New Lithium Extraction Technology Secures Global Patents
Two technologies for lithium extraction and production, developed by Dr. Jun Woong, have recently achieved international patent recognition. Lithium-for-earth and Hydro Lithium announced the patents for Lithium Extraction from Saline and Other Sources (CULX), and Environmentally Friendly Lithium Hydroxide Production Using Water (CULH), marking a significant advancement in the field of lithium processing.
The saline lithium extraction technology patent has been registered in Argentina and Australia, adding to prior registrations in South Korea, the United States, Russia, and China. This global patent coverage underscores the technology's potential impact on the lithium industry, particularly in countries rich in lithium resources. Patent applications are also pending in Europe, Chile, Bolivia, Canada, Japan, and Central Asia, further broadening its international scope.
Lithium, crucial for the production of secondary batteries, is traditionally extracted from ores or saline water. Ore-based extraction, while prevalent in countries like Australia and China, faces environmental challenges and efficiency limitations. In contrast, saline water sources offer a more environmentally friendly alternative but are complicated by impurities that hinder pure lithium extraction.
Dr. Jun Woong's innovative technology addresses these challenges by economically extracting lithium from high-impurity solutions, a significant improvement over existing Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) methods. By precipitating lithium as a composite, this technology simplifies the recovery process, enhancing efficiency and environmental sustainability.
The patented technologies have undergone validation in large-scale demonstration plants and are poised for commercial application, with discussions underway with several international companies. This development represents a comprehensive legal protection for the technologies, extending from natural saline water to ultra-high purity lithium hydroxide, across key countries involved in lithium processing.
