Technologies and services

SCOPE

Hydrogen production

Maturity Level

TRL 3-5

Development Level

Prototype

Processes for the recovery of CRM and other materials from brines 

Entity:

Development of processes based on highly selective innovative materials for the recovery and purification of Critical Raw Materials and other value-added compounds from concentrated high salinity solutions from seawater desalination processes, mining, etc.  

The technology is based on materials such as ionophores, ionic liquids, solvents and membranes that are highly selective to metal ions at a very low concentration (ppm and ppb) with respect to the majority ions in seawater (Na, Cl, K, Mg, Ca, etc.) for their recovery. 

Challenges met

  • Reduction of the environmental and energy impact of CRM extraction 
  • Obtaining of alternative sources of CRM 
  • Overcoming the EU’s dependence on external CRM sources 

Scope of application

  • Mining 
  • Desalination 
  • Water treatment 

Main publications

Related projects

  • SEA4VALUE. Development of radical innovations for the recovery of minerals and metals from seawater desalination brines. H2020 869703 (Eurecat Coordinator) 

Return to index

More info