Did FC Renew Just Become the MRO of Hydrogen Aviation?
- Danielle McLean
- 4 hours ago
- 5 min read
Post-Webinar Summary Article – Featuring Dr. Philip Stuckey, CEO of FC Renew
At the latest HYSKY Monthly webinar, Dr. Philip Stuckey, CEO of FC Renew, introduced something that could completely change how we take care of hydrogen-powered aircraft. His talk, “Recycled Precious Metals for Fuel Cells in Aviation: Deadheading of Platinum,” was packed with science, but the message was clear.
FC Renew may have just created a new kind of maintenance service for hydrogen aviation.
Instead of replacing fuel cells when they wear out, FC Renew can restore them, kind of like giving them an oil change. And in the process, they also recover and recycle up to 80 percent or more of the platinum used in those fuel cells.
This could make them the first real MRO provider for hydrogen aviation.
What Does MRO Mean in Aviation?
MRO stands for Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul. It’s how airlines and aircraft operators keep planes flying safely and efficiently. Traditionally, this includes tasks like changing tires, fixing engines, and replacing worn-out parts.
For hydrogen-powered aircraft, there’s a new type of system to take care of: the fuel cell. It’s the part that turns hydrogen into electricity. Over time, fuel cells wear down and need attention. That’s where FC Renew steps in.
A Fuel Cell “Oil Change” for Hydrogen Aviation
Just like a gas-powered car needs an oil change, hydrogen fuel cells need maintenance too. As they age, the platinum inside them starts to degrade. Instead of throwing the whole fuel cell away, FC Renew can clean and restore it.
They remove the used platinum, recover it, and redeposit it where it's needed inside the fuel cell. The result is a fuel cell that works almost like new, without the cost of a full replacement.
This process helps hydrogen aircraft stay in service longer, reduces costs, and keeps valuable materials out of the landfill.
How FC Renew’s Process Works
Dr. Stuckey explained that FC Renew offers two key services:
Recycling: Recovering platinum and other precious metals from old or degraded fuel cells.
Renewal: Restoring fuel cell performance so they can be reused safely and effectively.
They do this without needing to take the fuel cell apart. Their lab uses custom-built tools, software, and automation to carefully handle the cells and test them before and after renewal.
What Is Platinum’s Role in a Fuel Cell?
Platinum is a critical material used in proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells, the kind used in many hydrogen-powered vehicles and aircraft. Inside the fuel cell, platinum acts as a catalyst. That means it helps speed up the chemical reactions between hydrogen and oxygen, which produce electricity.
The reactions happen at two parts of the cell: the anode, where hydrogen is split into protons and electrons, and the cathode, where oxygen combines with the protons and electrons to form water. Platinum makes both of these steps much faster and more efficient. Without it, the fuel cell wouldn't work very well, or at all.
The problem is that platinum is rare and expensive, and over time it can move out of place or break down, reducing the fuel cell's performance. That’s why recovering and reusing it is such a big deal.
Note there are other catalysts besides platinum but, according to Dr. Stuckey, platinum is the most tried and true catalyst.
Platinum is expensive and hard to source. Fuel cells won’t be affordable for aviation unless we can reuse that platinum. FC Renew’s work solves this problem by creating a closed-loop recycling system.
Their service:
Reduces operating costs by making fuel cells last longer
Improves sustainability by cutting down on mining and waste
Supports the aviation supply chain by offering a new kind of MRO service just for hydrogen systems
This is the kind of infrastructure hydrogen aviation will need as it grows.
Real-World Testing and Results
FC Renew has already built and tested their system using fuel cells from cars like the Toyota Mirai, and they’ve shown that renewed cells can regain much of their original performance.
They’re using tools like:
Real-time testing rigs
Automated data analysis
Machine learning to fine-tune how platinum is reapplied
And they’re already working with customers who send in fuel cells for this service.
Final Thought
Hydrogen aviation isn’t just about building aircraft. It’s also about building the support systems that keep those aircraft flying. FC Renew is offering exactly that.
With a way to recover over 80 percent of platinum, and a service that acts like an oil change for hydrogen systems, FC Renew could become the go-to MRO provider for hydrogen aviation.
This is more than a chemistry breakthrough. It’s a new business model for clean, affordable flight.
For the latest news, insights, and content regarding hydrogen aviation, please join the following HYSKY Society channels: YouTube, X, and LinkedIn.
FAQ – What You Should Know About Fuel Cell Renewal
What is a hydrogen fuel cell?
It turns hydrogen and oxygen into electricity, with only water as a byproduct.
Why do fuel cells wear out?
Over time, the platinum inside breaks down or moves out of place, making the cell less efficient.
What does FC Renew do?
They clean and restore used fuel cells instead of throwing them away.
Why is this called an “oil change”?
Just like oil changes keep engines running longer, this service helps fuel cells last longer without full replacement.
What is MRO in aviation?
It stands for Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul. It’s how planes stay safe and airworthy. FC Renew is offering that for hydrogen systems.
Can FC Renew really recycle 80% of the platinum?
Yes, and sometimes more. That makes hydrogen flight more sustainable and affordable.
Is this already being used in aviation?
It’s being tested now and could soon be used in aircraft, drones, and eVTOLs.
How do they test the renewed fuel cells?
With custom equipment and software that checks performance, safety, and power output.
Is this is good for the environment?
Yes. It reduces mining, cuts waste, and even handles harmful chemicals safely.
Who would use this service?
Aircraft manufacturers, hydrogen drone developers, eVTOL companies, and anyone working with hydrogen fuel cells.
HYSKY Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to decarbonizing aviation and aerospace with hydrogen. We welcome innovators from eVTOLs/advanced air mobility, fixed-wing aircraft, and spacecraft. Our mission is simple: if it defies gravity and uses hydrogen as fuel, it’s part of our vision for sustainable flight.
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