Lithium Universe Boosts Silver Recovery Above 95% with Robotics Appointment

Strengthening the Team Behind PV Recycling Innovation

Lithium Universe Limited (ASX – LU7) has taken a decisive step to accelerate its photovoltaic (PV) recycling technology by recruiting Mohammadreza Hojati, a mechatronics and robotics engineering expert, to the Macquarie University research team. This collaboration is central to advancing the company’s pioneering Microwave Joule Heating Technology (MJHT) and Jet Electrochemical Silver Extraction (JESE) methods, which recover valuable silver from end-of-life solar panels.

Hojati’s extensive experience in mechanical and mechatronic system design, combined with his doctoral research on energy-efficient motors and intelligent control systems for autonomous robots, directly enhances the precision and automation capabilities critical to the JESE platform. His expertise promises to refine electrode motion dynamics and nozzle alignment, key factors in improving silver extraction efficiency and scalability.

Building on World-Class Research Milestones

The Macquarie University team, led by Dr Binesh Puthen Veettil and Dr David Payne, has already achieved remarkable breakthroughs. Their work has preserved intact silicon wafers during recycling, enabling secondary recovery of other valuable materials like gallium and indium. Notably, they have demonstrated silver recovery rates exceeding 95%, with rapid extraction under low-voltage and mild acid conditions.

Further innovations include electrode tip geometry improvements, where sharp-cone cathodes have boosted silver recovery efficiency by up to 75% while maintaining low energy consumption. The recovered silver purity approaches Britannia-grade standards, significantly outperforming conventional methods and reducing acid consumption by 83%, underscoring the environmental and commercial advantages of the technology.

Strategic Implications for Scaling and Sustainability

By integrating Hojati’s robotics and automation expertise, Lithium Universe aims to maintain the momentum of its research and expedite the transition from laboratory success to pilot-scale operations. This is a crucial step toward establishing their planned PV recycling facility in Texas, which will address the growing challenge of solar panel waste projected to reach tens of millions of tonnes globally by 2050.

Executive Chairman Iggy Tan highlighted the strategic importance of this appointment, emphasizing that enhanced precision and system optimisation will accelerate the commercialisation of their silver recovery technology. This aligns with Lithium Universe’s broader mission to close the lithium conversion gap in North America and contribute to a sustainable circular economy by recovering critical metals from renewable energy waste streams.

Looking Ahead

As Lithium Universe continues to refine its PV recycling technologies, the company is well-positioned to capitalize on the surging demand for silver in solar and electronics sectors. The integration of advanced robotics and control systems could set new industry benchmarks for efficiency and environmental performance, reinforcing the company’s role as a clean energy innovator.