New Recycling Method Recovers Precious Metals from Hydrogen Energy Devices – News and Statistics

New Recycling Method Recovers Precious Metals from Hydrogen Energy Devices – News and Statistics


Aug 8, 2026

Scientists at the University of Delaware have devised an environmentally friendly technique for reclaiming valuable metals from spent hydrogen-energy systems, as detailed in a Hydrogen Central report. The innovation focuses on components like proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzers and fuel cells, which depend on iridium and platinum catalysts for efficient hydrogen production and utilization.

Tackling a critical supply constraint

Iridium stands as a scarce resource, with worldwide output totaling only about eight metric tons annually, roughly equivalent to the mass of a medium-sized school bus. Platinum generally occurs in trace amounts within mined ore, whereas iridium is never extracted as a primary product and is obtained solely as a secondary output of platinum mining. This limited availability makes iridium a key limiting factor for PEM electrolyzers, which employ electricity to separate water into hydrogen and oxygen, as well as for PEM fuel cells that transform hydrogen back into electrical power.

An eco-friendly alternative to conventional methods

Traditional recycling techniques for these catalysts frequently depend on aggressive chemicals like sulfuric and nitric acid, which produce hazardous waste streams, or they involve incinerating the membrane to yield ash containing platinum and iridium, a procedure that may emit dangerous fluorine-based gases. The newly developed approach, created by doctoral student Safina-E-Tahura Siddiqui under the guidance of Ajay Prasad, employs a targeted spray of isopropyl alcohol mixed with water to separate the precious metals from the membrane. Prasad, who holds the title of Engineering Alumni Distinguished Professor of Mechanical Engineering and serves as associate director of the Center for Clean Hydrogen, likened the method to power-washing a building’s exterior, where the catalyst is brushed away from the surface without employing harsh substances or combustion.

Maintaining the membrane and cutting expenses

In contrast to other recycling strategies that concentrate exclusively on metal recovery, the University of Delaware process also preserves the membrane while retrieving the platinum and iridium catalysts individually. This preservation yields financial benefits, given that standard membranes used in PEM electrolyzers and fuel cells represent 20% to 30% of the stack’s cost, with the stack being the core component where electrochemical reactions take place. These membranes consist of polymers categorized as PFAS, often referred to as forever chemicals, which remain in the environment for extended periods and raise contamination issues. Additionally, maintaining the recovered catalyst materials in separate streams during extraction helps avoid separation complications downstream in the recycling workflow.

Engineering hurdles and future directions

The procedure demands precise management of jet velocity, solvent concentration, distance, and heat. Siddiqui initiated her work with small-scale beaker trials, followed by hundreds of tests using membranes about the size of a postage stamp, adjusting temperature, solvent ratio, and duration to identify optimal parameters. A notable obstacle emerged when the membrane reacted with the solvent, sometimes swelling to nearly double its original dimensions, which led to sagging and tearing during the spray-jet operation. To resolve this, Siddiqui engineered a heated vacuum platform that kept the membrane flat while catalyst layers were stripped from both sides.

The team’s ambitions extend beyond material recovery. In the upcoming phase, they intend to measure recovery rates, analyze the reclaimed catalysts and membranes, and evaluate their functionality in active electrochemical cells. Ultimately, they aspire to reintegrate these recovered components into new hydrogen-energy systems, fostering a more sustainable and robust supply chain for future energy technologies. This research received funding from H2CIRC, a collaborative initiative backed by the Department of Energy’s Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office under grant number DE-EE0011338. The findings appeared in the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, with a patent application submitted through the university’s Office of Economic Innovation and Partnerships.

  1. 1. INTRODUCTION

    Making Data-Driven Decisions to Grow Your Business

    1. REPORT DESCRIPTION
    2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY AND THE AI PLATFORM
    3. DATA-DRIVEN DECISIONS FOR YOUR BUSINESS
    4. GLOSSARY AND SPECIFIC TERMS

  2. 2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

    A Quick Overview of Market Performance

    1. KEY FINDINGS
    2. MARKET TRENDS This Chapter is Available Only for the Professional EditionPRO

  3. 3. MARKET OVERVIEW

    Understanding the Current State of The Market and its Prospects

    1. MARKET SIZE: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2025) AND FORECAST (2026–2035)
    2. CONSUMPTION BY COUNTRY: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2025) AND FORECAST (2026–2035)
    3. MARKET FORECAST TO 2035

  4. 4. MOST PROMISING PRODUCTS FOR DIVERSIFICATION

    Finding New Products to Diversify Your Business

    1. TOP PRODUCTS TO DIVERSIFY YOUR BUSINESS
    2. BEST-SELLING PRODUCTS
    3. MOST CONSUMED PRODUCTS
    4. MOST TRADED PRODUCTS
    5. MOST PROFITABLE PRODUCTS FOR EXPORT

  5. 5. MOST PROMISING SUPPLYING COUNTRIES

    Choosing the Best Countries to Establish Your Sustainable Supply Chain

    1. TOP COUNTRIES TO SOURCE YOUR PRODUCT
    2. TOP PRODUCING COUNTRIES
    3. TOP EXPORTING COUNTRIES
    4. LOW-COST EXPORTING COUNTRIES

  6. 6. MOST PROMISING OVERSEAS MARKETS

    Choosing the Best Countries to Boost Your Export

    1. TOP OVERSEAS MARKETS FOR EXPORTING YOUR PRODUCT
    2. TOP CONSUMING MARKETS
    3. UNSATURATED MARKETS
    4. TOP IMPORTING MARKETS
    5. MOST PROFITABLE MARKETS

  7. 7. PRODUCTION

    The Latest Trends and Insights into The Industry

    1. PRODUCTION VOLUME AND VALUE: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2025) AND FORECAST (2026–2035)
    2. PRODUCTION BY COUNTRY: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2025) AND FORECAST (2026–2035)

  8. 8. IMPORTS

    The Largest Import Supplying Countries

    1. IMPORTS: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2025) AND FORECAST (2026–2035)
    2. IMPORTS BY COUNTRY: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2025) AND FORECAST (2026–2035)
    3. IMPORT PRICES BY COUNTRY: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2025) AND FORECAST (2026–2035)

  9. 9. EXPORTS

    The Largest Destinations for Exports

    1. EXPORTS: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2025) AND FORECAST (2026–2035)
    2. EXPORTS BY COUNTRY: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2025) AND FORECAST (2026–2035)
    3. EXPORT PRICES BY COUNTRY: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2025) AND FORECAST (2026–2035)

  10. 10. PROFILES OF MAJOR PRODUCERS

    The Largest Producers on The Market and Their Profiles

  11. 11. COUNTRY PROFILES

    The Largest Markets And Their Profiles

    This Chapter is Available Only for the Professional Edition
    PRO

    1. 11.1

      United States

      • Market Size
      • Production
      • Imports
      • Exports

    2. 11.2

      China

      • Market Size
      • Production
      • Imports
      • Exports

    3. 11.3

      Japan

      • Market Size
      • Production
      • Imports
      • Exports

    4. 11.4

      Germany

      • Market Size
      • Production
      • Imports
      • Exports

    5. 11.5

      United Kingdom

      • Market Size
      • Production
      • Imports
      • Exports

    6. 11.6

      France

      • Market Size
      • Production
      • Imports
      • Exports

    7. 11.7

      Brazil

      • Market Size
      • Production
      • Imports
      • Exports

    8. 11.8

      Italy

      • Market Size
      • Production
      • Imports
      • Exports

    9. 11.9

      Russian Federation

      • Market Size
      • Production
      • Imports
      • Exports

    10. 11.10

      India

      • Market Size
      • Production
      • Imports
      • Exports

    11. 11.11

      Canada

      • Market Size
      • Production
      • Imports
      • Exports

    12. 11.12

      Australia

      • Market Size
      • Production
      • Imports
      • Exports

    13. 11.13

      Republic of Korea

      • Market Size
      • Production
      • Imports
      • Exports

    14. 11.14

      Spain

      • Market Size
      • Production
      • Imports
      • Exports

    15. 11.15

      Mexico

      • Market Size
      • Production
      • Imports
      • Exports

    16. 11.16

      Indonesia

      • Market Size
      • Production
      • Imports
      • Exports

    17. 11.17

      Netherlands

      • Market Size
      • Production
      • Imports
      • Exports

    18. 11.18

      Turkey

      • Market Size
      • Production
      • Imports
      • Exports

    19. 11.19

      Saudi Arabia

      • Market Size
      • Production
      • Imports
      • Exports

    20. 11.20

      Switzerland

      • Market Size
      • Production
      • Imports
      • Exports

    21. 11.21

      Sweden

      • Market Size
      • Production
      • Imports
      • Exports

    22. 11.22

      Nigeria

      • Market Size
      • Production
      • Imports
      • Exports

    23. 11.23

      Poland

      • Market Size
      • Production
      • Imports
      • Exports

    24. 11.24

      Belgium

      • Market Size
      • Production
      • Imports
      • Exports

    25. 11.25

      Argentina

      • Market Size
      • Production
      • Imports
      • Exports

    26. 11.26

      Norway

      • Market Size
      • Production
      • Imports
      • Exports

    27. 11.27

      Austria

      • Market Size
      • Production
      • Imports
      • Exports

    28. 11.28

      Thailand

      • Market Size
      • Production
      • Imports
      • Exports

    29. 11.29

      United Arab Emirates

      • Market Size
      • Production
      • Imports
      • Exports

    30. 11.30

      Colombia

      • Market Size
      • Production
      • Imports
      • Exports

    31. 11.31

      Denmark

      • Market Size
      • Production
      • Imports
      • Exports

    32. 11.32

      South Africa

      • Market Size
      • Production
      • Imports
      • Exports

    33. 11.33

      Malaysia

      • Market Size
      • Production
      • Imports
      • Exports

    34. 11.34

      Israel

      • Market Size
      • Production
      • Imports
      • Exports

    35. 11.35

      Singapore

      • Market Size
      • Production
      • Imports
      • Exports

    36. 11.36

      Egypt

      • Market Size
      • Production
      • Imports
      • Exports

    37. 11.37

      Philippines

      • Market Size
      • Production
      • Imports
      • Exports

    38. 11.38

      Finland

      • Market Size
      • Production
      • Imports
      • Exports

    39. 11.39

      Chile

      • Market Size
      • Production
      • Imports
      • Exports

    40. 11.40

      Ireland

      • Market Size
      • Production
      • Imports
      • Exports

    41. 11.41

      Pakistan

      • Market Size
      • Production
      • Imports
      • Exports

    42. 11.42

      Greece

      • Market Size
      • Production
      • Imports
      • Exports

    43. 11.43

      Portugal

      • Market Size
      • Production
      • Imports
      • Exports

    44. 11.44

      Kazakhstan

      • Market Size
      • Production
      • Imports
      • Exports

    45. 11.45

      Algeria

      • Market Size
      • Production
      • Imports
      • Exports

    46. 11.46

      Czech Republic

      • Market Size
      • Production
      • Imports
      • Exports

    47. 11.47

      Qatar

      • Market Size
      • Production
      • Imports
      • Exports

    48. 11.48

      Peru

      • Market Size
      • Production
      • Imports
      • Exports

    49. 11.49

      Romania

      • Market Size
      • Production
      • Imports
      • Exports

    50. 11.50

      Vietnam

      • Market Size
      • Production
      • Imports
      • Exports

  12. LIST OF TABLES

    1. Key Findings In 2025
    2. Market Volume, In Physical Terms: Historical Data (2012–2025) and Forecast (2026–2035)
    3. Market Value: Historical Data (2012–2025) and Forecast (2026–2035)
    4. Per Capita Consumption, by Country, 2022–2025
    5. Production, In Physical Terms, By Country: Historical Data (2012–2025) and Forecast (2026–2035)
    6. Imports, In Physical Terms, By Country: Historical Data (2012–2025) and Forecast (2026–2035)
    7. Imports, In Value Terms, By Country: Historical Data (2012–2025) and Forecast (2026–2035)
    8. Import Prices, By Country: Historical Data (2012–2025) and Forecast (2026–2035)
    9. Exports, In Physical Terms, By Country: Historical Data (2012–2025) and Forecast (2026–2035)
    10. Exports, In Value Terms, By Country: Historical Data (2012–2025) and Forecast (2026–2035)
    11. Export Prices, By Country: Historical Data (2012–2025) and Forecast (2026–2035)

  13. LIST OF FIGURES

    1. Market Volume, In Physical Terms: Historical Data (2012–2025) and Forecast (2026–2035)
    2. Market Value: Historical Data (2012–2025) and Forecast (2026–2035)
    3. Consumption, by Country, 2025
    4. Market Volume Forecast to 2035
    5. Market Value Forecast to 2035
    6. Market Size and Growth, By Product
    7. Average Per Capita Consumption, By Product
    8. Exports and Growth, By Product
    9. Export Prices and Growth, By Product
    10. Production Volume and Growth
    11. Exports and Growth
    12. Export Prices and Growth
    13. Market Size and Growth
    14. Per Capita Consumption
    15. Imports and Growth
    16. Import Prices
    17. Production, In Physical Terms: Historical Data (2012–2025) and Forecast (2026–2035)
    18. Production, In Value Terms: Historical Data (2012–2025) and Forecast (2026–2035)
    19. Production, by Country, 2025
    20. Production, In Physical Terms, by Country: Historical Data (2012–2025) and Forecast (2026–2035)
    21. Imports, In Physical Terms: Historical Data (2012–2025) and Forecast (2026–2035)
    22. Imports, In Value Terms: Historical Data (2012–2025) and Forecast (2026–2035)
    23. Imports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2025
    24. Imports, In Physical Terms, By Country: Historical Data (2012–2025) and Forecast (2026–2035)
    25. Imports, In Value Terms, By Country: Historical Data (2012–2025) and Forecast (2026–2035)
    26. Import Prices, By Country: Historical Data (2012–2025) and Forecast (2026–2035)
    27. Exports, In Physical Terms: Historical Data (2012–2025) and Forecast (2026–2035)
    28. Exports, In Value Terms: Historical Data (2012–2025) and Forecast (2026–2035)
    29. Exports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2025
    30. Exports, In Physical Terms, By Country: Historical Data (2012–2025) and Forecast (2026–2035)
    31. Exports, In Value Terms, By Country: Historical Data (2012–2025) and Forecast (2026–2035)
    32. Export Prices, By Country: Historical Data (2012–2025) and Forecast (2026–2035)



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