Analysis of the Degradation Products of the Organic Materials Present in the c-Si PV Modules, Emitted during a Pyrolysis Treatment and Recycling Strategy for Circular and Sustainable Development

Krishan Kumar Patel () and Sudhanshu Mallick
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Krishan Kumar Patel: Indian Institute of Technology Bombay
Sudhanshu Mallick: Indian Institute of Technology Bombay

Circular Economy and Sustainability, 2025, vol. 5, issue 3, 1949-1962

Abstract: Abstract The spent photovoltaic (PV) module predicts that by 2050, there would be 78 million tons of trash worldwide. In order to facilitate the net-zero energy transition, the PV industry is expanding quickly. Establishing an effective recycling process for spent panels is crucial to reducing their environmental impact. Therefore, the work reported herein, the analysis of the degradation products of the organic materials present in the PV modules, encapsulant, and backsheet, emitted during a pyrolysis treatment. Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) coupled with mass spectroscopy (MS), and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy were used extensively for the emitted gas analysis. PV modules encapsulated with Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA)– with and without backsheet and sole PVDF backsheet, were tested. Samples was pyrolyzed at three temperatures, i.e., from room temperature to 450 °C, 500 °C, and 550 °C in a nitrogen (N2) environment. The resultant gas emitted was collected in a gas cell for FTIR analysis. Gases evolved in EVA pyrolysis; Acetic acid, CO and CO2 in the first step decomposition, and complex hydrocarbon mixture (cracking of polymer chains) including alkenes, alkanes and aromatic compounds in the second step degradation. Whereas CF2, F2, CH2, C2H2, and C2H6, are gases exclusively observed in PVDF pyrolysis. These gases are generated from the de-acetylation, β-scission, and hydrolytic depolymerization processes. After pyrolysis, residues of cells were processed for stepwise recycling (through the hydrometallurgical route) to facilitate a circular economy and sustainable development to PV industries. Graphical Abstract

Keywords: Pyrolysis; PV module, Recycling, EVA encapsulant, FTIR, TGA-MS (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1007/s43615-025-00512-8

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