Si-based devices for renewable energy: From end of life recycling to revival of photovoltaic modules – SIREVIVAL

The expansion of photovoltaic (PV) modules into smart energy systems (SESs) sets a huge challenge for the next decades, as it is expected by 2050 for the PV waste to reach 70 million tons. In this respect, Europe has established a well-structured framework to support efficient recycling since the first generation of PV modules in service attains the end of life, requiring replacement and accumulating as industrial waste. Recovering Si of more than 40000 tpa by 2030, and maximizing profitability of plants treating PV waste, can be attained only through implementation of state-of-the art processes and perspicuous policies worldwide, including Africa. The variety and amount of recovered materials, including Si, can be used to the production of novel 2 billions PV modules by 2050. There is an urgent need to increase the functionality of these modules, concomitantly with decreasing the overall product cost. The solar capacity to be installed by 2030 in Tunisia and Algeria will be larger than 1 GW in each country, setting several challenges for the circular economy based on end-of-life PV modules.
SIREVIVAL aims at the reduction of the environmental impact of spent PV modules, using recycled materials to build supercapacitors (SCs) and to integrate them with modern PV cells, in order to meet instantaneous power generation and delivery, sustaining thus the effort for affordable SESs. There is a need to conceive and fabricate functional low-cost materials from end-of-life PV modules with the aim of integrating them in key electronic components for industrial development of SESs. This circular economy approach requires eco-friendly new manufacturing technologies to preserve the environment and access critical natural resources, with reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
SIREVIVAL strives for robust and scalable SCs built on well-understood engineering principles by exploiting advances in the chemistry of carbon-based materials (Csp2-rich materials), pseudocapacitive materials (transition metal oxides or nitrides), solid-state electrolytes (gel or ceramic like), and micro-engineered Si-based materials obtained from end-of-life PV modules. The objectives will be achieved in four technical workpackages: PV modules recycling, materials development, SC manufacturing, system integration and validation of enhanced performance.
SIREVIVAL has an interdisciplinary approach for manufacturing eco-friendly functional materials for efficient, low-cost and resilient SESs accommodating PV modules and SCs. It fosters collaboration between top-level research institutions in EU and Africa, promoting innovation and delivering solutions to industrial actors in the field of recycling protocols and circular economy, chemistry of advanced materials for renewable energy applications and engineering of SESs. Tunisia participates because SIREVIVAL fits to the country’s long-term research strategy and due to the importance of maturation and risk-reduction approaches for the transfer of this technology to industry. SIREVIVAL will boost the African partners competence in the field of materials development and SESs and it will facilitate access to urgently needed recycling technologies. The driving force behind two EU countries participation, besides contributing to the delivery of European Green Deal objectives, is to develop state-of-the art engineering protocols for novel energy storage architectures based on SCs.
Based on the implementation of efficient recycling protocols (> 85%) and development of unique materials, the integration of PV modules and SCs will enable smart energy conversion and management and will enhance the environmental adaptability of SESs. The SCs will tackle energy densities > 20 Wh·kg-1, benefiting from operational voltage window >2 V, enhanced performance (>105 cycles) together with operational temperature window from – 40 to 100°C. The SCs will be integrated on the backside of 250 Wp PV modules in order to compensate >300 s overcast.