CMI Project 3.1.3 Thin film semiconductor recycling

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Stability diagrams of different chemical species in the solid and aqueous solution phase pertinent to the leaching of CdTe (1×10−4 M) in aqueous H2O2-H2SO4 solutions at 25°C. The green area indicates regions where only < 1% of CdTe dissolves. (Figure from submitted publication)

Research Highlight

Modeling electrochemically-enabled recycling of cadmium telluride photovoltaic solar panels for extracting critical semiconductor materials

CMI technology in electrochemical leaching and mentoring from CMI Project Lead Arindam Mukhopadhyay led to the award-winning presentation by HidrogeniCs Inc. Moha Shahjamali, CEO & Co-Founder, is shown receiving the first prize at the “DOE BOOST 2025 Showcase Pitch Event” held on December 11, 2025, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Research Highlight

CMI postdoc hired by CMI industry partner MP Materials

This project seeks to develop an electrochemical path to effectively substitute or reduce chemically intensive recycling methods currently applied for the recovery of cadmium (Cd) and tellurium (Te) in thin film CdTe-based photovoltaic (PV) panels. The goal is to lower cost and environmental impacts through reduced chemical use, milder/safer operation and lower waste generation. Work will be performed with First Solar, a current manufacturer and recycler of PV panels.

CMI Project 3.1.3 Thin film semiconductor recycling

Modeling electrochemically-enabled recycling of cadmium telluride photovoltaic solar panels for extracting critical semiconductor materials

CMI technology wins DOE BOOST Award

Electrochemical recovery of Te from CdTe PV solar panels

CMI researcher receives postdoc of year award at INL

CMI postdoc hired by CMI industry partner MP Materials