Researchers at the University of Leicester have made a breakthrough in fuel cell recycling by achieving a major milestone in separating valuable catalyst materials and fluorinated polymer membranes (PFAS) from catalyst-coated membranes (CCMs). This development is crucial for addressing environmental challenges posed by PFAS, known as 'forever chemicals'. The strong adhesion between catalyst layers and PFAS membranes has historically made recycling difficult, but the new process developed by Dr Jake Yang and his team is both simple and scalable. By introducing a continuous delamination process using high frequency ultrasound, the researchers have managed to separate the precious catalysts from PFAS membranes in seconds at room temperature. This innovative method not only revolutionizes fuel cell recycling but also makes it economically viable, bringing the technology closer to widespread adoption. Collaborating with Johnson Matthey, the research team has shown that the use of high-intensity ultrasound is a game-changer in fuel cell recycling, paving the way for a more sustainable approach to handling precious metals in fuel cells. The development has been hailed as a significant step towards creating a circular economy for platinum group metals and realizing the full potential of fuel cells in clean energy systems for transportation.