The initiative for recycling rare metals, launched in collaboration with Nobian, Asahi Kasei, Furuya Metal, and Mastermelt, focuses on developing a sustainable recycling process for rare metals used in electrolyzers. This initiative aims to enhance the circularity of rare metals within the chlor-alkali industry, addressing both resource efficiency and strategic autonomy for Europe.

Importance of rare metals in electrolyzers  

Electrolyzers are essential in the chlor-alkali industry, producing chlorine, caustic soda, and hydrogen from brine using electricity. These chemicals are crucial for various applications, including windmill blades, batteries, and insulation materials. Electrolyzers require rare metals like iridium and ruthenium for their electrodes, which are vital for the electrolysis process.

Challenges and solutions  

The increasing demand for batteries and electrical components, coupled with geopolitical developments, has led to rising costs of rare metals needed in electrolysis cells. This trend is expected to accelerate due to the growing need for electrolyzers in hydrogen production. The initiative addresses these challenges by reclaiming and refining metals from end-of-life electrodes, enabling their reuse in manufacturing new electrolyzer electrodes.

Creating a circular value chain  

Nobian and Asahi Kasei initiated a pilot project in Europe in 2023 which focused on the reuse and reduction of existing cells. The new initiative focuses on recovering and refining recycled metals from end-of-life electrodes for reuse in new electrodes, ensuring a stable supply for salt electrolysis and reducing dependency on virgin materials.  

The project partners are developing methods to recycle rare metals like ruthenium and iridium, along with titanium and nickel, creating a circular value chain. This initiative supports the EU’s Critical Raw Material Act, which mandates recycling at least 25% of strategic raw materials within the EU by 2030. 

This initiative represents a significant step towards sustainability in the chlor-alkali industry. By combining the expertise of Nobian, Asahi Kasei, Furuya Metal, and Mastermelt, the project aims to transform sustainability goals into practical, scalable outcomes, ensuring a stable supply of essential chemicals and contributing to a greener future.