Separation of backsheets from waste photovoltaic(PV) modules by ultrasonic irradiation

Abstract

With the rapid development of the photovoltaic industry, the global installation of photovoltaic modules has increased significantly. However, there are few reports on the recycling of photovoltaic modules' backsheets. In this study, we employed customized ultrasonic instrument and compound solvents to recover backsheets from crystalline silicon PV modules. This investigation showed that the backsheets of end-of-life PV modules could be separated successfully by ultrasonic irradiation. At a temperature of 50?, the backsheet could not be separated in formic acid and acetic acid regardless of the ultrasonic power and concentration, but the effect in acetic acid was better. At a ultrasonic power of 720W and a temperature of 70?, although the backsheet could be completely separated in butanone, the silicon wafer was damaged to varying degrees due to the swelling of EVA.