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. Continuous Process for Lithium and Nickel Recovery from Battery Waste Using Calcium Hypochlorite and Solvent Extraction
BASF CORP, 2023
A method for recycling lithium and nickel from battery waste streams through a continuous process that produces both materials. The method involves treating the waste stream with calcium hypochlorite to separate nickel and lithium ions, followed by a solvent extraction step that converts the lithium-rich solution into lithium hydroxide. This lithium hydroxide is then converted into lithium nickel oxide (LNO) through calcination, and the resulting LNO is then delithiated to produce nickel hydroxide. The delithiated nickel hydroxide is then converted back into lithium nickel oxide through a series of solvent extraction steps, with the lithium-rich solution being regenerated through electrolysis. The method achieves continuous production of both LNO and LiOH while minimizing waste generation and reducing the need for multiple processing steps.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. Two-Dimensional Halide Perovskite Nanosheets with Tunable Composition via Quaternary Solvent Solution-Phase Synthesis
PURDUE RESEARCH FOUNDATION, 2023
Two-dimensional (2D) halide perovskite materials exhibiting high photoluminescence quantum yield, long carrier lifetime, and diffusion length, with tunable optoelectronic properties. The materials are fabricated through a solution-phase synthesis method that enables controlled growth of 2D nanosheets with precise composition and structural control. The synthesis approach involves a controlled quaternary solvent method that enables the growth of 1D nanosheets and their subsequent conversion into 2D nanosheets through controlled antisolvent treatment. The resulting 2D perovskites exhibit exceptional optoelectronic properties, including high quantum yields, long carrier lifetimes, and high diffusion lengths, making them suitable for applications in optoelectronic devices.
11. 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.
12. High-Temperature Injection Synthesis of Lead-Free Perovskite Nanoparticles with Controlled Nucleation and Growth
HANSOL CHEMICAL CO LTD, 2023
A method for producing lead-free, environmentally friendly perovskite particles that can freely dope various materials to improve luminous properties. The method involves high-temperature injection synthesis of perovskite nanoparticles using a cesium precursor, which is prepared through a reaction between a cesium compound and a fatty acid. The resulting nanoparticles undergo controlled nucleation and growth through a precise temperature and time control process, allowing for precise size and distribution control. The synthesis conditions can be optimized through a series of precise adjustments to achieve desired particle characteristics.
13. 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.
14. 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.
15. 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.
16. 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.
17. 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.
18. Method for Preparing Solar Cell Material from Lead-Acid Battery Waste Using Resource Recovery and Separation Process
ANHUI NARADA RENEWABLE RESOURCES TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2022
A novel solar cell material preparation method that enables the efficient recovery of valuable resources from lead-acid battery waste. The method employs a separation process that utilizes a resource recovery equipment to extract valuable metals from the waste lead refining alkaline sludge. The sludge is first leached with water and then treated with sodium hydroxide, tin oxide, and lead oxide to produce a caustic soda solution. The solution is then filtered and purified through pressure filtration, drying, and roasting to produce a high-purity material. This material is then converted into perovskite solar cells through a conventional process. The recovery process achieves a resource recovery rate of 100% of the original waste material, significantly reducing the environmental impact of traditional waste management practices.
19. 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.
20. Luminescent Solar Concentrator with Perovskite Nanostructures in Polymer Matrix via Radical Polymerization
GLASS TO POWER SOCHIETA PER AZIONI, 2020
A luminescent solar concentrator (LSC) that achieves minimal reabsorption loss through a novel doping approach. The LSC incorporates perovskite nanostructures (NS) into a polymer matrix, where the NS are selectively incorporated through a radical polymerization process. The polymer matrix serves as a nanocomposite illuminant, preserving the perovskite's luminescent properties while eliminating reabsorption. This doping strategy enables efficient LSCs with minimal light loss, making them suitable for large-scale photovoltaic applications.
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