Objective
The increasing global demand for lithium-ion batteries, driven by the rapid adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and grid-scale energy storage systems, necessitates the development of more efficient, scalable, and sustainable lithium extraction technologies. Traditional lithium extraction from hard rock mining and evaporation ponds is energy-intensive, slow, and environmentally taxing, often leading to significant water consumption and land degradation. Direct lithium extraction (DLE) technologies have emerged as a promising solution, enabling higher lithium recovery rates with reduced environmental impact. Among various DLE approaches, electrodialysis using ion-selective membranes shows great promise but existing membranes have low ion selectivity.
With the support of ERC-funded curiosity-driven fundamental research, we have developed a new generation of ion-selective membranes with great potential for lithium extraction. This proof-of-concept proposal focuses on advancing the commercialization of ion-selective membranes for DLE. The core objectives include: (1) optimizing membrane chemistries and compositions to improve selectivity of lithium towards other monovalent and divalent ions, as well as mechanical stability and chemical resistance; (2) Optimizing the selectivity of anion exchange membranes used in the electrodialysis system, (3) scaling up the single electrodialysis cell to electrodialysis stack prototype demonstrations to validate performance in complex brine environments; and (4) performing techno-economic assessments to evaluate cost-effectiveness and commercial viability.
This project aims to accelerate technology transfer from laboratory research to industrial-scale applications and involves collaboration with industrial partners including large energy and small start-up companies. The outcomes of this work will support the development of a more sustainable and resilient lithium supply chain for the EU.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences chemical sciences inorganic chemistry alkali metals
- engineering and technology chemical engineering separation technologies desalination electrodialysis
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Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-ERC-POC - HORIZON ERC Proof of Concept Grants
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2025-POC
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
SW7 2AZ London
United Kingdom
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.