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Based on literature study and laboratory experiments, KIT-team determines a potentially suitable Mn-oxide sorbent for direct lithium extraction from geothermal brines. The sorbent shows fast reaction kinetics at the elevated temperatures of the geothermal brine (60°C after cooling), a high adsorption capacity and only low sorption of competing ions. The strong sorbent stability indicates high reusability for many extraction cycles. In future steps, further laboratory experiments will be conducted in order (1) to verify the initial results; and (2) to investigate different ways of sorbent application into extraction chambers.

The first issue of the UnLimited newsletter will be published shortly. As a subscriber, you will receive regular information about the current project progress and planned activities about lithium extraction from hot deep water in Germany. Sign up for the newsletter quickly and easily here.

An animation about the lithium recovery process designed for the Bruchsal geothermal site was created by EnBW. The video depicts a faithful reproduction of the site conditions at Bruchsal and in a simplified form shows the extraction of lithium via adsorption and desorption processes using lithium-selective adsorbents. The English version of the process animation can be seen here.

On March 5th, 2021 Dr Thomas Kölbel of EnBW Energie Baden-Württemberg AG gave a presentation on the Bruchsal geothermal plant, which was initially envisioned as a research facility but is now in commercial operation. In addition to the experiences in operating the Bruchsal geothermal plant for the past 10 years, Dr Thomas Kölbel also addressed the UnLimited research project, which focuses on the recovery of lithium from geothermal brines.

Today, the first sampling takes place at the geothermal plant in Bruchsal as part of the UnLimited project. For this purpose, HYDROSION uses cooled samples, gas as well as water samples under operating pressure and temperature with appropriate high-pressure hoses and fittings. In this way, the deep geothermal water can be brought to the laboratory for analysis without degassing and oxidation effects.