Utilizing waste from photovoltaic for the synthesis of mullite whiskers via the molten salt method

Abstract

Melting salt was the method used in this work to produce mullite whiskers, employing industrial Si/SiC waste as a precursor. The goal of the study was to ascertain how temperature and the percentage of molten salt affected the development of mullite whiskers. Research results show that mullite whiskers are capable of being produced at temperatures of 900, 1000, and 1100 degrees Celsius with success. However, whiskers formed at 900℃ exhibit a significantly larger aspect ratio and a higher overall whisker content. Furthermore, mullite whiskers can be generated utilizing molten salt ratios of 56%, 66%, and 76%. Notably, whiskers produced with a molten salt ratio of 66% show a more uniform size distribution. This study offers valuable insights into mitigating environmental concerns associated with Si/SiC waste and presents a suitable method to prepare mullite whiskers.