Ceralink, Inc.
Rensselaer Technology Park
105 Jordan Road
Troy, NY 12180
Phone: 518 283-7733
Fax: 518 283-9134

Industrial Processing

Precious Metal Reclamation from Polymer Fuel Cells

The Fuel Cell Connection

Project Description

Ceralink assisted BASF (Engelhard) in crafting a successful $5 million 5 year DOE proposal. In a contract with BASF, Ceralink developed a method and equipment for reclaiming precious metal catalysts from polymer fuel cells. The traditional ashing method could not be used with the fluoropolymer membrane electrode assembly due to hydrofluoric emissions

Proof of concept was achieved using microwave digestion, with a result of 99% recovery of precious metals. The process could be controlled to provide a clean polymer membrane for secondary markets. In addition a process was developed for separating membrane layers, resulting in a patent application.

As part of the scale up effort, Ceralink developed a 3 L microwave autoclave system using Autoclave Engineers. BASF is continuing with their scale-up effort. Ceralink is making this piece of equipment available to our clients as a product and for testing.

Dr. Bruce Robertson, Ventures Manager of Engelhard Corporation, had the following to say about Ceralink: "Engelhard Corporation, a Fortune 500 surface and materials science provider, came to Ceralink wanting to understand how to better utilize microwaves to recover precious metal catalysts from fuel cell substrates. Engelhard Corporation was awarded a $5 million, 5 year contract with the DOE with Ceralink having a critical role".

(Engelhard is now part of BASF Catalysts)

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