(4la) Electrochemical Mining of Energy Materials from Air, Water, and Waste

Research Interests: Electrocatalysis: reduction of O2, CO2, NO3-, water splitting; Reactor design for energy material mining: lithium recycling, CO2 capture

Electrochemical Mining of Energy Materials from Air, Water, and Waste The extraction of critical materials from unconventional sources like air, water, and waste—including direct air capture, flue gas, brine water, seawater, spent lithium-ion batteries, and e-waste—has become increasingly important. Materials such as lithium, cobalt, and carbon are essential for electric vehicles (EVs), solar cells, and renewable energy storage. These materials are also vital in carbon capture and utilization (CCU) technologies, which help reduce carbon emissions by converting CO₂ into valuable products. As the world transitions to renewable energy, a sustainable and reliable supply of critical materials is crucial for advancing green technologies and achieving environmental goals. Traditional extraction methods for energy materials rely on mining and chemical processes, which are resource-intensive and environmentally harmful. For example, traditional carbon capture via calcium looping requires high-temperature treatments, and recovering lithium and cobalt from spent batteries is energy- and chemical-intensive, often producing toxic byproducts. Electrochemistry, which involves the transfer of electrons in chemical reactions, offers a more sustainable alternative to traditional extraction methods. Electrochemical processes are energy-efficient, operating under milder conditions and producing less hazardous waste. These methods allow precise control over reactions and can be integrated with renewable energy sources. By fine-tuning electrical parameters, electrochemical techniques enhance selectivity and improve yields, minimizing by-products. Additionally, these processes can eliminate the need for harsh chemicals, making them more cost-effective and environmentally friendly. As advancements in electrolyzer and catalyst design continue, electrochemical methods are emerging as scalable and economically viable solutions for critical material recovery. My research focuses on leveraging electrochemical systems to develop sustainable extraction technologies. I aim to explore innovative methods that improve efficiency and selectivity in material recovery, contributing to cleaner energy technologies. By combining electrochemistry with engineering solutions, I hope to drive advancements in sustainable energy material extraction, addressing key environmental challenges. Moving forward, I will focus on innovative electrolyzer configurations and electrocatalyst designs to achieve energy-efficient extraction of materials like lithium and magnesium from seawater and brine, while also coupling with CO₂ capture from flue gas and air. This interdisciplinary research has significant potential for addressing global sustainability goals and securing funding due to its relevance in energy storage, carbon capture, and waste management.

Reference:

1. Z. Fang, P. Zhu, X. Zhang, Y. Feng, H. Wang, Self-Looped Electrochemical Recycling of Lithium-Ion Battery Cathode Materials to Manufacturing Feedstocks, Nature Chemical Engineering (Under revision).
2. X. Zhang†, Z. Fang†, P. Zhu†, Y. Xia, H. Wang, Electrochemical Regeneration of High Purity CO2 from Carbonates for Efficient Carbon Capture, Nature Energy (2024).
3. Y. Feng†, Z. Fang†, S. Hao, T. Terlier, X. Zhang, C. Qiu, S. Zhang, F. Chen, P. Zhu, Q. Nguyen, H. Wang*, S. Biswal*, Three-chamber Electrochemical Reactor for Selective Lithium Extraction from Brine, PNAS (2024).
4. T. Wi, Y. Xie, Z. Levell, D. Feng, J. Kim, P. Zhu, A. Elgazzar, T. Jeon, M. Shakouri, S. Hao, Z. Fang, C. Qiu, H. Lee, A. Hicks, Y. Liu, C. Liu, H. Wang, Upgrading Carbon Monoxide to Bioplastics via Direct Interaction of Electrochemical- and Bio-synthesis, Nature Synthesis (2024).

5. P. Zhu, Z. Wu, C. Dong, F. Chen, Y. Xia, Y. Feng, M. Shakouri, J. Kim, Z. Fang, T. Hatton, H. Wang, Continuous Carbon Capture in An Electrochemical Solid-Electrolyte Reactor, Nature 618, 959 (2023).