The existing and conventional method to re-cover PGM is pyrometallurgy (in short; High temp. burning at around 1500° C). This process requires very large batches of processing which required scrap to transported over large distances, it is extremely energy consuming and technically it has difficulties handling a part of the EoL particle filters from diesel engines which are containing silicon carbide. The large carbon content in Silicon carbide filters deteriorate the insulation in the high temperature kilns and is therefore restricted. The overall rationale is therefore a flexible, energy efficient and environmentally friendly method to re-cover PGM from future sustainable technologies like fuels cells, electrolyzer/Power to X processes and other sources of renewable energy.

The novel method of precious metal re-covery is based on a batch-oriented hydro-electrochemical process which manipulates precious metals (PGM) surface atoms through potentio-dynamic treatments with suitable alternating redox conditions to maximize PGM dissolution and minimize re-deposition. In short this means that the PGM is dissolved in a specially designed reactor system containing an acid composition at a temperature around 100° C. The problem the method solves, is to Recover scarce PGMs, recycle the material from deceasing areas (diesel filters) and reuse them in the manufacturing of new technology products. This will relace usage of material from mining and the conventional high temp. re-cycling method, which are both energy intensive and polluting. The goal is to re-cover, re-cycle and re-use PGM from EoL diesel particle filters in the manufacturing of MEAs for sustainable power generating fuel cell systems and, in the future, to ensure that EoL MEAs also can be re-cycled in an environmentally friendly way.