Emerging Photovoltaic Technologies and Eco-Design—Criticisms and Potential Improvements

Abstract

An efficient waste management for emerging photovoltaic (PV) technologies is not mature yet. The problematic aspects along with the possible failure's identification have a pivotal role in modelling the future end-of-life management strategies. The identification of substances of concern (e.g. high cost, low availability, and high toxicity) and valuable materials is a key point to better define the research priorities to improve the eco-design of these technologies. The ultimate goal is to promote the disposal processes which enhance the repair, refurbishment, and recover opportunities and so the profitability of recycling. These studies can also prompt the investigation of innovative materials which are more cost-effective and/ or coming from renewable resources or secondary raw materials. Forecasting the waste management technologies for the emerging photovoltaics is highly challenging. In this context, our purpose is to provide an overview of the critical elements and understand the appropriate corrective improvements towards more sustainable technologies.

Hydrogel Electrolytes Based on Xanthan Gum: Green Route towards Stable Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

“…Bearing in mind the idea to investigate the feasibility of stable, but sustainable solar cells with safe and truly nontoxic components, we decided to focus our efforts on low-cost, abundant bio-derived polymers and critical raw material (CRM)-free redox couples as attractive and feasible alternatives to common organic electrolyte redox mediators [ 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 ]. In this context, we employed a standard Pt-based counter-electrode, but a further improvement in the sustainability of aqueous DSSCs should consider the development of alternative counter-electrodes [ 40 , 41 , 42 ].…”

Review of State of the Art Recycling Methods in the Context of Dye Sensitized Solar Cells

“…One step before actual recycling is to extend the lifetime of the DSSC. One reason for the short lifetime is the drying out of the electrolyte [43]. To prevent this, the cells could be encapsulated and solid-state or quasi-solid (gel) electrolytes could be used [44].…”

“…S. Mozaffari et al came to the result that due to the lack in efficiency and long-term stability DSSCs are no serious competitor to common silicon-based photovoltaics [55]. However, many other studies as well as the prediction for the market growth, estimate that DSSC technology has great potential and probably will enter the mass market soon [3,26,43,56].…”

Application of Metal-Organic Frameworks and Covalent Organic Frameworks as (Photo)Active Material in Hybrid Photovoltaic Technologies

“…Despite their major advantages, some issues could partially prevent the large-scale production of this class of solar cells: the use of lead is being debated today due to its toxicity and environmental harmfulness; the poor stability in the atmosphere due to degradative interaction with both oxygen and water and the partial photothermal instability of the perovskite layer itself [210]. In this context, the optimization of the ETL layer and its interface with perovskite film is of great importance to ameliorate the photostability of the device.…”