LCA & eco-design of Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cells

Master thesis work, Fall semester 2025

Description

Proton Exchange Membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) are commercialized technologies, able to convert the chemical energy of hydrogen into electricity. However, the current PEMFC make use of perfluorinated sulfonic acid (PFSA)-based materials and components, potentially affecting the environment and human health. The European research project ECOPEM aims to develop next-generation PEM fuel cells and electrolysers with increased performance, durability and environmental sustainability compared to the existing PFSA-based PEM technologies.

To set the ground for the eco-design process of PEM technologies, in the initial phase of the project, HES-SO is in charge of investigating the state-of-art of PEMFC and quantify its environmental performance along the whole system’s life cycle.

Objectives

The objective of the master project is to elaborate the environmental profile of the state-of-art PEMFC system, applying the life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology and provide general recommendations to support the eco-design of this technology.

The main tasks are:

  • performing a literature review of the existing life cycle studies and collecting data.
  • Developing an up-to-date life cycle inventory (LCI) of the state-of-art PEM fuel cell’s life cycle, including the manufacture of fluorinated components and the whole stack, the use phase and different end-of-life scenarios (incineration, landfilling, reuse, recycling).
  • Computing the impact profile to identify the main hotspots of impacts in terms of life cycle stages, processes, and materials, where more attention should be directed to reduce the environmental footprint.
  • Performing sensitivity analyses on main modeling choices (life cycle impact assessment methods, allocation choices) and input parameters.

Skills

We’re seeking students with:

  • Ability to gather and process information and interpret results to support robust recommendations.
  • Basic knowledge of LCA.

Coding skills and previous knowledge of hydrogen technology systems are a plus.

Supervision

The project is supervised by:

  • Supervision: Prof. Manuele Margni, professor at HES-SO Valais Wallis at Energypolis (Sion, Switzerland) and at Polytechnique Montréal (Montréal, Canada).
  • Coaching: Eleonora Crenna, experienced LCA analyst at HES-SO / CIRAIG.
  • An official EPFL main supervisor needs to be identified; Prof. François Maréchal or Prof. Jan van Herle are knowledgeable professors that could take this role.

Practical information

The IPESE laboratory is located in the Sion EPFL campus. Working in Sion office or remotely is possible.

Application

Interested students must send an application file including a CV, a transcript (bachelor and master) and a brief cover letter to Manuele Margni and Eleonora Crenna. The position remains open until a suitable candidate is found.