Dles Research Group

DLES is a multidisciplinary research group dedicated to developing advanced Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technologies for sustainable lithium production in Chile. Our mission is to create high-impact scientific and technological solutions that enable efficient lithium recovery while minimizing environmental footprint, water consumption, and impacts on salt-flat ecosystems. Our team brings together researchers from leading Chilean institutions with expertise in molecular chemistry, electrochemistry, materials science, polymer engineering, and process optimization. Building on patented innovations and years of collaborative work, we design and test next-generation materials and extraction systems tailored to the complex conditions of Chilean brines. Our research lines include: • Molecular recognition technologies using crown-ether derivatives for selective lithium binding. • Functionalized materials such as advanced adsorbents, polymers, membranes, and rGO-based composites. • Electrochemical systems using functionalized electrodes and recycled battery materials for lithium recovery. • Process design and scale-up, integrating sustainability criteria, low energy demand, and high lithium recovery rates. Through these approaches, DLES aims to help Chile transition from traditional evaporation ponds to modern, efficient, and environmentally responsible extraction processes aligned with the National Lithium Strategy. Beyond technological development, we are strongly committed to capacity building, training new scientists and engineers, and engaging with industry, communities, and public institutions to promote informed decision-making and sustainable resource management. DLES develops local knowledge, strengthens technological autonomy, and contributes to a cleaner energy future by enabling responsible and high-performance lithium extraction.