Lenka Svecova – Using LCA for process evaluation: case study of Pt closed-loop recycling from PEM fuel cells

ABSTRACT

Proton-Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs) are electrochemical devices with potential applications in mobility and stationary energy storage. Last decades have seen a growing interest in the research, the development and the small-scale industrialization of PEMFC. However, PEMFC requires Pt as catalyst for both electrochemical reactions. From the geological point of view, Pt is a scarce element, while 7 – 12 t of mineral must be extracted to obtain 31.1 g of Pt. Moreover, Pt is considered as a critical raw material by the E.U. with a high supply shortage/breakdown risk. However, the cost and the environmental impact of its use are often pointed out in the literature. These impacts are mainly caused by the Pt catalyst and, to a lesser extent, the materials and energy consumed to produce the bipolar plates. Within a fuel cell system of a vehicle the most important contributions come from the Pt catalyst and carbon fibers used in the hydrogen tank. For platinum, a combined effort to decrease its loading and increase its recycling rate is typically recommended in order to significantly reduce the associated impacts. Moreover, the recycling might be a feasible way how to face the supply issues. 

In this talk the main environmental impacts of the PEMFCs technology at different levels (MEA, stack, hydrogen propelled vehicle) will be then explained using both literature and own data. The impacts of hydrogen production will also be briefly mentioned. Finally, it will be demonstrated to what extent the Pt closed-loop recycling might outweigh the impact of the MEA production. 

Slide deck: Lenka_JM PGM Online conference 23-07-18

BIOGRAPHY

L. Svecova was born in Cheb, Czechoslovakia (Czech Republic currently). She received the Ph.D. degree in environmental science and technology from Ecole des Mines de Saint-Etienne, France and University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Czech Republic in 2007. Since 2008 she is associate professor at Laboratory of Electrochemistry and Physico-chemistry of Materials and Interfaces (LEPMI) in Grenoble, France. She works currently on the recycling and recovery of critical metals and life cycle impact assessment. She has co-authored 26 articles, co-supervised 9 Ph.D. theses.