LCA & eco-design of electrolyser with proton conducting ceramic (PCC) cells

Master thesis work, Fall semester 2025

Description

The European research project SUSTAINCELL aims to support the European industry with the development of the next generation of electrolyser and fuel cell technologies that rely on a sustainable European supply chain of materials, components and cells, significantly less reliant on critical raw materials (CRM), with lower environmental footprint and costs, considering circular strategies, and with higher performance and durability than existing technologies.

Proton conducting Ceramic Electrolysis (PCCEL) is an emerging technology with similar operational features as solid oxide electrolysis, although it operates at lower temperature and exhibits higher efficiency.

Objectives

The objective of the master project is to elaborate the environmental profile of electrolysers with Proton Conducting Ceramic (PCC) cells applying the life cycle assessment (LCA) framework 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.
  • Collecting data from literature and from project partners.
  • Developing an up-to-date life cycle inventory (LCI) for the environmental LCA
  • 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.