Silicon recycling from wafering waste to produce reusable photovoltaic feedstock

• Research unit: INNOSUISSE
• Project number: 8829.2;7 PFIW-IW

Short description (English)

Silicon recycling from wafering waste to produce reusable photovoltaic feedstock

Short description (French)

Feasability Study CTI / Alliance: Silicon recycling from wafering waste to produce reusable photovoltaic feedstock

Abstract (English)

The objective of the SIRE project is the demonstration of a process that allows the recycling of 80% of the silicon saw residues contained in exhausted wire-saw cutting slurries from the production of silicon wafers for the photovoltaic (PV) industry. During the slicing of silicon blocks into thin wafers (150-200 micron thick) by multi-wire slurry sawing (MWSS) technology, around 50% of the silicon (or about 3 tons of silicon per MW produced PV power at 15% module efficiency), that entered the wafering process, is lost in form of fine, micron sized silicon powders which accumulate in the wire sawing slurries.

Abstract (French)

The objective of the SIRE project is the demonstration of a process that allows the recycling of 80% of the silicon saw residues contained in exhausted wire-saw cutting slurries from the production of silicon wafers for the photovoltaic (PV) industry. During the slicing of silicon blocks into thin wafers (150-200 micron thick) by multi-wire slurry sawing (MWSS) technology, around 50% of the silicon (or about 3 tons of silicon per MW produced PV power at 15% module efficiency), that entered the wafering process, is lost in form of fine, micron sized silicon powders which accumulate in the wire sawing slurries.