Scientists in China have developed a way to make more efficient batteries for use in renewable energy storage systems by recycling silicon derived from old photovoltaic panels.
Researchers from the Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology (QIBEBT), of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, say they have developed low-cost micro-sized silicon anodes from recycled photovoltaic waste using a novel electrolyte design.
Their pioneering work, published in Nature Sustainability, is said to offer a path to more sustainable, low-cost, and high-energy-density batteries that could transform energy storage systems for electric vehicles, and renewable energy applications.
Dr Liu Tao, first author of the study, said: “This work not only suggests a more sustainable supply source for silicon particles, but also addresses the major challenges facing micro-sized silicon anode materials.”
Silicon anodes are favoured for their ability to substantially increase the energy density of lithium-ion batteries compared to traditional graphite anodes, but they are hindered by significant volume expansion during charge-discharge cycles. This expansion can cause mechanical fractures and degrade battery performance.
To overcome these challenges, the researchers, led by professor Cui Guanglei, pioneered the use of micro-sized silicon particles derived from photovoltaic waste as a viable alternative.
Dr Dong Tiantian, another co-first author of the study, emphasised the environmental benefits: “The sustainable sourcing of silicon from discarded solar panels mitigates both the economic and environmental impacts of photovoltaic waste. Converting waste into valuable battery components significantly reduces the cost of lithium-ion batteries and increases their accessibility.”
Cui added: “By using recycled materials and advanced chemical engineering, we have demonstrated that high-performance and environmentally sustainable lithium-ion batteries are not only possible, but also within reach.”
Image credit: israel palacio/Unsplash
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