Understanding existing PFAS emissions in water electrolysers and fuel cell systems through quantitative measurement techniques

PFAS-contained materials have unique physical and chemical properties providing wide range of usages. At the same time, in the unique features of PFAS also lies the concern for the environment, i.e., the high persistence of PFAS (or their degradation products) leading to accumulation in nature and the linked impact on human and environmental health from this accumulation. The UPeM project main target is to establish a harmonised protocols for sampling and analysis of PFAS in different in- and out-streams (liquid, gas, aerosol) from PEMFC and PEMWE and for the quantitative validation of PFAS release in FC and WE operation, while also improving the understanding of the root cause(s) of the PFAS release. This will enable UPeM to provide recommendations for proper usage, mitigation strategies including filtering and operational/control strategies as well as on the type of membranes with lower (expected) PFAS release. To achieve this project main target, four project elements (PE) have been defined, with information on the current state of the art and challenges along with the project focus is introduced with per project element also scientific and technical objectives and targeted results. PE1 sets up harmonised protocols for sampling and analysis of PFAS released from PEMFC and PEMWE systems and for studying PFAS release causes. PE2 focusses on understanding the PFAS release root causes. PO3 will validate PFAS measurement protocol under industrial conditions and use cases and PE4 will provide UPeM recommendations on PFAS release for (future) WE and FC systems (incl. LCA). To achieve the PE’s the UPeM consortium compromises of Europe’s leading research experts in modelling, analysis and testing procedures on PFAS (CU, UFZ, IMWS, CEA, FHA, KE, KIST), in here supported by three stack manufacturers (ITM, SYM, IE) and one of Europe’s leading service providers on electrolyser and fuel cell technology (FEV) connecting both parts of the value chain.