A sustainable breakthrough in lithium recovery from black mass

This whitepaper presents a sustainable method for recovering lithium from battery waste using microwave‑assisted processing and water‑based leaching. Developed by researchers at the University of Brescia, the approach uses microwave energy to transform lithium compounds in black mass, enabling selective extraction without the need for strong acids or high‑temperature routes.

The process achieves up to 85–90% lithium recovery while reducing chemical consumption, hazardous waste, and energy input. By offering a scalable and environmentally responsible alternative to conventional recycling methods, the technology supports circular economy strategies and sustainable battery material recovery.