Martin Rudolph

Dr. Martin Rudolph serves as Head of Processing and Head of Interfaces at the Helmholtz Institute Freiberg for Resource Technology (part of Helmholtz Center Dresden-Rossendorf) with dual affiliation to TU Bergakademie Freiberg. His research integrates advanced mineral processing with cutting-edge recycling technologies for critical materials.

Specializing in froth flotation of ultrafine particles and recycling of lithium-ion batteries/electrolyzers, Rudolph investigates hydrodynamic phenomena, reagent development, and particle-surface interactions. His work bridges fundamental surface chemistry with industrial-scale separation processes, focusing on sustainable recovery of strategic materials from complex waste streams. Key innovations include bio-based depressants, multidimensional particle characterization, and conceptual recycling chains for hydrogen technologies.

Analysis of his recent publications reveals a dominant focus on battery recycling (38% of 2025 articles) and ultrafine particle separation (42%), with strong emphasis on flotation hydrodynamics (15%) and electrolyzer recycling (5%). His methodology consistently combines experimental validation with computational modeling, targeting industrial scalability through Design of Experiments and numerical optimization.

Rudolph leads processing research at HZDR's Freiberg facility where his team operates specialized flotation cells (ImhoflotTM, REFLUXTM) and develops separation protocols for resource recovery. Current projects target lithium extraction from slag, platinum group metal recovery from electrolyzers, and sustainable reagent systems using cellulose nanocrystals.