Joint recovery of platinum group metals and ionomers paves the way for scalable, low-carbon production in the hydrogen value chain
Syensqo and Johnson Matthey have demonstrated a viable pathway to recover and reuse platinum group metals (PGMs) and ionomers from proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell and electrolyser components without compromising performance. The results, published in a new joint white paper, confirm kilogram-scale recovery of valuable materials from industrial scrap catalyst coated membranes (CCMs), and their reintegration into new membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs), marking a key step toward material circularity in these systems.
PEM technology plays a central role in the hydrogen economy, combining high efficiency with responsiveness to renewable power fluctuations. It relies on PGMs as catalysts and fluorinated ionomers for proton conduction in membranes and catalyst layers, including Syensqo’s Aquivion® technology, widely used in high-performance applications.
To address this challenge, Johnson Matthey designed their HyRefine™ process, a purely route to recycle PGMs without incineration of the polymer. In parallel, Syensqo has developed a complementary approach to extract, purify and recondition ionomers for reuse. Together, the two processes achieve high recovery yields and maintain material integrity, offering potential carbon footprint reductions of up to 80% compared with conventional routes relying on virgin material.
Across the hydrogen value chain, Syensqo supports fuel cell and electrolyser manufacturers with advanced ionomer and fluorinated material solutions designed for efficiency, durability and chemical stability. By integrating recovery expertise with its established materials portfolio, Syensqo reinforces its role in enabling high-performance PEM technologies.
These results are encouraging, as they demonstrate the feasibility of circular recovery from industrial scrap generated in hydrogen applications. This work represents a meaningful step toward expanding material circularity across PEM technologies.
This work shows what’s possible when we combine scientific excellence with true collaboration across the value chain. Recovering high-value materials without compromising performance is a major step toward a more circular PEM ecosystem and a clear example of how innovation can accelerate the hydrogen transition.
The full technical findings, including processes, performance validation and life cycle assessment supporting these results, are available in the joint white paper.
Syensqo is a science company developing groundbreaking solutions that enhance the way we live, work, travel and play. Inspired by the scientific councils which Ernest Solvay initiated in 1911, we bring great minds together to push the limits of science and innovation for the benefit of our customers, with a diverse, global team of more than 13,000 associates in 30 countries.
Our solutions contribute to safer, cleaner, and more sustainable products found in homes, food and consumer goods, planes, cars, batteries, smart devices and healthcare applications. Our innovation power enables us to deliver on the ambition of a circular economy and explore breakthrough technologies that advance humanity.
Learn more at www.syensqo.com.
Johnson Matthey is a global leader in sustainable technologies. For over 200 years we've used advanced metals chemistry to tackle the world's biggest challenges.
Many of the world's leading energy, chemicals and automotive companies depend on our technology and expertise to decarbonise, reduce harmful emissions, and improve their sustainability.
And now, as the world faces the challenges of climate change, energy supply and resource scarcity, we're actively providing solutions for our customers. Through inspiring science and continued innovation, we're catalysing the net zero transition for millions of people every day. For more information visit www.matthey.com.
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Aquivion® ion conducting polymers
Aquivion® ionomer enables solutions for megatrend-related challenges such as zero-emission transportation, green hydrogen production and integration of renewable energy in electrical grids.