Global solar energy production exceeds 1 TW in 2023 , representing 3/4 of global renewable energy production. According to projections, this production will double within 10 years, and multiply by 20 by 2050. This massive development of photovoltaic solar technology is leading to an increase in the volume of waste associated with the end-of-life of solar panels.

It is essential to start developing new méthodologies for recycling metals contained in solar panels, that will need to be processed in the near future. Among these metals, silver and copper are strategic, and their commercial value makes them particularly attractive for recycling.

The aim of the project is to develop a chemical route for recycling silver and copper as bimetallic nanoparticles of the type Cu@Ag. The nanoparticles must match the average composition of photovoltaic waste. The aim of obtaining nanoparticles remains in their ability to be processed as electrically conductive ink. After obtaining the nanoparticles, a conductive ink will be prepared.

In collaboration with the LPH laboratory of CEA INES, the above mentioned ink will be used in the metallization of silicon cells. Then, the performance of the metallization will be measured and compared with the performance of commercially available inks.