The application of organic solvents and thermal process for eliminating EVA resin layer from waste photovoltaic modules

Abstract

With rapidly increasing production and installation, recycling of PV modules has become the main issue. In this study, we developed the application to recover the tempered glass from panels and remove Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) from PV cells. The processes divided into two parts, organic solvents soaking and thermal treatment. In the organic solvents process, this study soaked PV modules into organic solvents to dissolve EVA resin and recover tempered glass. In the thermal treatment, this study removed EVA resin remaining on the PV cell. This study can comprehensively recover tempered glass and remove 99.97% EVA resin from PV cell. Moreover, it can contribute to not only subsequent leaching processes but also the environment and humankind health.