Research
I'm an applied geoscientist currently working as scientist (Postdoc) at KIT. My main area of research are secondary raw materials. I worked on the recovery of lithium from lithium-ion batteries by investigating and modifying the slags which are produced during pyrometallurgical recycling. Further, I worked on black mass from LFP-batteries.
To achieve my research objectives, I rely on various mineralogical and (geo)chemical methods to characterize (geo)materials. I regularly work with X-ray diffraction (XRD) including Rietveld Refinements, Scanning electron microscopy - energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), Quantitative Image Analysis, X-ray fluorescence (XRF), electron probe microanalysis (EPMA), and differential scanning calorimetry – thermogravimetry (DSC-TG).
Besides working on secondary raw materials, I have experience in the genesis and assessment of (artificial) heavy mineral placer deposits.
Curriculum Vitae
| since 10/2026 | Scientist (PostDoc), The Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe |
| 10/2025 – 03/2026 | Lecturer, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale) |
| 09/2024 – 10/2024 | Geological Consultant, ITEL, Halle (Saale) |
| 06/2023 – 09/2026 | Supervision of the "Geological Garden", Volunteer |
| 02/2023 – 03/2023 | Geological Consultant, ITEL - BGR, Maputo, Mozambique |
| 09/2022 – 12/2026 | Doctoral Student, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, ITEL GmbH Topic: "Recovery of lithium from lithium-ion battery recycling slag“ |
| 10/2020 – 08/2022 | M.Sc. Applied Geosciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg |
| 10/2017 – 01/2021 | B.Sc. Applied Geosciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg |
Publications
Peer Reviewed:
- Comparative Insights Into the Accuracy of Quantitative Phase Analysis of Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling Slags, Gantz et al., Adv Energy and Sustain Res (2026), DOI: 10.1002/aesr.70289
- Circular Potential of Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling Slags: Quantifying Microstructure and Elemental Distribution for a Holistic Valorization, Gantz et al., Adv Sci (2026), DOI: 10.1002/advs.202523988
- Lithium-Phase Identification in an Industrial Lithium-Ion-Battery Recycling Slag: Implications for the Recovery of Lithium, Gantz et al., Adv Energy and Sustain Res (2024), DOI: 10.1002/aesr.202400338
Books:
- Qualitative and Quantitative Heavy Mineral Analysis - A Practical Guide, C. Gantz, G. Borg Spleen (2025)
Awards:
- DMG Young Scientist Award (GeoMinBochum 2026)
- Image Contest 2026 Finale: Pitch Your Image - 2nd Place