Brief
UK researchers use protein membranes to make lithium extraction cleaner
The three‑year project targets selective lithium‑sodium separation using engineered S‑layer proteins.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Researchers at the University of Birmingham are leading a £6.2 million project, funded by the UK Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA), to develop protein‑based membranes that could make direct lithium extraction (DLE) more selective and less energy‑intensive.
What happened
The three‑year initiative, announced on 8 October 2026, will focus first on separating lithium ions from sodium ions – a key hurdle for producing high‑purity lithium compounds needed in battery manufacturing. The consortium includes Aston University and industrial partners Fold9, Evove and Adaptyv Bio.
What the reports add
Mining.com explains that the team will harness S‑layer proteins, which naturally form ordered two‑dimensional lattices on microorganisms, and engineer them into large‑area membranes with uniform pores capable of distinguishing lithium from sodium despite their similar chemistry. Co‑lead Professor Tim Knowles says the proteins provide an “extraordinary starting point” for programmable materials.
What was said
Project lead Dr Dominik Kubicki told Mining.com, “Biology can construct ordered materials with precision that is extremely difficult to achieve using existing manufacturing methods.” Professor Owen Thomas added, “A key challenge will be translating molecular‑level control into membranes that can be manufactured and operated at useful scales.”
How it came about
The effort forms part of ARIA’s Universal Fabricators programme, which seeks to use engineered proteins as building blocks for advanced manufacturing. Success could extend beyond batteries to critical‑mineral recovery, water treatment and pharmaceutical production.
Key facts
- The project is funded with £6.2 million from ARIA. (mining.com)
- It aims to create protein‑based membranes that separate lithium from sodium. (mining.com)
- The consortium includes the University of Birmingham, Aston University, Fold9, Evove and Adaptyv Bio. (mining.com)
- S‑layer proteins will be engineered to form uniform pores for ion discrimination. (mining.com)
- Project lead Dr Dominik Kubicki highlighted biology’s precision for material design. (mining.com)
Sources
- [1] mining.com — originally reported as “UK scientists turn to biology to unlock cleaner lithium”
