Systems modifications of EC leaching for better economic & environmental benefits of Te recovery by CdTe solar panel recycling

CMI Highlight: Systems modifications of EC leaching for better economic & environmental benefits of Te recovery by CdTe solar panel recycling

CMI researchers at Idaho National Laboratory conducted the research for this highlight

Innovation 
Optimizing key parameters in the new bench-scale continuous multi-column electrochemical leaching (ECL) system improves the economic and environmental performance of Te recovery from CdTe PV recycling relative to conventional chemical leaching.

Achievement

  • Increased CdTe throughput (~4.3×) with reduced H2SO2/H2O (~2.6×), KOH/H2O (~1.7×), and O2 (~2×) consumptions and leaching time (~4×), offers excellent Te recovery yield (~98%).
  • 100% reduction in fresh H2SO4/H2O needs between two sequential ECL and electrowinning cycles without affecting Te recovery yield.
  • >40% cost reduction and >60-70% lower environmental impacts.

Significance and Impact
Better economic and environmental benefits by reducing toxic chemical use and waste generation and faster operation.

Hub Target Addressed 
Minimizing hazardous chemical use and waste generation.

flow diagram
A) Bench-scale demonstration of systems-modified EC-leaching system followed by CX chromatography, and EW for Te recovery via CdTe PV recycling. B) TEA and LCA results showing reductions in cost and environmental impacts for systems-modified EC leaching compared to our initial EC leaching design and conventional chemical leaching.