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Size- and Surface-Dependent Solubility of Cadmium Telluride in Aqueous Solutions

Author

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  • Renate Zapf-Gottwick

    (Institute for Photovoltaics and Research Center SCoPE, University of Stuttgart, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany)

  • Matthias Zorn

    (Institute for Photovoltaics and Research Center SCoPE, University of Stuttgart, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany)

  • Jessica Nover

    (Institute for Photovoltaics and Research Center SCoPE, University of Stuttgart, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany)

  • Michael Koch

    (Institute for Sanitary Engineering, Water Quality, and Solid Waste Management, University of Stuttgart, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany)

  • Carolin Feifel

    (Institute for Sanitary Engineering, Water Quality, and Solid Waste Management, University of Stuttgart, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany)

  • Jürgen H. Werner

    (Institute for Photovoltaics and Research Center SCoPE, University of Stuttgart, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany)

Abstract

Due to the toxicity of cadmium (Cd) and the scarcity of telluride (Te), CdTe-based photovoltaic modules have been under discussion during the last few years. In particular, the stability of CdTe in aqueous solutions is under debate. Here we show that the stability of CdTe depends not only on the pH of water-based solutions but also on size and surface treatment of CdTe particles. We compare milled module pieces with CdTe powders of different particle size. The leaching of CdTe is conditioned by the outdiffusion of Cd and Te at the interface between CdTe particles and the aqueous solution. The smaller the particle size, the faster the leaching. Therefore, milled module pieces decompose faster than CdTe powders with relatively large grains. We observe a dependence on time t according to t 0.4 3 . The room temperature diffusion coefficients are calculated as D Cd ≈ 3 × 10 −17 cm 2 /s for Cd, and D Te ≈ 1.5 × 10 −17 cm 2 /s for Te in pH4. The chemical instability in aqueous solutions follows thermodynamic considerations. The solution behavior of Cd and Te depends on the pH value and the redox potential of the aqueous solutions. Chemical treatments such as those used in solar cell production modify the surface of the CdTe particles and their leaching behavior.

Suggested Citation

  • Renate Zapf-Gottwick & Matthias Zorn & Jessica Nover & Michael Koch & Carolin Feifel & Jürgen H. Werner, 2021. "Size- and Surface-Dependent Solubility of Cadmium Telluride in Aqueous Solutions," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(2), pages 1-20, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:14:y:2021:i:2:p:398-:d:479232
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Fthenakis, Vasilis M., 2004. "Life cycle impact analysis of cadmium in CdTe PV production," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 8(4), pages 303-334, August.
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    1. Juergen Heinz Werner & Renate Zapf-Gottwick & Jessica Nover & Michael Koch, 2021. "Reply to Sinha, P.; Wade, A. Comment on “Nover et al. Leaching via Weak Spots in Photovoltaic Modules. Energies 2021, 14 , 692”," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(11), pages 1-4, May.

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