Lithium Universe Ltd (ASX:LU7, OTC:LUVSF) has expanded its collaboration with Macquarie University by appointing Mohammadreza Hojati to the photovoltaic (PV) recycling research team, strengthening mechatronics and robotics capability across Microwave Joule Heating Technology (MJHT) and Jet Electrochemical Silver Extraction (JESE). The hire aims to maintain development momentum and support future scaling to the company’s planned Texas PV recycling facility.
“Mr Hojati brings exceptional experience in robotics, motor design and system optimisation — skills that directly translate into greater precision and efficiency within our Microwave Joule Heating Technology (MJHT) and Jet Electrochemical Silver Extraction (JESE) Technology system,” executive chairman Iggy Tan said.
“The faster we progress, the sooner this technology can move from laboratory to pilot scale — first in Australia, then to our planned facility in Texas.”
About Mohammadreza Hojati
A PhD candidate in Mechatronics and Robotics Engineering at Macquarie University, Hojati brings more than 14 years’ experience in mechanical and mechatronic system design, including brushless direct current motor development, control electronics, printed circuit board fabrication, firmware and computer-aided design prototyping — skills that directly enhance precision control for JESE.
The appointment of Hojati strengthens LU7’s continued progress in electrochemical process development. The role enables:
- Ongoing experiments to refine electrode-motion precision and optimise electrolyte-flow control.
- Faster data capture to drive process modelling and pilot-scale design.
- Integration of control electronics with real-time monitoring of electric-field intensity and silver-ion concentration.
Momentum and milestones
Macquarie’s team, led by Binesh Puthen Veettil and David Payne, has reported several milestones: preservation of intact silicon wafers; near-complete silver recovery exceeding 95%, including 90.2% in seven minutes at five volts and dilute nitric acid; and verification of 95.95% silver purity under 12 weight percent nitric acid, an 83% reduction in acid consumption versus conventional hydrometallurgy.
A breakthrough in electrode tip geometry showed sharp-cone cathodes can lift silver-recovery efficiency by up to 75% while maintaining low energy use.