Mari Lundström awarded Faraday Medal for electrochemistry innovations

Mari Lundström, a professor of hydrometallurgy at Aalto University, has been awarded the prestigious Faraday Medal in Electrochemistry by the Royal Society of Chemistry. Lundström is the first Finnish researcher to receive this international honor, which recognizes mid-career researchers working outside the UK and Ireland for significant contributions to electrochemistry research and innovation.

Lundström is recognized for her pioneering work in sustainable electrochemical processes and the circular economy, specifically regarding the recovery and recycling of critical raw materials. A key achievement is her patented Electrodeposition-Redox Replacement (EDRR) technique. This method allows for the recovery of precious metals, such as gold, silver, and platinum, from ores and recycled materials even at extremely low concentrations, without relying on volatile chemicals.

In 2022, Lundström co-founded Elmery, a spin-out company dedicated to commercializing the EDRR technology and collaborating with industrial partners globally to improve the sustainability of metal production.