Atypical methods for characterization of used photovoltaic panels during their pre- and Post-Thermal treatment assessment

Abstract

The study presents an innovative approach to the analysis of waste silicon photovoltaic panels prior and after thermal treatment. Using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), the elemental composition of multilayered panel backsheets was determined, identifying a TiO₂-containing coating laminate, a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) layer, and an ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) encapsulant, while also estimating their thickness. Identifying the fluorine-containing layers allowed their selective removal and safe processing of the used panels. Thermal processing parameters such as temperature (400-550 °C), time (5 - 60 min) and orientation of the busbar relative to the heat source were optimized based on contact angle measurements and CIELAB color space analysis, techniques used to detect organic residues in recovered glass and silicone. The decomposition process was examined by thermal analysis coupled with mass spectroscopy, which revealed that there were no volatile fluorine compounds in the gases released, although fluorine was detected on the recovered glass surface by SEM - EDS examination. After the PVDF layer was removed, fluorine compounds were not found in volatile gases or on the surface of recovered inorganic materials. The study indicated that the orientation of the busbars facilitates the decomposition of organic matter. Methods for reusing recovered secondary materials were also provided, suggesting the potential applications and benefits of recycling components from silicon photovoltaic panels.

Keywords: CIELAB colour space analysis; Contact angle measurements; Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy; Thermal treatment of photovoltaic panel waste.