• Acquired global rights to Macquarie University's Jet Electrochemical Silver Extraction (JESE) Technology
• JESE uses low-voltage electrochemical jet to selectively extract silver from solar panels
• Preserves silicon wafers for potential reuse, enabling circular economy for PV recycling

Lithium Universe Limited (ASX: LU7) has acquired the global rights to Macquarie University's Jet Electrochemical Silver Extraction (JESE) Technology. This innovative process utilizes a low-voltage electrochemical jet of dilute nitric acid to selectively dissolve silver from solar cells, without damaging the underlying silicon wafer. The jet precisely tracks the silver fingers and busbars on the cell surface, enabling highly targeted silver removal. The silver-ion electrolyte is continuously recirculated, and high-purity metallic silver is recovered via electrochemical deposition. Importantly, the silicon wafer remains intact and uncontaminated, making it suitable for potential high-value silicon recycling. This breakthrough complements LU7's previously licensed Microwave Joule Heating Technology (MJHT), which delaminates solar panels without mechanical grinding or high-temperature furnaces, preserving the integrity of both the glass and the silicon wafer. Together, MJHT and JESE form a comprehensive and sustainable PV recycling platform that positions LU7 at the forefront of critical metal recovery from solar panel waste. Conventional recycling methods rely on destructive processes that permanently destroy the wafer, consume large volumes of strong acid, and generate hazardous waste. In contrast, the Macquarie method provides a safer, cleaner, and more sustainable solution that recovers high-value silver while preserving the wafer's integrity for efficient recycling. With the global PV waste projected to reach 60-78 million tonnes by 2050, the total recoverable silver value could exceed A$154 billion, representing a significant economic opportunity for LU7.

LU7 will investigate the recovery of additional valuable metals from discarded PV solar panels, including silicon, gallium, indium, and copper, further enhancing the commercial and environmental value of PV recycling.