Based on this, we hypothesized that the lithium-rich zone of the Atacama Desert contains lithium-resistant bacteria with high capacity to produce sulfide, which can be used for the biosynthesis of lithium sulfide nanoparticles. In particular, the biosynthesis of CdS nanoparticles using acidophilic and halophilic microorganisms was reported for the first time. Recently, our research group reported the biosynthesis of metal sulfide NPs using extremophile microorganisms inhabiting desert environments. In general, the biosynthesis of metal sulfide NPs requires low concentrations of the metal (a non-toxic dose), low temperatures (optimal growth temperature of the microorganism), and an external source of S, such as reduced glutathione (GSH), cysteine (Cys), or mercaptosuccinic acid (MSA). The use of bacterial cells to synthesize metal sulfide nanomaterials has been described for a number of metals, being the most common CdS, ZnS, and Ag 2S. However, the bio-synthesis of lithium nanoparticles has not been reported to date. ĭuring the last decade, the use of microorganisms as biofactories for the synthesis of different metal sulfide nanoparticles has emerged as a novel, efficient, and environmentally friendly method. The synthesis of lithium NPs is a complex and expensive process since it involves high temperatures and anaerobic conditions due to the high reactivity of lithium in presence of oxygen. However, a challenge for the development of this type of battery is controlling the synthesis of lithium sulfide nanoparticles (NPs) to avoid the formation of other lithium polysulfides. These batteries have a higher energy density than Li-ion batteries. In recent years, new technologies for rechargeable batteries based on the use of Li–S nanomaterials at the cathode have been developed. In general, most lithium batteries are constituted by a LiCoO 2 cathode, a graphite anode, and an electrolyte composed of lithium salts in organic solvents, allowing the movement of ions between the cathode and the anode. The high electrochemical potential of lithium favors its use in batteries and allows the storage of large amounts of energy (energy density). The exploitation of lithium from Atacama salt flats has continuously grown during the last decade as a consequence of the increasing energy consumption and the use of lithium-ion rechargeable batteries. According to this report, Chile possesses 7.5 million tons of lithium in brines, most of which are located in the Atacama salt flat.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has estimated that world lithium reserves reach 34 million tons, with a 70% present in brines (lithium deposits in solution). Lithium is obtained from minerals such as spodumene, petalite, amblygonite, and lepidolite. Lithium is mainly extracted from brines to produce different salts such as lithium chloride, acetate, hydroxide, and carbonate. A main feature of lithium is its high specific heat and low standard reduction potential (− 3040 V), which has allowed its use in the manufacture of lubricating greases, ceramic glasses, and rechargeable batteries.

During the last decades, the different technological applications of lithium have increased the interest in their extraction and in the generation of new lithium-based materials.

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