Evaluating Solvent-Based Recycling of PV Modules Using FT-IR and GC-MS Techniques

The growing deployment of photovoltaic (PV) modules necessitates effective recycling strategies to manage end-of-life solar modules sustainably. This study investigates chemical recycling methods for PV modules, focusing on the delamination of functional layers using various solvents. Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), the primary encapsulant in commercial modules, was targeted for removal using six different solvents, including toluene and o-xylene. FT-IR and GC-MS analyses were employed to evaluate the chemical interactions and efficiency of each solvent in dissolving EVA and Tedlar layers. Experimental results revealed that toluene and o-xylene were the most effective solvents, although safety and environmental considerations must be addressed for industrial application. The findings contribute to the development of safer and more efficient chemical recycling processes for solar cells, offering a promising alternative to conventional mechanical methods.