Our work

Direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology is a lithium recovery method that considers economic efficiency, selectivity, and eco-friendly characteristics, and ongoing research aims to address its technical limitations. Our laboratory focuses on lithium recovery experiments utilizing the adsorption method based on ion-exchange and adsorption mechanisms, one of the DLE techniques. This research achieves high selectivity and recovery for lithium while minimizing the use of chemicals, resulting in nearly no impurities after treatment. Consequently, it is one of the most suitable technologies for carbon-neutral policies, contributing to sustainable resource management and environmental conservation.

Flotation is an economical and efficient technique that utilizes surface chemical properties to selectively separate and concentrate various substances, playing a crucial role in resource recovery and industrial separation processes. Our laboratory applies flotation not only to ores but also to the recycling of lithium-ion batteries, investigating methods for efficiently recovering target materials from various resources. We conduct experiments aimed at enhancing both flotation grade and recovery, while exploring ways to improve resource separation efficiency in ores and lithium-ion batteries. This research improves the efficiency of resource recovery and recycling, providing valuable insights for industrial applications and supporting sustainable resource management and environmental conservation.

Our research focuses on utilizing indigenous microorganisms to recover valuable metals from NMC samples, a critical component of lithium-ion batteries. This bioleaching process leverages microbial activity to extract metals such as nickel, manganese, and cobalt while offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional hydrometallurgical methods. Additionally, we evaluate the toxicity of impurities present in the black mass and analyze their impact on metal leaching efficiency. Through this integrated approach, we aim to optimize bioleaching conditions and contribute to sustainable resource recovery from electronic waste.

The study of the behavior and adsorption of nano and micro pollutants in soil environments is a crucial topic in environmental science. This research focuses on understanding how pollutants move, transform, and interact within the soil, as well as the environmental impacts that follow. The laboratory conducts in-depth studies on the adsorption characteristics of nano and micro pollutants, their interactions with soil particles, and the chemical and physical reactions occurring at interfaces. Additionally, the research combines experimental work with modeling to predict pollutant behavior and propose management strategies. This research contributes to sustainable soil management and the development of pollutant removal technologies, providing an essential academic foundation for environmental restoration and ecosystem protection.