New process for producing green hydrogen from end-of-life silicon solar wafers.

Abstract

The invention described relates to an innovative process for producing green hydrogen by reusing silicon solar cells from end-of-life photovoltaic modules. This process relies on a specific mechanical and chemical treatment of the silicon powder derived from these used modules. It consists of several key steps: first, the preparation of the used solar cells, followed by their chemical transformation. This new process aims to valorize obsolete photovoltaic materials while contributing to the sustainable production of hydrogen, a clean and renewable energy source. The present process enables a hydrogen production of 267 cm³ per hour while consuming only 2.9 grams of silicon wafers per hour, or a daily production of 6408 cm³ in continuous operation. This process can be integrated into two industrial scenarios: the first is a hydrogen production plant using end-of-life photovoltaic modules, while the second scenario involves integrating this process into a silicon photovoltaic panel recycling unit.