Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the concentration of noble metals from fluorine-containing components of fuel cells, for example from PEM fuel cell stacks, DMFC fuel cells, catalyst-coated membranes (CCMs), membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs), catalyst pastes, etc. The process is based on an optionally multi-step heat treatment process comprising a combustion and/or a melting process. It allows an inexpensive, simple concentration of noble materials. The hydrogen fluoride formed during the heat treatment of fluorine-containing components is bound by an inorganic additive so that no harmful hydrogen fluoride emissions occur. The process can be used for the recovery of noble metals that are present as components in fuel cells, electrolysis cells, batteries, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and apparatus for non-destructive identification of encased autocatalysts which comprise metallic and/or ceramic support substrates which may possess a catalytic coating. The process comprises the X-raying of the encased autocatalysts and the identification of the autocatalyst by comparing the data obtained with a data bank which contains information about industrially manufactured autocatalysts. Optionally, the process may comprise further examination steps (for example weighing, measurement of the electrical and/or magnetic properties or photographic imaging). The process and apparatus find use for non-destructive, exact and rapid recognition or identification of encased autocatalysts and particulate filters.

Abstract: Method of determining the precious metal content of catalysts comprising a catalyst housing and a ceramic material containing catalyst material containing precious metal, which comprises the steps (a) provision of a mobile apparatus which comprises a facility for comminuting the ceramic material, a facility for weighing the ceramic material and a facility for taking a sample of the comminuted ceramic material, with the mobile apparatus having a compact construction and being easy to transport, (b) decanning of the catalyst to be analysed by separating the ceramic material from the catalyst housing, (c) comminution and weighing of the ceramic material, (d) taking of a representative sample of the comminuted ceramic material and (e) analysis of the sample to determine the precious metal content of the catalyst. A specific apparatus for the mobile pretreatment and analysis of precious metal containg catalysts is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the concentration of noble metals from fluorine-containing components of fuel cells, for example from PEM fuel cell stacks, DMFC fuel cells, catalyst-coated membranes (CCMs), membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs), catalyst pastes, etc. The process is based on an optionally multi-step heat treatment process comprising a combustion and/or a melting process. It allows an inexpensive, simple concentration of noble materials. The hydrogen fluoride formed during the heat treatment of fluorine-containing components is bound by an inorganic additive so that no harmful hydrogen fluoride emissions occur. The process can be used for the recovery of noble metals that are present as components in fuel cells, electrolysis cells, batteries, and the like.