Work

Challenges and Practices in the Analysis of Silicon Kerf from the PV Industry by Combinatorial Analytical Methods

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Exploitation of waste streams has gained prominence not only in sustainable use of resources but also as a potential source of raw materials. Silicon kerf is one such waste stream and its recycling has been quite topical in recent years. In the present study, the characterization of different industrial kerf samples was carried out using several techniques. The average metallic impurity concentration was approximately 400 ppmw with average particle size (D50) of 3.5 µm and surface area of approximately 33 m2/g. The inhomogeneity of kerf was shown to pose challenges like potential isotope interferences during analysis as well as being susceptible to high uncertainties and relative standard deviation (RSD). Remedies and best practices were recommended for successful characterization of such inhomogeneous materials.

Source: Materials

DOI: 10.3390/ma19030541

Authors: Tinotenda Mubaiwa, Marisa Di Sabatino, Sergey Khromov, Marthe Nybrodahl, Alexander Azarov, Jafar Safarian

Institutions: Norwegian University of Science and Technology, SINTEF, SINTEF Industry, University of Oslo

Language: English

Topic: Recycling and utilization of industrial and municipal waste in materials production

Subfield: Building and Construction

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137