SBIR Phase I: Environmentally Compatible Recycling Method for Cadmium Telluride Devices

9861462 这个小型企业创新研究（SBIR）第一阶段项目解决了碲化镉（CdTe）器件行业面临的环境问题。 CdTe广泛用于红外探测器，最近用于光伏（PV）设备，预计将提供世界电力的重要部分。 随着光伏设备行业的扩大，它面临着不断上升的废物处理成本和日益严格的环境法规。 薄膜光伏组件相对于大量废物流含有不到0.1%的金属，常规回收方法是不切实际和浪费的。 然而，微量的镉将模块归类为危险废物。 它们的处理成本可达400 - 1000美元/吨。 该项目将探索一种创新的闭环电化学方法来回收CdTe/CdS器件。 第一阶段将确定工艺参数，以去除、分离和回收半导体层。 这些数据将用于设计一种紧凑的回收能力，以最大限度地提高效率，最大限度地减少处理步骤，并避免废物储存和运输。 这种闭环回收技术主要针对CdTe薄膜光伏行业。 它为管理制造废物和模块处置提供了及时和便捷的解决方案。 它的实施可以节省80%以上的处置成本，并减轻环境合规的经济负担。 它还具有回收红外线，传感器和平板显示器行业中的半导体器件的潜在应用。

9861462 This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses environmental concerns facing the cadmium telluride (CdTe) device industry. CdTe is widely used in infrared detectors and more recently in photovoltaic (PV) devices, which are anticipated to provide a significant portion of the world's electric power. As the PV device industry expands, it is confronted with rising waste-disposal costs and increasingly stringent environmental regulations. Thin-film PV modules contain less than 0.1% of metals relative to large bulk wastestreams, for which conventional recycling methods are impractical and wasteful. However, the minute quantities of Cd classify the modules as hazardous waste. Their disposal costs can run into the $400-$1000/ton range. This project will explore an innovative closed-loop, electro-chemical approach to recycle CdTe/CdS devices. Phase I will identify process parameters to remove, separate and retrieve the semiconductor layers. The data will be used to design a compact recycling capability that maximizes efficiency, minimizes processing steps, and avoids waste storage and transport. This closed-loop recycling technology primarily targets the CdTe thin-film photovoltaic industry. It offers a timely and expedient solution to manage manufacturing waste and module disposal. Its implementation could save over 80% on disposal costs and mitigate the economic burden of environmental compliance. It also has potential applications for recycling semiconductor devices in the infrared, sensor, and flat-panel display industries.