Summit Nanotech utilizes patented direct lithium extraction technology to efficiently extract high-purity lithium from brine, significantly reducing production time from 18 months to just one day. This process addresses the increasing global demand for lithium in electric vehicle batteries while minimizing environmental impact by reinjecting lithium-depleted brine back into the source.
Funding
$50.3M raised to dateRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
Founders
Product
Problem
The increasing demand for lithium in electric vehicle (EV) batteries faces constraints due to the time-intensive and environmentally impactful nature of traditional lithium extraction methods from brine resources. Conventional processes can take up to 18 months and often involve significant chemical usage and freshwater consumption, along with the challenge of managing lithium-depleted brine.
Solution
Summit Nanotech offers a direct lithium extraction (DLE) solution that uses nanotechnology to selectively capture lithium ions from brine, significantly reducing production time to as little as one day. The denaLi™ DLE platform employs a high-performance sorbent material and a modular system designed for industrial reliability and ease of operation. After lithium extraction, the lithium-depleted brine is reinjected back into the salar, minimizing the impact on freshwater aquifer resources. The captured lithium is then refined using limited chemicals, further reducing the environmental footprint.
Target Audience
The primary target audience includes lithium mining companies, electric vehicle battery manufacturers, and other stakeholders seeking a more efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective method for lithium extraction.
Features
- Proprietary denaLi™ DLE platform utilizing advanced nanomaterials for selective lithium ion capture
- Modular system design allowing for scalable deployment and adaptation to various brine compositions
- High-performance sorbent that reduces the number of columns needed, cutting energy and water use
- Reinjection of lithium-depleted brine to preserve nearby freshwater aquifer resources
- Shortened production cycle, reducing the extraction timeline from months to a single day
- Operation of a field demonstration plant in northern Chile and a multi-column system in Colorado for rapid testing and process development
- Data analytics and AI for advanced process control, ensuring reduced water use, maximum sorbent lifespan, and maximum lithium recovery