A novel process for extracting tungsten from photovoltaic tungsten-based busbars scrap based on molten salt...

With the large-scale production and utilization of silicon solar panels, substantial quantities of photovoltaic tungsten wire scraps are generated during their manufacturing process. To alleviate environmental burdens and enhance economic benefits, the development of highly efficient photovoltaic tungsten wire recycling technology has become an urgent priority. Herein, we report a novel method for recycling photovoltaic tungsten busbars based on molten salt electrolysis. This approach achieves efficient tungsten extraction without employing toxic reagents or generating secondary pollution. The rare earth oxide (La₂O₃) added to the photovoltaic tungsten busbars is concentrated in the electrolyte and cathode, enabling effective separation from the tungsten product (sodium tungsten bronze). And lanthanum is recovered during the electrolyte purification process. The purity of recycled tungsten powder reaches 99.93%, with lanthanum oxide residues at the ppm level, meeting industrial application standards. Overall, this study effectively avoids ammonia emissions and wastewater generation inherent in conventional recycling processes, streamlines operational workflow, and delivers significant economic and environmental benefits.