Harnessing biotechnology for sustainable metal valorization from solar panel waste

Abstract

Rapid expansion of the renewable energy sector has generated a growing stream of discarded solar panels, posing a formidable environmental challenge in our environmentally conscious world. Bioleaching, a process involving various microbe-enzyme mediated techniques, is emerging as a transformative approach for valorizing solar panel waste into valuable resources. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of enzyme- and microbe-driven bioleaching techniques for extracting various elements such as copper or aluminum, from solar panels, incorporating the latest research findings spanning the last decade. Particular attention is given to the removal of Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) resins, a common solar panel component, along with a detailed table of biopolymers used in selective and non-selective metal recovery, highlighting their principles, advantages, and disadvantages. This synthesis aims to illuminate the evolving landscape of bioleaching technologies and their pivotal role in promoting sustainable solar panel recycling.