Recycling of Perovskite Solar Cells
Perovskite solar cells contain valuable materials including lead, tin, and halides, yet current disposal methods risk environmental contamination and waste precious resources. Laboratory studies show that a typical 100cm² perovskite module contains approximately 0.8g of lead and 1.2g of iodine - materials that could be recovered and reused in new devices.
The challenge lies in developing selective separation processes that can recover individual components without cross-contamination while maintaining the purity levels required for solar cell manufacturing.
This page brings together solutions from recent research—including selective solvent-based layer separation, thermal delamination techniques, sodium-based dissolution methods, and continuous recovery processes with solvent purification. These and other approaches focus on establishing commercially viable recycling pathways that maximize material recovery while minimizing environmental impact.
1. Method for Recycling Perovskite Solar Cells via Selective Solvent-Based Layer Separation
RESEARCH & BUSINESS FOUNDATION SUNGKYUNKWAN UNIVERSITY, Sungkyunkwan University-Industry Cooperation Foundation, 2024
A method for recycling perovskite solar cells through selective separation of their light-absorbing layer. The process involves immersing the solar cells in a selective solvent that selectively removes the perovskite layer, while leaving the hole transport layer intact. The remaining solar cells are then treated with a complementary solvent to purify the metal components, followed by formation of a perovskite precursor from the purified solvent. This enables the efficient recycling of perovskite solar cells without requiring the separation of their light-absorbing layer.
2. Method for Recycling Silicon Photovoltaic Cells via Thermal Separation and Selective Chemical Cleaning
SHENZHEN HEIJING OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2024
A method for recycling silicon photovoltaic cells from tandem solar cells, achieving complete removal of perovskite layers without chemical reactions with perovskite components. The method involves a thermal separation and chemical cleaning process that selectively dissolves the perovskite sub-cells while preserving the silicon substrate. The perovskite is extracted through organic solvents, and the resulting silicon substrate is then processed for further use in solar cells or other applications.
3. Method for Lead and Iodine Recovery from Perovskite Solar Cells via Sodium-Based Dissolution and Ozone Treatment
SHENZHEN XIANXIANG PHOTOVOLTAIC TECH CO LTD, 2023
A method for recycling lead and iodine from perovskite solar cells through a low-cost, temperature-independent process. The method involves dissolving the perovskite layer in a recovery solution containing sodium thiosulfate, sodium nitrate, and sodium acetate, followed by filtration using deionized water and acetone. The cleaned substrate undergoes ozone treatment. This approach eliminates the need for vacuum distillation and conventional solvents, achieving efficient lead and iodine recovery while minimizing energy consumption.
4. Perovskite Solar Cells with Transparent Conductive Oxide Barrier Layer Between Electron Transport Layer and Source Electrode
HANWHA SOLUTIONS CORP, 2023
Perovskite solar cells with enhanced stability and flexibility through a novel barrier layer between the electron transport layer and source electrode. The barrier layer, comprising indium tin oxide (ITO), fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO), or other transparent conductive oxides, prevents electrode penetration and ion migration while maintaining device performance. The barrier layer is deposited between the electron transport layer and source electrode, enabling high-efficiency solar cells with reduced degradation rates and improved long-term stability.
5. Method for Stabilizing Metal Halide Perovskite Materials via Hydrazinium Halide Addition
IAC IN NAT UNIV CHUNGNAM, 2023
A method for stabilizing metal halide perovskite (MHP) materials through controlled decomposition prevention. The method involves adding hydrazinium halide to a MHP precursor solution, where the hydrazinium halide selectively suppresses the decomposition of metal halide components. This controlled decomposition prevents the formation of unwanted impurities and maintains the material's composition, enabling the production of stable MHP materials for optoelectronic devices.
6. Metastable Sn(II)-Containing Perovskites via Controlled Cation Substitution in Lead-Based Structures
NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY, 2023
Synthesis of metastable Sn(II)-containing perovskites through controlled substitution reactions that enable the creation of highly stable, lead-free materials. The approach involves converting lead-containing perovskites to lead-free perovskites by replacing lead with SnCl2 and/or SnF2, resulting in metastable compositions with up to 60% Sn(II) cations. These materials exhibit unique optical and photocatalytic properties, including broadened bandgaps and enhanced photocatalytic activity, making them suitable for advanced applications in energy conversion devices, sensors, and electronics.
7. Recycling Method for Perovskite Solar Cells with Solvent Recovery and Adsorptive Purification
RESEARCH & BUSINESS FOUNDATION SUNGKYUNKWAN UNIVERSITY, 2023
Recycling method for perovskite solar cells that allows reusing the separation solution without discharge. The method involves separating spent modules, recovering the solvent, purifying it by adsorption, and using the purified solvent to prepare fresh precursor solutions for new cells. The adsorbent captures impurities like heavy metals from the solvent during recycling. This allows reusing the solvent multiple times without discharge, reducing environmental impact compared to disposing of contaminated solvent after each recycling step.
8. Lead Halide Recovery Method Using Complexing Agent for Perovskite Solar Cell Passivation
HANGZHOU MICROQUANTA SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION LTD, 2023
A lead halide recovery and utilization method for perovskite solar cells that enables efficient recycling of lead from waste solar cells while maintaining cell performance. The method involves a novel complexing agent-based approach where lead-containing waste solar cells are first heated to remove low-boiling point materials, then treated with a complexing agent to form a lead-containing complex. This complex is then dissolved and used as a coating liquid to create a lead-free passivation layer on the perovskite absorption layer. The complexing agent is a cyclic ligand or derivative that selectively forms a stable lead complex with the perovskite material, while the coating liquid is prepared from a solvent containing chlorobenzene, anisole, and acetic acid. The complexed coating is then applied to the perovskite layer and dried to form a lead-free passivation layer. This method enables the recovery of lead from perovskite solar cells while maintaining their performance characteristics.
9. Synthesis Method for Organic Halides via Alkali Metal Halide Conversion in Solvent
Kyungpook National University Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation, KYUNGPOOK NATIONAL UNIVERSITY INDUSTRY-ACADEMIC COOPERATION FOUNDATION, 2023
Method for producing an organic halide for producing perovskite solar cells that eliminates the use of toxic hydrogen halides (HI) in the traditional synthesis route. The method involves converting methylammonium chloride (MACl) or formamidinium chloride (FACl) to alkali metal iodide (AI3-) or bromide (Br-) through a controlled reaction with alkali metal iodide (AI3-) or bromide (Br-) in a solvent, followed by filtering, purification, and crystallization of the resulting precursor. This approach enables the production of perovskite precursors without the need for hazardous HI, while maintaining high purity and yield.
10. Two-Step Method for Forming Perovskite Absorber Layers with Pseudohalide Salt Preincorporation
FIRST SOLAR INC, 2023
Methods for forming perovskite absorber layers in photovoltaic devices through a two-step process. The method involves applying a metal halide solution to a charge transport layer, followed by the incorporation of a pseudohalide salt into the metal halide film. The pseudohalide salt is preincorporated into the metal halide film before conversion to the perovskite absorber layer. This approach enables the formation of stable and efficient perovskite absorbers through controlled incorporation of the pseudohalide salt into the metal halide film.
11. Method for Recycling Perovskite Solar Cells via Solvent-Induced Dissolution and Electrode Regeneration
Hunan Yitai Technology Co., Ltd., 2022
A universal method for recycling perovskite solar cells, which enables efficient recovery and regeneration across both formal and trans structures. The approach leverages a solvent selectively dissolved in the organic semiconductor layer to dissolve the perovskite material while simultaneously peeling off the metal electrode layer. The recovered organic semiconductor material is then processed to produce a usable electrode, while the metal electrode is regenerated to prepare the next solar cell. This integrated approach addresses the unique challenges of perovskite solar cell recycling by targeting the perovskite layer specifically while preserving the metal electrode.
12. Transparent Photovoltaic Device with Perovskite Film and Spaced-Apart Polymer Islands Formed by Controlled Polymerization
YISSUM RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT COMPANY OF THE HEBREW UNIVERSITY OF JERUSALEM LTD, 2022
Transparent photovoltaic devices comprising perovskite compositions achieve high transparency and power conversion efficiency through a novel approach of incorporating spaced-apart polymer islands within the perovskite film. The islands, which can be 2D or 3D pillars, extend from the perovskite surface and penetrate adjacent layers, creating a patterned structure that enhances light transmission while maintaining structural integrity. The islands are formed through controlled polymerization and patterning of a functionalizable polymeric material, which is selectively deposited on a substrate surface. This approach enables the creation of transparent photovoltaic devices with high power conversion efficiency, while maintaining the perovskite material's inherent optical properties.
13. Recycling Method for Lead Halide Perovskite Solar Cells with Sequential Layer Removal and Material Recovery
HUANENG NEW ENERGY CO LTD, 2022
A recycling method for lead halide perovskite solar cells that preserves the structural integrity of the device while extracting valuable materials. The method involves selective removal of the cover plate, followed by removal of the metal electrode layer, followed by selective decomposition of the lead halide perovskite layer. The core layer, containing the electron transport layer, perovskite layer, and hole transport layer, is then treated for recovery of lead and other valuable materials.
14. Manufacturing Method for Perovskite Solar Cells with Metal Oxide Layer and Three-Dimensional Crystal Structure in Light Absorption Layer
HANWHA SOLUTIONS CORP, 2022
A method for manufacturing perovskite solar cells that enhances their efficiency and durability through improved interface characteristics between the perovskite light absorption layer and the hole transport layer. The method involves forming a metal oxide layer on the electrode, followed by treating a perovskite precursor solution on this layer to create a perovskite light absorption layer with a three-dimensional crystal structure. The perovskite layer is then processed to create a hole transport layer or electron transport layer, and the hole transport layer or electron transport layer is formed on the perovskite light absorption layer. This layered architecture addresses the interface issues between the perovskite light absorption layer and the hole transport layer, enabling improved photovoltaic performance and durability.
15. Solar Cell Recycling Method with Screen-Printed Etching Paste for Layer Removal and Wafer Thickness Preservation
Korea Electronics Technology Institute, KOREA ELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE, 2021
A recycling method for solar cells that preserves the wafer's original thickness while removing the antireflection layer and emitter layer through a screen printing process. The method involves etching the silver electrode, removing the antireflection layer, and printing an etching paste on the solar cell surface. The solar cell is then heated to activate the etching process, followed by cleaning with deionized water or potassium hydroxide. This approach eliminates the need for harsh chemicals while maintaining the wafer's original thickness.
16. Lead Recovery Method from Perovskite Solar Cells via Multi-step Component Stripping and Selective Extraction
Changzhou Campus of Hohai University, CHANGZHOU CAMPUS OF HOHAI UNIVERSITY, 2020
A method for recovering lead from perovskite solar cells through a multi-step process that addresses environmental concerns associated with lead-based perovskite solar cells. The recovery process involves stripping the battery components, removing the hole transport layer, and extracting lead-containing compounds. The method enables the recovery of lead from perovskite solar cells by selectively extracting lead-containing compounds from the battery components, followed by processing and purification steps to achieve lead recovery.
17. Method for Solvent-Based Recovery and Ultrasonic Purification of Lead Iodide from Perovskite Solar Cell Waste
HANGZHOU XIANNA OPTOELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2020
A method for recovering and purifying lead iodide from perovskite solar cell waste. The process involves using a solvent like dimethylformamide (DMF) to clean the waste containing lead iodide components, followed by ultrasonic cleaning and separation of lead iodide. The solvent is recycled during the process, enabling efficient recovery of lead iodide while minimizing secondary pollution.
18. Surface Modification Method for Stability of Organic-Inorganic Perovskite Nanocrystal Dispersions Using Amine-Based Surfactant
The Industry & Academic Cooperation in Chungnam National University (IAC), Chungnam National University Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation, 2020
A method for maintaining the stability of organic-inorganic perovskite nanocrystals during storage by surface modifying the dispersion. The dispersion is treated with an amine-based surfactant, which enhances the dispersion's stability through controlled aggregation and prevents spontaneous growth. The surfactant is specifically designed to interact with the perovskite structure, allowing for controlled aggregation and preventing aggregation-induced loss of photoluminescence efficiency. This surface modification enables the storage of perovskite nanocrystals without compromising their optical properties.
19. Chemical Process for Lead Extraction and Conversion from Perovskite Solar Cells Using Solvent-Mediated Precipitation and Sequential Reactions
SHANGHAI INSTITUTE OF CERAMICS CHINESE ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, ZHEJIANG ZHENENG TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE CO LTD, Zhejiang Tiandi Environmental Protection Technology Co., Ltd., 2020
A method for recycling lead from perovskite solar cells through a chemical process that replaces lead with a lead-free compound. The process involves dissolving lead in DMF solvent to precipitate out lead(II) acetate, followed by conversion to lead(II) acetate through a reaction with CH3COOH. This lead(II) acetate can then be converted to lead(II) carbonate through a reaction with CO2, and finally converted to lead(II) oxide through a reaction with NaOH. The resulting lead-free lead(II) carbonate can be used as a lead-free alternative in various applications.
20. Solvent-Free Fabrication Method for Uniform Perovskite Structures on Large-Area Substrates
JOINT STOCK COMPANY KRASNOYARSK HYDROPOWER PLANT JSC KRASNOYARSK HPP, 2020
A method for fabricating perovskite solar cells with uniform perovskite structures on large-area substrates through a solvent-free approach. The method employs a novel reaction medium that enables controlled precipitation of perovskite precursor solutions onto substrates, eliminating the need for solvents. This approach enables the formation of uniform perovskite layers with precise stoichiometry and morphology, resulting in high-quality solar cells with improved efficiency compared to conventional methods.
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