<p>➀ Researchers at Rice University have developed a groundbreaking method for lithium extraction using solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) as membrane materials, achieving near-perfect lithium selectivity in aqueous solutions.</p><p>➁ The traditional lithium extraction methods are resource-intensive and environmentally harmful. The new method using SSE membranes in an electrodialysis system can achieve high lithium purity levels efficiently.</p><p>➂ This breakthrough could provide a sustainable solution for lithium harvesting, reducing reliance on mining and chemical-intensive purification processes, and potentially inspiring new technologies for extracting other critical elements.</p>