CLOSED-LOOP APPROACH FOR RECYCLING CdTe PV MODULES

摘要

A simple, cost-effective recycling method has been devised to address the environmental issues confronting the emerging CdTe photovoltaic technology. The method is based on a closed-loop electrochemical approach to rapidly convert defective or spent modules into efficient devices. This method removes and separates the device components, and regenerates the semiconductor films on a new panel in a single compact system, leaving no waste materials. This work investigates the electrochemical process parameters using voltammetric and surface analytical methods to elucidate the reaction mechanisms, specifically focusing on separating the CdS from CdTe. The results lead to an economical, nondestructive and environmentally benign recycling capability that could disassemble modules, dissolve and retrieve CdTe and CdS precursors, as well as analyze, purify and re-use the electrolyte. The recycling system can be easily integrated in-plant to manage waste disposal and increase module production yield.