Researchers at the University of Leicester have made significant progress in fuel cell recycling by developing a new technique that utilizes soundwaves to separate valuable catalyst materials and fluorinated polymer membranes (PFAS) in under a minute. This breakthrough addresses environmental concerns related to PFAS, known as 'forever chemicals,' that can contaminate water sources and pose health risks. The innovative method involves organic solvent soaking and water ultrasonication, allowing the separation of PFAS membranes from precious metals without the use of harsh chemicals. Dr. Jake Yang from the University of Leicester highlighted the simplicity and scalability of this process, emphasizing its potential to revolutionize fuel cell recycling and contribute to a circular economy for platinum group metals. Building on this success, a follow-up study introduced a continuous delamination process using high-frequency ultrasound to accelerate the recycling process even further. The collaboration with Johnson Matthey, a leader in sustainable technologies, led to the development of a sustainable and economically viable method for separating catalyst-loaded membranes, making fuel cell recycling more efficient and environmentally friendly. The research not only supports the growth of fuel cell technology but also promotes a greener future by enabling the efficient recycling of clean energy components. The partnership between academia and industry underscores the collective effort needed to drive technological advancements and address environmental challenges.