Breakthrough Method Extracts Silver from Discarded Solar Panels
Researchers at Macquarie University have announced a significant advancement in the extraction of valuable silver from discarded solar panels, achieving this without damaging other components of the panels.
Led by Dr Binesh Puthen Veettil and Dr David Payne from the School of Engineering, the team has created a method that effectively removes silver while leaving metals like aluminium untouched, as well as preserving the integrity of the silicon cells and other parts.
Introducing Jet Electrochemical Silver Extraction Technology
The newly developed Jet Electrochemical Silver Extraction (JESE) technology employs a fine stream of weak acid that is directed precisely at the silver within solar panels. This process dissolves the silver almost instantaneously, ensuring that the silicon wafer remains intact and uncontaminated, making it suitable for reuse in semiconductor production.
Dr Veettil likens their solution to a pressure washer, stating, “Our solution is like a pressure washer for removing silver.”
Tackling Waste and Silver Price Challenges
This innovative technology addresses two pressing issues: the increasing volume of waste solar panels and the soaring price of silver, which has doubled since 2018 due to demand surpassing mining supply.
In addition, the researchers have developed a delamination technology that utilises microwave energy to separate glass, silicon, and other components without the need for grinding or high-temperature furnaces.
Collaboration with Lithium Universe
Both the JESE and delamination technologies have been licensed to Lithium Universe, a startup based in Perth that aims to bridge the “lithium conversion gap” by creating a mine-to-battery-grade lithium carbonate strategy.
Lithium Universe plans to undertake its own research and development to commercialise these technologies, with aspirations for pilot testing and validation by 2030, followed by commercial deployment and initial sales by 2032.
Iggy Tan, CEO of Lithium Universe, remarked, “Together, we are delivering a breakthrough recycling solution that recovers high-purity silver while preserving wafer integrity.” He further emphasised the importance of collaboration between industry and academia in fostering technologies that promote both commercial viability and sustainability.
