염수 및 해수로부터 리튬 추출 기술의 최신 동향

초록

Lithium is a crucial element in energy storage systems, especially for lithium-ion batteries (LiBs) that energize electric cars and renewable energy storage systems. Traditional lithium extraction from hard rock and salar brines poses environmental, economic, and geopolitical challenges. In contrast, seawater and brines offer an abundant but underexploited lithium resource, despite low concentrations (< 0.17 ppm in seawater). Efficient extraction from these sources demands selective, energy- efficient, and cost-effective technologies. Recent advances in membrane separation, adsorption materials, and electrochemical methods have improved lithium recovery performance. Novel adsorbents such as lithium manganese oxide (LMO) and lithium titanium oxide (LTO) ion sieves exhibit high selectivity for lithium over competing ions like sodium and magnesium. Electrochemical intercalation and electrodialysis show promise for low-energy lithium recovery. Direct lithium extraction (DLE) is also being integrated with desalination and brine treatment systems. Despite challenges such as high energy use, material degradation, and scalability issues, emerging technologies are accelerating the transition to sustainable lithium production. This review highlights recent advancements and future directions in lithium recovery technologies from seawater and brines, aiming to contribute to the development of an environmentally friendly and economically viable global lithium supply chain.

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