Recent research led by West Virginia University explores new sources of lithium, such as mine tailings and drill cuttings, in light of the increased demand for this critical mineral, essential for lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles and storing renewable energy. The findings reveal unexpectedly high concentrations of lithium in pyrite minerals within shale.
For instance, pure lithium violently interacts with seemingly innocuous water, releasing heat and forming highly flammable hydrogen. This reactivity, however, is exactly why lithium makes a great material for batteries, and why it is a critical mineral for the green energy transition. To that end, a team led by researchers from West Virginia University is exploring whether previous industrial operations could serve as a source of additional lithium without generating new waste materials.
Though the geologic literature lacked information on the intersection between lithium and sulfur-rich pyrite, the electrochemical and engineering world has already begun to look at how lithium-sulfur batteries could replace lithium-ion ones, Bhattacharya said. “I am trying to understand how lithium and pyrite could be associated with one another.”