Min Li is a second-year Ph.D. candidate specializing in Environmental Engineering and Biomedical Engineering at Northeastern University, China. Under the supervision of Prof. Dake Xu, a National Distinguished Young Scholar, Min focuses on cutting-edge research in spent lithium-ion battery recycling, microbial electro-extraction (MEE), bioleaching, and resource recovery process optimization. With a strong academic foundation from prestigious Chinese institutions and demonstrated research excellence through high-impact publications, Min is at the forefront of sustainable battery recycling technologies.
Education
Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering
Northeastern University (Double First-Class, 985 Project)
September 2024 – Present
Supervisor: Prof. Dake Xu (National Distinguished Young Scholar)
Master’s Candidate in Environmental Engineering
Dalian University of Technology (985 Project)
September 2021 – Present
Academic Performance: Top 10% in program
Key Coursework: Environmental Biotechnology, Pollution Control Chemistry, Environmental Microbial Engineering, Advanced Environmental Engineering Technologies & Case Studies
Bachelor of Engineering in Environmental Engineering
Dalian Polytechnic University
September 2017 – July 2021
GPA: 3.07/4.0 | Class Rank: 3/60
Key Coursework: Linear Algebra (91), Chemical Engineering Principles (93), Environmental Impact Assessment, Water Pollution Control Engineering, Environmental Chemistry
Research Focus
Min Li’s research addresses critical challenges in sustainable resource recovery from electronic waste, particularly spent lithium-ion batteries. The core research areas include:
- Microbial Electro-Extraction (MEE): Development of bioelectrochemical systems for metal recovery from battery waste
- Near-Neutral Bioleaching: Innovative pH-neutral microbial systems for efficient leaching of lithium, cobalt, and nickel with minimal environmental impact
- Electroactive Bacteria Applications: Utilization of electroactive microbial consortia for sustainable battery recycling
- Gut Microbiota Engineering: Application of gut microbiota in resource recovery processes
- Process Optimization: Establishment of leaching kinetics models and optimization of cultivation parameters for pilot-scale operations
- Environmental Biotechnology: Integration of molecular biology techniques (transcriptomics, 16S rRNA analysis) for understanding microbial dynamics in bioleaching systems
Research Experience
Ph.D. Dissertation Research
Near-neutral bioleaching of spent lithium-ion batteries via electroactive and gut microbiota consortium
September 2019 – Present
Min Li has developed innovative microbial pH-neutral systems that efficiently leach valuable metals (Li, Co, Ni) from spent lithium-ion batteries while minimizing secondary pollution. This groundbreaking work proposes a novel electroactive bacteria and gut microbiota-based near-neutral bioleaching process, representing a significant advancement in sustainable battery recycling technology.
Key Research Activities:
- Designed and optimized microbial pH-neutral systems for enhanced metal recovery with reduced environmental footprint
- Pioneered the integration of electroactive bacteria with gut microbiota for near-neutral bioleaching applications
- Conducted comprehensive transcriptomic analyses to elucidate gene expression patterns during metal extraction
- Performed 16S rRNA sequencing to investigate microbial community dynamics and succession
- Optimized cultivation parameters including pH, temperature, substrate concentration, and inoculum ratio
- Established mathematical leaching kinetics models to predict extraction efficiency and guide pilot-scale operations
- Evaluated process scalability and economic feasibility for industrial implementation
Research Timeline
2024 – Present: Ph.D. Candidate, Northeastern University (Environmental Engineering)
2021 – Present: Master’s Candidate, Dalian University of Technology (Environmental Engineering)
2019 – Present: Primary Research on Near-neutral Bioleaching of Spent Lithium-ion Batteries
2017 – 2021: Bachelor’s Degree, Dalian Polytechnic University (Environmental Engineering)
Research Publications
Min Li, Danni Zhang, Dawn E. Holmes, Qiuli Xia, Hong Wang, Yongqiang Fan, Hao Song, Dake Xu, Derek R. Lovley. Genetic and transcriptomic analysis of microbial electro-extraction for releasing metals from spent lithium-ion batteries. Bioresource Technology, Volume 440, 2026, Article 133479. (First Author, Q1 Journal, IF: High Impact Factor in Environmental Sciences)
Danni Zhang, Min Li, Ying Wang, Qiuli Xia, Yumeng Wang, Yuting Jin, Junting Tong, et al. The formation of yukonite from FeIII–AsV slurries: Kinetic studies and implications for calcium arsenate treatment. Chemical Engineering Journal, Volume 499, 2024, Article 156592. (Co-First Author, Q1 Journal, Top-tier publication in Chemical Engineering)
Research Impact
Min Li’s research contributions have been published in prestigious Q1 journals including Bioresource Technology and Chemical Engineering Journal, both highly regarded in their respective fields. The work on microbial electro-extraction represents a paradigm shift in battery recycling, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical processes. The genetic and transcriptomic analyses provide fundamental insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying bioelectrochemical metal recovery, contributing to both applied and fundamental knowledge in environmental biotechnology. The research on yukonite formation from arsenic-iron systems has important implications for hazardous waste management and environmental remediation, particularly in addressing arsenic contamination challenges.
Innovation & Intellectual Property
Patent Application
Danni Zhang, Min Li. “Method of synergistic hydrogel-bacteria leaching for efficient recovery from spent battery cathode powder.” Chinese Invention Patent Application No.: 2025100593594. (Co-Inventor)
This patent represents a novel technological innovation combining hydrogel materials with bacterial bioleaching for enhanced recovery of valuable metals from battery cathode materials. The synergistic approach addresses key challenges in conventional bioleaching including slow kinetics and incomplete extraction, offering significant commercial potential for the battery recycling industry.
Research Projects & Funding
Min Li’s doctoral research is supported through the prestigious National Distinguished Young Scholar program awarded to supervisor Prof. Dake Xu, ensuring adequate funding and resources for cutting-edge experimental work. The research project on near-neutral bioleaching of spent lithium-ion batteries aligns with China’s strategic priorities in circular economy, sustainable development, and critical metal security. While currently in the Ph.D. phase, Min has contributed to research initiatives that address both fundamental scientific questions and practical industrial applications.
Academic Excellence
Min Li has demonstrated consistent academic excellence throughout the educational trajectory:
- Achieved Top 10% ranking in the Master’s program at Dalian University of Technology, a prestigious 985 Project institution
- Ranked 3rd out of 60 students in the undergraduate Environmental Engineering program at Dalian Polytechnic University
- Successfully transitioned from a Master’s program to direct Ph.D. candidacy, reflecting exceptional research performance
- Secured First Author position on publications in high-impact Q1 journals as an early-career researcher
- Excelled in advanced coursework including Chemical Engineering Principles (93/100) and Linear Algebra (91/100)
- Selected to work under the supervision of Prof. Dake Xu, a National Distinguished Young Scholar, indicating recognition of research potential
Societal & Industry Contribution
Min Li’s research addresses urgent global challenges in electronic waste management and sustainable resource recovery. With the exponential growth of electric vehicles and portable electronics, spent lithium-ion batteries represent both an environmental hazard and a valuable secondary resource for critical metals including lithium, cobalt, and nickel. The development of near-neutral bioleaching technologies offers a green alternative that can be implemented in developing regions without sophisticated infrastructure, potentially democratizing access to battery recycling technologies. The minimal secondary pollution approach reduces environmental burden and aligns with circular economy principles. By establishing kinetics models and optimization parameters, Min’s work facilitates technology transfer from laboratory to industrial scale, contributing to the commercialization of sustainable battery recycling processes.
Global Recognition
Min Li’s research has garnered international recognition through collaboration with prominent researchers including Prof. Derek R. Lovley from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and Dr. Dawn E. Holmes, internationally recognized experts in microbial electrochemistry and geobiology. Publication in high-impact international journals including Bioresource Technology and Chemical Engineering Journal demonstrates the global relevance and significance of the research contributions. The work on microbial electro-extraction contributes to international efforts in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 13 (Climate Action), positioning Min Li as an emerging researcher in the global scientific community addressing critical environmental challenges.