16/07/2025
Having worked with ion-selective electrodes (ISEs), I was intrigued to see ion selectivity used in a completely different context.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory developed a polymer-ceramic composite membrane that selectively transports hydrated lithium ions while blocking other cations in complex brines. It integrates a lithium-conductive ceramic phase with a polymer matrix that limits competing ion mobility - achieving efficient lithium recovery with low energy demand.
Why does this matter?
It’s essential to the batteries that power medical wearables, portable diagnostics, and autonomous health tech. As these technologies scale globally, sustainable lithium access becomes a foundational issue.
This might be slightly outside our usual medical scope - but it’s directly relevant to the future of digital healthcare systems.
Source: https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.202417994
