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Research Projects
LiMare

Project:

Development of a process for extracting critical raw materials such as lithium, rare earth metals and metals/semi-metals from ocean water

Development of the functionality of MNPs with selective ligands and development of the adorption and desorption process

Duration:

01.01.2026 – 31.12.2028

Website:

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Project partners:

      • Solexperts GmbH
      • TU Munich – Institute of Water Chemistry & Chair of Analytical Chemistry and Water Chemistry
      • TU Munich – Munich Institute of Biomedical Engineering
      • Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE, Water Treatment and Materials Separation Group
      • GEOMAR Helmholtz-Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Geomicrobiology / Marine Biogeochemistry Group

Abstract:

  • Development of an innovative process for extracting lithium and critical raw materials from ocean water
  • Contribution to Germany’s raw material independence
  • Efficient extraction of trace substances out of a big resource reservoir
  • High selectivity and fast binding kinetics of selected ligands
  • Economical method without the use of thermal energy
  • Ecological separation of resources from ocean water by magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) to prevent environmental contamination
  • Adaptive system for the extraction of other critical resources such as rare earth metals

The “LiMare“ project focusses on the development of a novel and innovative process for the extraction of lithium and other crucial metals of ocean waters. To improve Germany’s independence of raw materials, this project contributes to assist the energy revolution during times of increased demand of critical raw materials such as lithium or rare earth metals. Such raw materials are essential components of batteries, semi-conductors or energy technologies.

The main objective of this project is the development of a selective, ecological and economical method to extract lithium of ocean water. In comparison to other production methods, no thermal energy needs to be dedicated for the production. Additionally, no toxic waste materials such as brine is produced, which makes this innovative method an environmentally friendly alternative.

Lithium and other metal ions can selectively bind to special ligands such as crown ethers and can easily be recovered from them. Those ligands are covalently bound to functionalized magnetic nanoparticles, which ensures an efficient separation of the raw material while also preventing environmental contamination. The MNPs can be regenerated and reused in the magnetic reactor upon release of lithium. This system is adaptive and can be refitted with other ligands to specifically target other trace elements in a vast maritime reservoir.

National project (AIF) funding indicator 03SX654A

 

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