Seawater and brackish water desalination is a major source of portable water as well as minerals. Electrochemical system provides an unique solution to separate the water from the valuable minerals, such as lithium, potassium, magnesium. The ME2 lab is designing energy efficient process for brackish water desalination, industry waste water valorization and critical material extraction.

In one previous project, we designed an electrochemical cell that can continuously remove ions in sea water and generate fresh water with much higher efficiency.

Read more: Small scale seawater desalination.

In a recently awarded DOE project, we collaborate with Idaho National Lab to develop a sustainable process to co-produce lithium, potassium and magnesium from continental and lake brines.

Read more: DOE invests in critical material production.