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A methodology to liberate critical metals in waste solar panel

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  • Li, Mingkai
  • Widijatmoko, Samuel D.
  • Wang, Zheng
  • Hall, Philip

Abstract

The availability of critical metals is one of the driving factor to secure the transition of energy production to a renewable, low carbon one because of the material requirement in photovoltaic technology (PV), wind power generation and batteries. For example, precious metals are vital to manufacture crystalline silicon solar panel and tellurium, germanium, indium and gallium are essential in thin film photovoltaic panels. However, the pressure on the supply of critical metals increases with the growth of photovoltaics. Considering the resource availability, the recycling of critical metals from waste solar panels can enhance the sustainability of end-of-life management, although the recycled metal input is limited in present state. Among the recycling techniques, the separation and liberation of metals from non-metals are crucial. This study investigate a methodology to liberate thin film materials from copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) thin-film solar panel to recycle photovoltaic material including indium and gallium via a mechanical process.

Suggested Citation

  • Li, Mingkai & Widijatmoko, Samuel D. & Wang, Zheng & Hall, Philip, 2023. "A methodology to liberate critical metals in waste solar panel," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 337(C).
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:appene:v:337:y:2023:i:c:s0306261923002647
    DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2023.120900
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Grandell, Leena & Lehtilä, Antti & Kivinen, Mari & Koljonen, Tiina & Kihlman, Susanna & Lauri, Laura S., 2016. "Role of critical metals in the future markets of clean energy technologies," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 95(C), pages 53-62.
    4. McDonald, N.C. & Pearce, J.M., 2010. "Producer responsibility and recycling solar photovoltaic modules," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 38(11), pages 7041-7047, November.
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