Webinar on Recycling Platinum: The Precious Ingredient Powering Hydrogen Aviation
- HYSKY Society
- May 12
- 3 min read
On May 19, 2025, Dr. Philip Stuckey, Founder and CEO of FC Renew, will present one of the most promising breakthroughs in hydrogen aviation at HYSKY Monthly. His talk, “Recycled Precious Metals for Fuel Cells in Aviation: Deadheading of Platinum,” will explore how recovering platinum from used hydrogen fuel cells can reshape the economics and sustainability of zero-emission flight.
At FC Renew, Dr. Stuckey and his team are pioneering a method to recycle platinum, the rare and expensive catalyst at the heart of hydrogen fuel cells. Rather than letting degraded fuel cells go to waste—as is common practice—FC Renew restores them through a clean, efficient, and scalable process that retrieves and reactivates the “dead” platinum still inside.
What Does Platinum Do in a Hydrogen Fuel Cell?
Platinum is the catalyst that enables hydrogen and oxygen to combine and create electricity inside a fuel cell. It’s the material that makes the reaction work—and without it, the fuel cell won’t generate power.
But platinum is:
Expensive: Among the most costly metals on Earth
Rare: Found in only a few places worldwide
Finite: Its supply is limited, and mining it is energy-intensive
Over time, platinum inside the fuel cell can become inactive. It’s still physically there, but no longer functional—what Dr. Stuckey refers to as “deadheading.” Until now, the only solution has been to replace the entire cell, wasting both platinum and money.
Why Is This a Game Changer for Aviation?
Aviation needs hydrogen to decarbonize—but hydrogen needs platinum. And if that platinum keeps getting discarded with every used fuel cell, the entire system becomes too expensive and unsustainable.
Dr. Stuckey’s solution offers a new path:
Recover platinum safely and cleanly from used cells
Rejuvenate the cell rather than replace it
Reduce waste, cost, and supply chain pressure
This innovation supports a circular economy model for aviation fuel systems and directly addresses one of the key obstacles to scaling hydrogen-powered aircraft.
It’s not just smart science—it’s a practical and necessary step toward a hydrogen aviation future.
Register to Learn More
This month’s HYSKY Monthly will give attendees a front-row seat to a solution that could make clean, hydrogen-powered flight more affordable and accessible across the aerospace industry.
Don’t miss it.
Register for free: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUtd-GpqzojGdXo6wK6DVPDD55IQyYJvL1e#/registration
Event Details
Title: Recycled Precious Metals for Fuel Cells in Aviation: Deadheading of Platinum
Speaker: Dr. Philip Stuckey, Founder & CEO, FC Renew
Date: May 19, 2025
Time: 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM Central
Location: Online via Zoom
Register: Link
For the latest news, insights, and content regarding hydrogen aviation, please join the following HYSKY Society channels: YouTube, X, and LinkedIn.
FAQ: Hydrogen Fuel Cells, Platinum, and Recycling
What is a hydrogen fuel cell?
A device that turns hydrogen and oxygen into electricity, emitting only water as a byproduct.
Why is platinum used in fuel cells?
It acts as a catalyst that makes the reaction happen quickly and efficiently.
What does “deadheading” of platinum mean?
It’s when platinum in a fuel cell stops working and becomes inactive—still present, but no longer helping.
Why is this a problem for hydrogen aviation?
It makes fuel cells expensive to replace and creates material waste that could be reused.
What does FC Renew do differently?
They’ve developed a way to recover and recycle inactive platinum at room temperature using clean methods.
Why is platinum so expensive and rare?
It’s mined in limited quantities worldwide and has a range of industrial uses, including clean energy.
Can fuel cells be reused instead of discarded?
Yes. FC Renew’s process allows for restoration rather than disposal.
What’s a PEM fuel cell?
A Proton Exchange Membrane fuel cell, often used in aviation for its power density and efficiency.
How does this support sustainability in aviation?
It reduces the need for mining, cuts costs, and keeps materials in use longer—key for decarbonization.
Where can I learn more about FC Renew?
Visit https://fcrenew.com to explore their technology and mission.
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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