PARZELL: Qualitative and quantitative PFAS analysis in realistic PEM electrolysis and fuel cell operation

Materials containing PFAS, in particular ion-conducting ionomers and membranes, have so far been key components of these hydrogen technologies. At the same time, PFAS are increasingly becoming the focus of regulatory discussions due to their high persistence, possible environmental accumulation and health risks. PARZELL is therefore developing robust methods for sampling and analysing PFAS emissions on a laboratory scale and testing them with commercial and self-produced MEAs.

One focus is on dynamic load profiles under realistic conditions. For PEMWE, these are based on electricity from wind and photovoltaic systems, for PEMFC on driving profiles based on the Vehicle Energy Consumption Calculation Tool (VECTO). Gas and liquid phases are investigated in order to comprehensively record emission paths and possible accumulation effects. To this end, the project combines specially adapted sampling methods with customised analytics.

The sampling setup is first developed for a PEMWE cell and then transferred to a PEMFC test stand. In addition, PARZELL is evaluating initial approaches for reducing or eliminating detected PFAS emissions, for example through electrochemical decomposition or adsorption processes. This work is carried out within the framework of utilisation and application options (vAW) and creates a basis for new technical solutions for reducing emissions in hydrogen technologies.

In addition, the project is developing mathematical correlations between the operating conditions of PEM electrolysers and the type and quantity of PFAS detected. The aim is to better predict possible PFAS fragments during operation in the future. The results create a scientifically sound basis for environmental assessments, low-emission products and the long-term minimisation of PFAS emissions.