Efficient decapsulation of waste PV modules: Dissociation and mechanism for different encapsulation films by TGM

Waste crystalline silicon photovoltaic modules are important resource. Inorganic materials such as glass, silicon, and metallic materials such as Cu, Ag can be reused. Efficient dissociation of waste PV modules is the key to recycling. In this study, TGM, an environmentally friendly dissociation reagent system, was proposed for the dissociation of waste PV modules encapsulated by EVA, EPE and POE film. The glass and backsheet of different laminates could be completely removed within 30 min through optimizing the reaction conditions, and glass, backsheet and solar cells with film were achieved. The results of FTIR and SEM showed that TGM attacked the non-cross-linked parts of different films, and penetrated into their surfaces to reduce the cross-linking degree, and achieved rapid dissociation. GC-MS indicated that TGM changed none composition and could be used multiple times. This study not only solved the disadvantages of high toxicity and longtime of traditional reagent, but also broke through the limitations of dissociation for film types by existing reagent.