There is a great potential for photovoltaic (PV) powercost reduction through the development of polycrystallinethin-film modules. Furthermore, there is evidence that cadmiumtelluride (CdTe) solar cells will be the technology to open vastnew markets for PV energy conversion. One aspect that must beaddressed, however, is the environmental implications of Cd inthe modules at the end of the module life. A cost-effectivetechnique to recover Cd and Te from the modules in an economical,reliable, scaleable, and environmentally benign manner is theproject emphasis for Phase I. The technique developed willaddress environmental concerns involving the final disposition ofthe product. For the planned technique, modules will be exposedto a succession of mechanical, chemical, and/or thermaltreatments in order to (1) delaminate the modules, (2) strip thesemiconductors, and (3) refine byproducts. The work will addresssafety and health issues and will attempt to minimize unwantedbyproducts. The technologies to be evaluated for Cd and Terecovery include precipitation, electrolytic recovery,ultrafiltration, and ion exchange. It is expected that theresultant glass will be acceptable to a standard glass recycleand that the Cd and Te will have at least nominal value to amaterials supplier for further refinement and ultimate reuse.Anticipated Results /Potential Commercial Applications as described by the awardee: The successful completion of thisresearch will enable cost and environmentally effective recyclingof CdTe modules at the end of their useful life. This willaddress market concerns of primarily adverse environmental issuescaused by the presence of Cd. With the technology intact for"cradle-to-cradle" control of Cd and the tremendous low cost,high throughput potential of CdTe, the future becomes bright forCdTe based PV and for renewable electric power for the world withminimal adverse environmental effects.
