Interfacial solar evaporation transforms brine mineral recovery.

Abstract

Interfacial solar evaporation (ISE), primarily developed for desalination, offers a potential pathway for brine mining. This perspective review provides an initial assessment of how ISE might mitigate the drawbacks of traditional evaporation ponds, such as prolonged processing and extensive land use, in the context of rising mineral demand. We examine the latest advancements in the ISE technology, focusing on materials innovations and heat management designed for high-salinity brines, which are key to enabling rapid evaporation and selective mineral recovery. Looking forward, we analyze the critical challenges that hinder the transition of ISE from laboratory to industry, including material stability, long-term durability, technoeconomic viability, and potential environmental risks. Acknowledging that the practical implementation of ISE is not yet certain, this study outlines a potential road map to guide the efforts needed to overcome these barriers and realize the goal of efficient, sustainable mineral extraction.