developments in lithium hydroxide production. Extraction of lithium from spodumene ore, then refining and converting it into lithium hydroxide, is the classic way of producing lithium hydroxide. The traditional process, however, could be expensive and energy-intensive. Leading companies are simplifying the process by utilizing more effective approaches, such as Livent and Albemarle. Some companies, for example, have created technology to extract lithium directly from brine or ore via chemical or electrochemical processes. Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) enables lithium to be extracted directly from brine or ore by means of chemical or electrochemical processes. This technique is revolutionizing the industry by lowering the cost of total production, increasing yield, and requiring less energy. In addition, companies are leveraging alliances and acquisitions to enhance these technological advancements. For instance, Albemarle’s acquisition of Rockwood Holdings helped expand its lithium production capabilities, including innovations in DLE.
- Greener Ways: Practices towards sustainability
Green processes become more and more important to lithium hydroxide firms as there is a greater need for production to be sustainable. In addition to developing new production methods, firms are also looking for ways to reduce the environment footprint of their production. One firm that uses sustainable methods, is SQM, an international lithium producer. The business has recently put into place a process called solar evaporation ponds to remove water from brine with a high percentage of lithium utilizing the natural heat of the sun and depositing lithium salts on its surface. The process is an environmentally friendlier alternative to lithium extraction since it uses less water compared to the conventional evaporation methods. Some companies are also exploring recycling as a central component in their sustainability plan. Li-Cycle, for example, has developed a recycling system for lithium-ion batteries that recovers precious lithium and other metals to go into new batteries. This reduces not only waste but also demand for virgin materials, helping build a more circular economy for the production of lithium.
- Cost Savings Through Automation and Efficiency
Automation and the adoption of digital technologies are revolutionizing the process of producing lithium hydroxide. Tesla and other electric vehicle manufacturers are investing in advanced automation technologies to increase production while lowering labor costs. Automation enables improvement in different phases of the production process, from processing raw material to refining the final product, leading to substantial cost reductions. Moreover, the development and implementation of machine learning and predictive analytics supported by AI enable businesses to improve the production process, identify inefficiencies, and anticipate maintenance requirements. This enables downtime to be minimized, operations simplified, and overall output to be maximized, leading to cost-efficient lithium hydroxide production. The continuous development of these technologies ensures that lithium hydroxide production can keep pace with the growing demand for electric vehicles and energy storage solutions.
- Innovation in Alternative Lithium Sources
As the need for lithium hydroxide increases, businesses are also seeking alternative sources of lithium as supplementary to conventional mining activities. Some businesses, for example, are accessing geothermal brine and oilfield brines as alternative sources of lithium. These provide the potential for less environmentally intrusive extraction techniques than conventional hard rock mining. By diversifying their sources, businesses not only get a more stable supply of raw materials but also minimize the risk of supply chain interruptions. This innovation is leading to more sustainable operations and increasing the available options for lithium hydroxide production.
As lithium hydroxide market keeps growing, innovation in production processes is essential in ensuring that the rising demand is met while sustaining sustainability and cost-effectiveness. Through the implementation of new manufacturing methods, the use of sustainable practices, and the integration of digital technologies, businesses are not only enhancing their bottom line but also creating a brighter future for more sustainable battery production. These developments ensure that the lithium hydroxide sector continues to be competitive and able to enable the transition to a greener, electrified world.
Sources:
Company: Carmeuse systems
Research org: Science Direct
