SCALE-Na: Sustainable Critical Minerals Adsorption from Low-Concentration Effluents with Synergistic Na-ion Cathode Synthesis

Ensemble energy system projections indicate a growing demand for critical minerals such as cobalt and nickel, whose supply chains are highly vulnerable to disruption. Recovery of these elements from wastewater represents a promising pathway to strengthen domestic supply; however, mature technologies for efficient recovery at low concentrations and subsequent valorization into commercially viable feedstocks remain lacking. The proposed work brings together a collaborative effort to develop integrated technologies for the recovery and repurposing of critical elements from wastewater, coupled with iterative life-cycle assessment (LCA) and techno-economic analysis (TEA) to evaluate system-level impacts. Preliminary proof-of-concept results demonstrate technological feasibility. Building on this foundation, the project will establish TEA- and LCA-guided system design principles that can serve as a model for the broader field of critical mineral extraction and separation. This collaboration between chemists and systems analysts is expected to yield peer-reviewed publications, provide training for early-career researchers, and position the team competitively for future external funding opportunities.

“This project aims to develop a low-cost process for cobalt and nickel extraction from dilute wastewaters. The collaboration between chemists and systems analysts will ensure that the economic and environmental metrics are integrated into the process design from the beginning, and not as an afterthought. The process also lays the groundwork for sodium-ion batteries in the long-term to enhance U.S. energy security and resilience.”

Chong Liu, Associate Professor of Molecular Engineering, Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering