One of the key Critical Raw Materials (CRMs) that SEArcularMINE technology will recover from seawater bitterns is Lithium.  SEArcularMINE partners Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnologica (iBET) based in Oeiras near Lisbon, Portugal have been innovating a novel electromembrane process called Lithium Membrane Flow Capacitive Deionization (Li-MFCDI).  This LI-MFCDI prototype has been assembled and tested at iBET premises marking the achievement of Project Milestone 11. 

Leakage tests were performed by flowing water in each compartment and no leaks were observed even after 24 h of flowing the water through the cell. A desalination test was also performed, confirming current-voltage curves similar to those obtained previously in the smaller Li-MFCDI cell.

Below you can see the scale comparison between the prototype and the cell which has been used in lab-based testing to date. 

The prototype will now be sent to project partners Fraunhofer ISE (FhISE) in Freiburg where it will be mounted onto a purposely built aluminium skid before returning to iBET in Portugal for further testing with new membranes.