EWW Conference Agenda

The increasing demand for sustainable silicon sourcing, driven by sustainability, has expedited the development of innovative recycling routes for solar by products and processes losses —(silicon-rich material from photovoltaics and semiconductors). This paper outlines a technically advanced and environmentally friendly process converting PV/Semi waste into high-purity  silicon, emphasizing the technologies at different stages.

The Silicon 5.0® process integrates multiple thermal treatments to address the complexity and impurity profile of industrial losses. Contaminants and physical characteristics are crucial for energy efficiency and product quality.

Smelting stages alligned to physical and chemical sustainable steps  are combined and a high efficient methods, enabling selective alloying and removal of diverse impurities. Preliminary trials show that silicon produced via this integrated furnace-based recycling route has significantly lower impurity levels in an efficient and low emission way. Notably, the carbon footprint of this process is reduced to low single digit levels, 3-4 times lower compared to standard routes.

This work illustrates that advanced furnace technologies can convert industrial losses  from waste into a sustainable material for high-purity application.