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High-Efficiency Silver Recovery from End-of-Life Photovoltaic Modules via Hydrodynamically Optimized Electrowinning
Seyeon Cho1, Junkee Kim2,3, Se Yong Park4
1Department of Energy System Engineering, Future Convergence Technology Research Institute, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Gyeongsangnam-do 52828, Republic of Korea.
ACS Omega
|October 6, 2025
Summary
This study introduces an efficient electrowinning process for recovering silver from end-of-life photovoltaic modules. The novel method enhances silver recovery rates and purity while significantly reducing environmental impact and costs.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Environmental Engineering
- Electrochemistry
Background:
- Growing photovoltaic (PV) installations require sustainable end-of-life management.
- Traditional hydrometallurgical recycling presents environmental challenges, including hazardous chemicals and high CO2 emissions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel electrowinning process for high-purity silver (Ag) recovery from PV modules.
- To address the environmental drawbacks of conventional recycling methods.
Main Methods:
- Developed an optimized electrowinning system using a hemispherical stainless-steel cathode and magnetically induced forced convection.
- Utilized nitric acid-based leachate for direct Ag extraction.
- Employed computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations to validate the mechanism and optimize parameters.
Main Results:
- Achieved silver recovery rates exceeding 99% with approximately 99.4% purity.
- Demonstrated that magnetic stirring significantly enhances ion flux and deposition efficiency.
- Identified cathode geometry and stirring speed as critical factors for recovery rate.
Conclusions:
- The developed electrowinning process offers a practical, efficient, and environmentally benign pathway for silver recovery.
- This method reduces CO2 emissions by ~15%, operational costs by >65%, and processing time by ~60% compared to conventional methods.
- Contributes to the circular economy for photovoltaic materials through sustainable metal recovery.
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