Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden have developed a new method for recovering precious metals from thin-film solar cells that is more efficient and environmentally friendly than traditional methods. Thin-film cells account for less than 10% of the solar cell market, but they offer significant benefits compared to conventional silicon-based crystalline cells, such as bendability and adaptability, making them useful for a wider range of applications.
However, the production of thin-film cells generates a significant amount of waste, including precious metals and hazardous substances. Specifically, the production of CIGS cells, a leading variety of thin-film technology, requires a high demand for indium and silver, which can be repurposed for new products if effectively separated from other substances.
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Traditionally, the separation process involves using high heat and a large amount of chemicals, which is expensive and not environmentally friendly. But in this study, published in the journal Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells, the researchers used a method called leaching to separate the metals in the cells. This process consumes much fewer chemicals, making it “milder” on the environment. The researchers have also fine-tuned the process to minimize impurities in the recovered indium and silver.
The study found that the new method could recover 100% of the silver and around 85% of the indium, all at room temperature without adding heat. Although the process takes one day to complete, slightly longer than traditional methods, it is more cost-effective and better for the environment. This finding provides a more sustainable way of repurposing precious metals from discarded thin-film solar cells, a crucial development for the solar energy industry.
Dr. Burcak Ebin, one of the researchers involved in the study, expressed hope that their research could be used as a reference for optimizing the recycling process and scaling up the method for larger-scale use in the future. Ultimately, this new method could help the solar energy industry become even more environmentally sustainable and cost-effective.
Details about the study and the new method can be found in this journal.
