DESIREE publication highlights circular solid oxide technologies

The DESIREE project has reached an important scientific milestone with its first peer-reviewed scientific paper. Led by researchers from project partner Politecnico di Torino and published in the journal Sustainable Materials and Technologies, the study reflects one of the project’s key research priorities: developing more sustainable and circular approaches for Solid Oxide Electrolyser (SOEL) technologies.

By advancing strategies for recovering and reusing valuable materials from end-of-life solid oxide cells, DESIREE aims to reduce dependence on critical raw materials while contributing to more resource-efficient renewable hydrogen production.

Advancing circular approaches for solid oxide technologies

The study, entitled “Scaling up ceramic recovery from end-of-life solid oxide cells: Process optimization and evaluation of recovered materials“, presents an optimised process for recovering valuable ceramic materials and nickel from end-of-life solid oxide cells while preserving their properties for potential reuse in future applications. By demonstrating an efficient and scalable recycling methodology, the research supports the transition towards more sustainable and circular solid oxide technologies.

Among the authors are DESIREE team members Federico Smeacetto, Sonia Fiorilli and Simone Anelli from project partner Politecnico di Torino, together with researchers from the University of Genoa, the Aragon Nanoscience and Materials Institute (INMA) and IREC, the Catalonia Institute for Energy Research.

Advancing circularity in DESIREE

Circularity is one of the key pillars of DESIREE. Within the project, Politecnico di Torino leads the research activities dedicated to developing recycling strategies for end-of-life solid oxide cells, facilitating their reintegration into new Solid Oxide Electrolyzer (SOEL) components.

The methodology presented in this publication builds on work carried out within the European project Best4Hy and has been successfully tested on solid oxide cells targeted by DESIREE. This provides a solid scientific basis for the project’s ongoing work to optimise recycling processes further and increase the circular use of valuable materials in future SOEL technologies.

Building on this foundation, DESIREE will further optimise the recycling process to improve recovery efficiency, maximise the reuse of valuable materials and facilitate their reintegration into new Solid Oxide Electrolyser components.

“This publication confirms the robustness of the methodology and provides a solid foundation for DESIREE. Throughout the project, we will further optimise the process to improve its efficiency and ensure a higher degree of circularity“, said Sonia Fiorilli, Full Professor of Chemistry at Politecnico di Torino and member of the DESIREE team.

Within DESIREE, Politecnico di Torino works alongside Spain’s National Renewable Energy Centre (CENER), the Aragon Nanoscience and Materials Institute (INMA), Genvia, the the Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research ISC, Bosal, EIFHYTEC, Commissariat à l’Énergie Atomique et aux Énergies Alternatives (CEA), VTT Technical Research Centre and Zabala Innovation to advance Solid Oxide Electrolyser (SOEL) technologies through innovations in materials, stack development, system integration and circularity.

The publication received support from the European projects Best4Hy and DESIREE, illustrating how European collaborative research builds on previous achievements to advance more sustainable hydrogen technologies.