Scientists around the world are constantly looking for ways to make energy technologies more efficient and sustainable. Recently, a team of Chinese researchers made a significant breakthrough by recycling solar panels to improve the performance of lithium-ion batteries. This discovery could revolutionize not only the recycling of solar panels, but also the manufacturing of batteries, making electric vehicles more economical and environmentally friendly.
Chinese scientists from the Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Process Technology have demonstrated the benefits of using silicon anodes in lithium-ion batteries, as opposed to those commonly used in packs, which use anodes in graphite.
https://srqbacklot.com/innovation/voici-le-premier-automobile-a-hydrogene-liquide-Espagne-20-000-km-dAutonomy-et-un-carburant-provenant-de-cette-region/594685/
They have also done this through a manufacturing process that makes low cost possible, developing them from solar panel waste, and thanks to an innovative technique that solves some of the challenges posed by the use of silicon.
No more volume expansion problem
Silicon anodes have already been shown to improve the energy density lithium batteries, as well as their lifespan, but their use should be very limited. Indeed, one of their main problems is that, during charge and discharge cycles, volume expansion can lead to breaks in the battery structure itself, as well as further degradation.
Therefore, what is initially an advantage, cannot be fully exploited. Researchers from the Chinese center have managed to create microparticles obtained from discarded solar panels, which are integrated into the electrolyte and which remained electrochemically stable during the experiments carried out.
This means that the risk of expansion and “rupture” in the packaging is mitigated. In fact, scientists speak of a effectiveness of the lithium-ion battery almost 100% (99.84%) and a maintaining the capacity to the source at 83.13% after a total of 200 charge/discharge cycles.
Furthermore, during extreme tests, the cells created for the study withstood a total of 80 full cycles, delivering an energy density of 340.7 Wh per kilogram, improving the performance of conventional lithium-ion batteries.
If processes of this type, which have been the subject of official scientific publication, are implemented, it will not only be a matter of make batteries more sustainably, but also reduce costs, which is very important in all sectors that use this type of components, and in particular in the field of electric vehicles, where we always seek to reduce costs as much as possible.
Volkswagen bat Tesla avec l’hydrogène : un rebondissement inattendu laisse l’Amérique sous le choc
Benefits of Recycling Solar Panels
Recycling solar panels has several benefits, including reducing electronic waste and recovering valuable materials. Researchers at the Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Process Technology in China have demonstrated that solar panel waste can be used to create more efficient lithium-ion batteries.
- Reduction of electronic waste : End-of-life solar panels represent a growing source of waste. Recycling these panels helps minimize environmental impact.
- Material recovery : Materials recovered from solar panels can be reused in other applications, such as battery manufacturing, reducing the need to extract new resources.
- Circular economy : This process contributes to a circular economy by reusing materials that would otherwise be thrown away.
Researchers have developed an innovative technique to integrate solar panel residue into lithium-ion batteries. They used silicon anodes from these residues, replacing the graphite anodes traditionally used.
- Use of silicon anodes : Silicon anodes provide higher energy density and longer battery life. However, their volume expansion during charge and discharge cycles poses a major challenge.
- Solution to the expansion problem : Scientists have created microparticles from solar panel residue that are integrated into the electrolyte of batteries. These microparticles remain stable on the electrochemical scale, thus avoiding expansion problems.
Technical details and experimental results
The experimental results are impressive, showing near-perfect efficiency and excellent capacity retention.
- Efficiency and stability : The developed batteries showed an efficiency of 99.84% and a capacity retention of 83.13% after 200 charge and discharge cycles.
- Energy density : In extreme testing, the cells maintained an energy density of 340.7 Wh/kg after 80 cycles, outperforming conventional lithium-ion batteries.
- Sustainability : Batteries manufactured with this method have demonstrated high durability and stability, which is crucial for long-term applications.
- Increased efficiency : Silicon anodes offer better energy performance.
- Cost reduction : Recycling solar panels reduces battery manufacturing costs.
- Environmental sustainability : This approach is more environmentally friendly by reusing electronic waste.
Dr. Li Wang, research director at the Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Process Technology, said: “This innovation not only improves battery performance, but also helps solve the growing problem of e-waste. »
Chinese researchers’ discovery of recycling solar panels to improve lithium-ion batteries represents a significant advance in energy research. This innovation could transform the way batteries are manufactured and used, making electric vehicles more durable and economical. By integrating recycled materials, this method offers an effective solution to current environmental and economic challenges.