Platinum Recovery from Fuel Cell Catalysts

Platinum Recovery from Fuel Cell Catalysts

New energy has emerged as a critical industry for sustainable development. Significantly, fuel cells represent one of its most promising technologies. Currently, three main types - PAFCs, PEMFCs, and DMFCs - all utilize platinum catalysts such as Pt-C and Pt-Ru to efficiently generate electricity.

Economic and Technical Advantages
While cost concerns persist, fuel cells offer multiple advantages that justify continued investment. Specifically, they combine low-temperature operation with exceptional energy conversion rates. Moreover, their fuel flexibility and environmental benefits make them particularly attractive. Most notably, platinum requirements have seen dramatic reductions - plummeting from 14 g/kW in 1994 to merely 0.5 g/kW today, with laboratory tests achieving an impressive 0.2 g/kW.

Core Technology Breakdown
At the heart of PEMFC systems lies the sophisticated membrane electrode assembly (MEA). Essentially, this component integrates:

• Firstly, anode and cathode diffusion layers

• Secondly, porous carbon fiber substrates

• Finally, catalytic membranes containing 0.15-0.19 mg/cm² platinum

Recycling Processes
For effective platinum recovery, industry employs several proven methods:

1. Primarily, high-temperature incineration

2. Alternatively, chemical dissolution processes

3. Additionally, mechanical separation techniques

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