ODU Innovates Eco-Friendly Lithium Extraction, Boosting Local Engineering Education and Sustainability

A research team from Old Dominion University (ODU) has started a project to develop environmentally friendly lithium extraction methods. This project is supported by a $75,000 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as part of the 20th Annual People, Prosperity and the Planet (P3) Award. ODU is among 16 university teams that received funding. The team is led by Sandeep Kumar, a professor and department chair of civil and environmental engineering, and includes students from various engineering fields.

The project aims to create a new method for producing lithium carbonate from geothermal brine. This method could make lithium mining quicker and less harmful to the environment. Lithium is essential for making high-capacity batteries but is usually mined in ways that damage the ecosystem.

The team consists of Agyare Asante, a graduate student; Abigail Berardi, a sophomore in computer engineering and cyber operations; Jack Bruins, a junior in mechanical engineering; and Derik Thompson, a sophomore in civil engineering technology. They each contribute different skills, from market analysis to designing and automating equipment.

Throughout the project, the team will conduct lab experiments to improve their lithium extraction method. They will present their results at the P3 National Design Expo, where they can learn from other teams and receive feedback from industry experts.

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