A new soundwave technology developed at the University of Leicester offers a sustainable solution for recycling fuel cells. The technique efficiently separates valuable catalyst materials and fluorinated polymer membranes (PFAS) from catalyst-coated membranes (CCMs) using soundwaves. This prevents harmful “forever chemicals” from contaminating the environment. The method uses organic solvent soaking and water ultrasonication, making the recycling process scalable and environmentally friendly. This innovation could revolutionize fuel cell recycling and promote a circular economy for precious metals.
