Online Archive of University of Virginia Scholarship
Lithium Extraction and Purification from Geothermal Brine; The Fight for Water: How Indigenous Chileans and Lithium Corporations Compete325 views
Author
Sawyer, Allison, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Virginia
Advisors
Anderson, Eric, EN-Chem Engr Dept, University of Virginia
Norton, Peter, EN-Engineering and Society, University of Virginia
Abstract
Lithium Hydroxide can be produced from brine using the sorbent Iron (III) Phosphate with an electrochemical reaction. A design incorporating this sorbent is appended to an existing geothermal plant located in California's Salton Sea. This plant could support a domestic lithium industry to supply the growing battery industry. Current lithium sources originate in the Lithium Triangle region located in Chile. The lithium produced in the Chilean region has created a dilemma between economic prosperity and environmental damage. Advocates and critics of extraction in the region have used litigation, protests, social and public media, and coalition building to raise support for their cause.
Degree
BS (Bachelor of Science)
Keywords
Lithium; Chile; Battery; Lithium extraction
Notes
School of Engineering and Applied Science
Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering
Technical Advisor: Eric Anderson
STS Advisor: Peter Norton
Technical Team Members: Allison Sawyer, Sarah Bhargava, Madaline Marland, Maurice Curran
Language
English
Rights
All rights reserved (no additional license for public reuse)
Sawyer, Allison. Lithium Extraction and Purification from Geothermal Brine; The Fight for Water: How Indigenous Chileans and Lithium Corporations Compete. University of Virginia, School of Engineering and Applied Science, BS (Bachelor of Science), 2023-05-12, https://doi.org/10.18130/qvv3-b733.
