What does the patent landscape reveal about innovation trajectories in direct lithium extraction?

초록

Lithium is essential for modern energy storage, yet supply remains constrained due to the challenges of extracting it from complex aqueous resources, driving interest in Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technologies despite ongoing limitations in efficiency, cost, and environmental performance. Patents, positioned at the interface of technological development and market deployment, provide valuable insight into industrial priorities and emerging innovation trajectories. In this study, a systematic patent landscape analysis of DLE technologies targeting aqueous lithium resources was conducted. A novel four-layer analytical framework was developed to evaluate six major DLE technology categories, including adsorption, ion exchange, solvent extraction, membrane separation, precipitation, and electrochemical processes. Patent-based indicators identified electrochemical DLE as the most rapidly diffusing technology category, highlighting its growing influence within the innovation landscape. Analysis of the top 100 electrochemical patents revealed that hybrid reactor designs with integrated multi-step processes and versatile membrane-based systems dominate current innovation activity. A structured System-Process-Product-Resource (SPPR) framework was subsequently developed to map innovation pathways and capture both technological evolution and innovation dynamics. The results indicate a clear transition from material-centred and single-step extraction approaches toward integrated, resource-adaptive, and product-oriented platforms. Electrochemical modules are increasingly being deployed as key integration units within modular and closed-loop extraction systems, while membrane-assisted configurations play a central enabling role. Product development is increasingly focused on battery-grade lithium hydroxide (LiOH), reflecting growing alignment with downstream battery manufacturing requirements. Although conventional brines remain the dominant resource, increasing patent activity associated with industrial wastewater, geothermal brines, and oilfield-produced water highlights an emerging trend toward resource diversification.

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