Work

Upcycling of EVA resin from photovoltaics into supercapacitor material and combustible gas by autogenic pressure pyrolysis

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: In response to the growing challenge of photovoltaic waste management, developing sustainable and value-added treatment strategies is imperative. In this study, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) resins sourced from waste photovoltaic modules and virgin materials were utilized for the production of hierarchical porous carbon (HPC) and methane-rich combustible gas via autogenic pressure pyrolysis coupled with KOH activation. Temperature-dependent pyrolysis revealed that 700 °C was the optimal condition, yielding pyrolysis gas with a high methane content (43.39 vol%) and producing graphitized carbon spheres. Subsequent KOH activation generated HPC with a large specific surface area of 765.4 m 2 /g. When applied as a supercapacitor electrode in 6 mol/L KOH electrolyte, the HPC exhibited a high specific capacitance of 152 F/g at 0.2 A/g. Additionally, EVA resins with higher vinyl acetate content and melt index (MI) produced greater amounts of methane and pyrolytic carbon, while the resins with lower MI values showed enhanced reactivity toward chemical activation. This work offers a green and efficient route for the high-value recycling of EVA in PV waste and contributes to the sustainable synthesis of advanced HPC materials for energy storage applications. • Waste EVA resin is valorized into methane and HPC via autogenic pressure pyrolysis. • Optimal CH₄ yield (43 %) and graphitized carbon microsphere were obtained at 700 °C. • KOH activation yields carbon with hierarchical porosity and 765 m 2 /g surface area. • EVA-derived HPC exhibits a specific capacitance of 152 F/g at 0.2 A/g in 6 M KOH. • VA content and MI index of EVA affect pyrolysis efficiency and activation degree.

Source: Fuel Processing Technology

DOI: 10.1016/j.fuproc.2025.108344

Authors: Yadi Jia, Pinjing He, Fan Lü, Wei Peng, Hua Zhang, Khamphe Phoungthong

Institutions: Tongji University, Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Prince of Songkla University

Language: English

Topic: Supercapacitor Materials and Fabrication

Subfield: Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Affordable and clean energy, Climate action, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,180