Critical Mineral Separations: Opportunities for Membrane Materials and Processes to Advance Sustainable Economies and Secure Supplies

Abstract

Sustainable energy solutions and electrification are driving increased demand for critical minerals. Unfortunately, current mineral processing techniques are resource intensive, use large quantities of hazardous chemicals, and occur at centralized facilities to realize economies of scale. These aspects of existing technologies are at odds with the sustainability goals driving increased demand for critical minerals. Here, we argue that the small footprint and modular nature of membrane technologies position them well to address declining concentrations in ores and brines, the variable feed concentrations encountered in recycling, and the environmental issues associated with current separation processes; thus, membrane technologies provide new sustainable pathways to strengthening resilient critical mineral supply chains. The success of creating circular economies hinges on overcoming diverse barriers across the molecular to infrastructure scales. As such, solving these challenges requires the convergence of research across disciplines rather than isolated innovations.