Indian researchers convert PV panel waste into high-purity Silica nanoparticles

Researchers in India developed a process to recycle end-of-life solar panels into Silica nanoparticles for diverse applications. More details about the research here.

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By Karthik Srivasthav G
New Update
Indian researchers develop eco-friendly methods to recycle silicon from EoL solar panels into hydrophobic silica nanoparticles.

Indian researchers develop eco-friendly methods to recycle silicon from EoL solar panels into hydrophobic silica nanoparticles. Photograph: Science Direct

Researchers from AcSIR, CSIR-NPL, and the University of Delhi in India have developed a wet chemical process to recycle silicon from end-of-life PV panels. The recovered silicon, with a purity level exceeding 99.9%, has been converted into functionalized silica nanoparticles (SNPs) and hydrophobic silica nanoparticles (HSNPs). These nanoparticles have been characterized for their structural, optical, and spectroscopic properties, with HSNPs demonstrating a water contact angle of 102.48°. The HSNPs have also exhibited 99.5% efficiency in anticorrosion coatings, significantly reducing corrosion rates. This circular economy-driven method is anticipated to address the growing global challenge of solar panel waste management by providing a sustainable and efficient solution. The findings have been published under Resources, Conservation and Recycling in Science Direct.

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