Project long title

Reduction of environmental impact and related recycling capabilities

Project description

To promote the sustainable utilization of the planet's limited resources, integrating circularity principles into the development of new technologies and products is now essential. The P4.3 ReCycle project aims to apply these principles specifically to technologies within the hydrogen value chain. Additionally, it will broaden its scope by incorporating sustainability considerations aligned with the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The project will examine existing recycling processes for proton exchange membrane (PEM) and anion exchange membrane (AEM) electrolysis systems, along with their key components, such as the porous transport layer (PTL) and bipolar plates (BPP). It will identify the most technically and economically efficient recycling pathways and calculate recycling rates. A thorough analysis of these recycling systems will be conducted to pinpoint shortcomings and challenges, considering environmental, economic and broader sustainability impacts. Based on this evaluation, the project will propose and develop improved or innovative recycling processes to enhance the overall efficiency and sustainability of the recycling chain.

Second-life strategies for PTL and BPP will also be explored, focusing on their potential reuse in less demanding applications. The feasibility of regeneration and refunctionalization will be assessed from both technical and economic perspectives. Additionally, a testing procedure tailored to evaluate the suitability of these components for second-life applications will be designed.

Technical University of Leoben will contribute by developing a sustainable recycling chain for PEM and AEM electrolyser stacks while focusing mainly on BPPs and PTLs.

Funding

BMK

 BMAW

  Amt der Steiermärkischen Landesregierung

 Amt der Oberösterreichischen Landesregierung

Amt der Tiroler Landesregierung

Magistrat der Stadt Wien

Funding Program: Comet Center 

Project partner

  HyCentA Hydrogen Research Center Austria (Lead)

  Energienetze Steiermark GmbH 

Heraeus Precious Metals GmbH & Co. KG

MIBA Sinter Austria GmbH 

TÜV SÜD Landesgesellschaft Österreich GmbH 

Energieinstitut, JKU JKU Linz 

You can send a message directly to the project responsible Mister Dr. Thomas Nigl by using the following form.