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Chitra Sulkan, Speaker at Green Chemistry Conferences
Elecsome Pty Ltd, Australia
Title : Gases and particulate matter emission during extraction of various materials from waste silicon solar panels by thermal treatment process

Abstract:

Due to the rapid and widespread deployment of photovoltaic (PV) modules globally, there will be enormous amount of waste produced approximately 60-78 million tons by the year 2050. To recover resources, promote a circular economy, and subsequently reduce the environmental impact, end-of-life (EOL) PVs must require proper recycling. For recycling various methods of mechanical treatment, chemical treatment, and thermal treatment have been proposed and reported. However, thermal treatment is the most prominent method for recycling EOL PV panels due to the higher recovery rate of materials. In the present study, various types of emissions in the form of trace gases, particulate matter (PM), and toxic elements are recorded and evaluated during extraction of various materials from waste silicon solar panels by thermal treatments. The impacts of thermal treatment on the environment are studied by calculating emission factor (EF) of emitted trace gases and particulate matter (PM), organic carbon (OC), and elemental carbon (EC) and water-soluble organic carbon (WSOC). It was observed that the thermal treatment of waste silicon solar panels leads to the emission of Greenhouse gases as well as other trace gases CO, CO2, SO2, NOx, NO, NO2, and CH4 that may harm the environment and human health as well. A total of 13 elements Na, B, Ca, N, Mg, Al, P, K, S, Fe, Cl, Cr, and Ag released during the thermal treatment of waste silicon solar panels observed by XRF spectroscopy. By considering various kinds of emissions during thermal treatment for recycling waste solar panels and their possible impacts on humans and the environment as well, we concluded that waste silicon solar modules must be treated in a closed environment with all safety precautions.

Keywords- Solar waste, Recycling, Thermal Treatment, Emission, Gases, PM.

Audience Take Away:

The thermal treatment involved the decomposition of the polymeric layer at a higher temperature resulting in the emission of gases, which may have harmful impacts on the environment and human health as well.

There is not much information/data available regarding the emission of trace gases, particulate matter, and elements emitted from the thermal treatment of waste solar panels. Our study highlights the various types of emissions during thermal treatment these panels. The study will surely create awareness to ensure the safety precautions for researchers during the thermal treatment used for recycling waste silicon solar panels to make the process environment-friendly.

Biography:

Dr. Chitra Sulkan recently completed her dual PhD through a collaborative program between ACSIR, India, and RMIT University, Australia, under the guidance of Dr. Sushil Kumar (Chief Scientist at CSIR-NPL, India) and Associate Professor Rebecca Yang (RMIT University). Her research focused on innovative approaches to the recycling and upcycling of solar panels. Holding a joint PhD from these esteemed institutions, Dr. Sulkan has made significant contributions to the field, publishing several papers in renowned scientific journals. Currently, she serves as the Lead Research and Technology at Elecsome Pty Ltd, where she is spearheading cutting-edge research on the sustainable upcycling of end-of-life solar panels.

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