TECHNOLOGY LICENSING OPPORTUNITY: ELECTROCHEMICAL RECYCLING TECHNOLOGY FOR SUSTAINABLE RECOVERY OF TELLERIUM AND CADMIUM FROM CDTE PHOTOVOLTAICS

Electrochemical Recycling Technology for Sustainable Recovery of Tellurium and Cadmium from CdTe Photovoltaics
In-situ oxidant generation reduces chemical use and environmental impact in solar module recycling

Technology Summary
This technology enables electrochemical extraction and recovery of tellurium (Te) and cadmium (Cd) from end-of-life and manufacturing scrap cadmium telluride (CdTe) photovoltaic cells. Unlike current recycling methods that rely on externally supplied hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) in acid leaching, this process generates oxidants in situ from oxygen or air using electrochemical methods. The approach decreases reliance on bulk chemicals and significantly lowers the carbon footprint of recycling operations, while still producing Te metal and Cd suitable for reuse in photovoltaic manufacturing.

Problem Addressed

• High environmental footprint of current CdTe PV recycling due to reliance on H₂O₂ production and use.

• Supply chain and logistics burden from transporting and storing bulk chemicals.

• Growing need for sustainable recycling as CdTe photovoltaics expand in deployment.

Solution

• Electrochemical in-situ generation of oxidants eliminates external H₂O₂ sourcing.

• Direct recovery of Te metal and Cd for reintegration into module production.

• Electricity-driven process supports integration with renewable or nuclear power, lowering lifecycle emissions.

Key Advantages

• Reduced environmental impact: Avoids carbon-intensive bulk chemical manufacturing.

• Lower logistical burden: Minimizes transportation and storage of hazardous oxidants.

• Clean energy compatible: Process can run on renewable or low-carbon electricity.

• Next-generation mining model: Enables sustainable materials recovery aligned with circular economy goals.

Market Applications

• CdTe photovoltaic recycling: Direct application to commercial operations, such as First Solar’s module recovery.

• Sustainable metals recovery: Broader potential for hydrometallurgical extraction of critical elements.

• Circular economy strategies: Supports renewable energy companies seeking closed-loop manufacturing.