Lithium-ion batteries have become essential for powering our modern, technology-driven world. From laptops and smartphones to electric vehicles, these rechargeable power sources are ubiquitous. However, the volatile nature of lithium poses a significant challenge, as demonstrated by the strict regulations airlines have in place to prevent lithium-ion batteries from being transported in checked luggage.

The reason for this caution is the highly reactive nature of lithium. In its pure form, lithium reacts violently with seemingly harmless water, generating heat and producing highly flammable hydrogen. While this reactivity is problematic for air travel safety, it is precisely what makes lithium an excellent material for batteries.

Lithium-ion batteries are a critical component in the transition to green energy, as they can store the power generated by renewable sources like solar and wind.

Pyrite is often referred to as 'fool's gold' and is sold as a souvenir
Pyrite is often referred to as ‘fool’s gold’ and is sold as a souvenir. Credit: Tomwsulcer / Wikimedia Commons

In recent years, the demand for lithium has skyrocketed, as the world moves towards a more sustainable future. The primary sources of lithium, such as pegmatites and volcanic clays, are well-known, but researchers are exploring the possibility of finding additional, safe, and economical lithium reserves. This is where a team of researchers from West Virginia University (WVU) has made an intriguing discovery.

The WVU team, led by geochemist Shailee Bhattacharya, has been studying sedimentary rock samples from the Middle Devonian Appalachian Basin in the United States. To their surprise, they found significant amounts of lithium in pyrite minerals within shale rock. This finding is particularly remarkable, as the geological literature has lacked information on the intersection between lithium and sulfur-rich pyrite.

The worlds of electrochemistry and engineering have already begun to explore how lithium-sulfur batteries could potentially replace lithium-ion batteries. Bhattacharya is now trying to understand the connection between lithium and pyrite, which could have far-reaching implications.

Lithium is essential for green energy
Lithium is essential for green energy. Credit: Dnn87 / Wikimedia Commons

Interestingly, the organic-rich shale rock may have the potential for increased lithium recovery due to this curious interaction between lithium and pyrite, which has previously been considered “fools’ gold”. However, it is unclear whether these observations can be extrapolated beyond the specific samples studied.

Bhattacharya cautioned that this is a highly specialized study, but the findings are promising because they suggest the possibility of certain shales being a source of lithium that does not require new mining operations. This would allow for the pursuit of sustainable energy without the need for extensive energy-intensive resource extraction.

Just a few years ago, another research team also discovered that pyrite can contain small amounts of gold.


Sources

European Geosciences Union | Shailee Bhattacharya, Michael C. Dix, et al., Potential lithium enrichment in pyrites from organic-rich shales. EGU24-369. doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-369


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