Separation of Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Stack Components Using Sensor Integration for Non-destructive Disassembly

Hydrogen technologies, such as polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) electrolysis and fuel cells are considered the central and most promising technologies for the production and use of green hydrogen. End-of-life recycling is essential due to the presence of critical raw materials such as platinum group metals. Disassembly can improve the recycling outcome and enable other circular economy strategies such as reuse or remanufacturing of high value added components. The challenge in disassembling PEM stacks is to separate the stacked components non-destructively. This is due to the adhesion of the components to each other, as well as the low material thicknesses and component distances. The aim of this work is to identify suitable separation processes with a focus on mechanical processes. An industrial system concept will be developed and constructed. Sensors will be integrated into the system to enable accurate positioning of a cutting tool. Finally, the process is validated. The publication shows that non-destructive and automated separation of the individual components in PEM stacks using mechanical processes in combination with sensor-supported positioning enables the realisation of various circular economy strategies.