We have discovered an unexpected connection between science and By recognizing the ongoing presence of this ancient element and

nt element and LITHIUM

Back to
art throughout these scientific processes. This connection reveals exploring sustainable practices, we can strive to contribute to
itself in the beauty of the samples, we use in our research. While lithiumʼs life cycle, mitigating the negative consequences of mining
battery components may be perceived as static, rigid, and lifeless, and ensuring a more sustainable future. The lithium that originated

observing these samples allows us to recognize their potential for
transformation and inherent richness. These elements are in
constant mutation, albeit gradual, inviting us to reflect on the
dichotomy between organic-inorganic materials in time.
the
from the Big Bang is still present today, even as we utilize it in more
ordinary ways.
The future of the organic life depends on how we deal today with the
inorganic matter of the past that have shaped the Earth.

Dalia and Sara Morcillo transform the laboratory research work into
an art installation by turning the “Tiny Gallery" into a lithium salt flat.
This salt flat is composed of materials used in lithium batteries, which
Front and back covers: Design by Sara Morcillo, Images of battery anodes by
3D digital microscopy Hirox HRX-01

Earth
undergo chemical processes of salt crystallization that will naturally
grow throughout the 10-days exhibition. Credits

Dalia Morcillo García-Morato, researcher, and PhD candidate

The installation hinges on the idea of reflection, owing to the duality
between the mirage phenomena observed in lithium salt flats and
the light reflection inherent in optical spectroscopy techniques.
The gallery also incorporates batteries used in BAM research, in the
midst of their recycling process (heating to 600°C).
The batteries in the recycling processes project a rather
post-apocalyptic image. In the words of Antoni Tàpies (Barcelona
1923-2022): “Materials are capable of transmitting by themselves
concepts such as deterioration, aging, and pain.”
The projection of images depicting lithium deposits before and after
their mining, along with images of laboratory work, allows the
audience to contemplate the visual impact generated by mining and
the processing of lithium for its industrialization and analysis in the
scientific field.
specializing in lithium-ion batteries at the Bundesanstalt für
Materialforschung und -Prüfung (BAM) and Humboldt University
Sara Morcillo García-Morato, author, and Data Engineer
Images
Microphotographs of batteries taken by the 3D digital microscope
HIROX HRX-01. Images of laboratory work by Dalia Morcillo
Music
My Echo, My Shadow; composer Eduardo Pérez Maseda, interpreter
Kientzy
Vals para Rayuela; composer Eduardo Pérez Maseda, interpreter
Duncan Gifford
Videoart and music montage
Dalia Morcillo, Daniel Ristow, Clara Seitz (BAM)
Sara Morcillo, Eduardo Bravo

Tiny gallery installation

Dalia Morcillo, Sara Morcillo, Jenni Haberland and Alexander
Winckelmann

Communication and technical support

BERLIN
Jenni Haberland and Janina Buchholz (BAM) 1–10
November
SCIENCE
Tiny gallery prototype
2023 WEEK
Lithium, back to the Earth Art &
Lithium, often referred to as “white gold” is a fascinating element that
originated from the Big Bang, making it one of the few metals, formed
during that event. This rare element cannot survive in stars and is
During the course of her research, the preparation of battery samples
for lithium analysis has evolved into a means of recovering not only
lithium but also other valuable metals, such as cobalt, copper and Science
Forum
deposited in limited areas of the Earthʼs crust, giving it unique aluminum.
properties. The samples are subjected to cruel processes in service of scientific
Lithium has undeniably become an indispensable component of our results. As part of the research process, the batteries undergo
lives, playing a crucial role in energy production. Every day we carry dissolution in acid for analysis in a liquid state. As the batteries
about 3 grams of lithium from our cell phone battery in our pocket! dissolve, they exhibit joyful colors corresponding to the elements they
However, the extraction of lithium has significant social and
environmental impacts. The complexity and lack of transparency
contain revealing their inherent beauty.
Holzmarkt 25
within the lithium-ion battery (LIBs) industry, is compounded by the
irreversible impact of battery production on our planet.
The current life cycle of lithium can be described as a linear chain,
stretching from mining to use in technology. Lithium, back to the Earth
aims to shed light on the necessity of transforming this linear chain
into a circular one, where science can play a key role.

The LIB is a technology that was created in the past, is in high

demand in the present, and its recycling process generates a
profound uncertainty for the future. Despite two decades of cell
phone usage, the reasons for battery malfunctions and proper
methods for responsible battery disposal continue to confound us.
We urgently need to recover the precious elements that constitute
these batteries. The question arises: Are we truly prepared to
embrace recycling as a fundamental solution?

Sara and Dalia Morcillo are merging their backgrounds to provide Image on the left above: Photograph of a battery anode taken with the
Celestron Digital Pro 5 MP microscope
different perspectives of relating to the elements and materials that Image on the right above: Lithium salt flat by Benjamin Gremler
make up the LIBs, as well as contributing to the appreciation of Images below: Crystallisation process of salts in copper

lithium.

As a researcher at BAM*, Dalia Morcillo specializes in the analysis of
lithium using innovative optical spectroscopy techniques that are
based on the interaction between light and matter. This scientific
inquiry facilitates the identification of the origin of lithium in
geological samples and batteries.
Sara Morcillo works as a Data Engineer and has professional
experience as a journalist for media such as Deutsche Welle over the
last decade. Her expertise in Data Mining and Artificial Intelligence
makes her aware of the increasing energy consumption associated
with batteries in the computational and telecommunications domains.
“We may be able to put a price on lithium batteries, but how do we
calculate the value of the landscape from which it is extracted, or the
health of the local communities affected? We need to be more sensitive
of the origins of the technology we use, and art helps us to get closer”.

* BAM is a senior scientific and technical Federal institute with responsibility to the Federal
Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action