Valley high school grad innovates lithium extraction device, presents patent to Salton Sea Authority

He is just about a month out of high school, but Palm Desert teenager Clay Jones has already developed an innovation that could help create clean energy from the Salton Sea.

Working out of his parents' garage, the recent Palm Desert High School graduate has created a lithium extraction device inspired by the lithium potential in the Salton Sea.

"I'm really proud of what I've built and nobody really understands it which is kind of the best part," Jones said.

He says the device uses photons to energize orbiting electrons, making it easier for certain materials to attract lithium-ion from the waters.

"It was a long process but it definitely has paid off," Jones said.

Jones was part of a group of high school students who kayaked across the Salton Sea in 2020 to raise awareness of the looming environmental concerns.

That trip led to the development of the innovation. On Friday, Jones demonstrated his device to Congressman Raul Ruiz and representatives from the Salton Sea Authority.

"He's always been bright and a delight to work with and it's just a testament to stem it's a testament to his family and parents into his high school," Ruiz said.