Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals
Publication Date
2025
Abstract
The rapid growth of solar energy as a renewable resource has led to a significant increase in discarded solar panels. Recycling their glass components, especially fine cullet fragments, remains a major challenge due to impurity levels and processing limitations. This study proposes a sustainable approach to recycle solar panel glass cullet into high-purity silica nanoparticles using alkali fusion followed by acid precipitation. Process conditions including cullet to NaOH ratio, fusion temperature, and surfactant addition were optimized. The highest silica yield of 60.26% was achieved at a 1:1.4 cullet to NaOH ratio and 500℃. Polyethylene glycol (PEG 1000) was used as a surfactant to reduce agglomeration and enhancing surface characteristics. BET analysis showed that PEG addition increased the specific surface area to 372.34 m2∙g‒1 and formed a compact mesoporous structure with an average pore size of 8.91 nm. In comparison, samples without PEG exhibited a larger pore size of 12.36 nm and a lower surface area of 360.24 m2∙g‒1. EDX confirmed the high purity of the synthesized silica, with 95.12% SiO2. These findings demonstrate a practical and environmentally beneficial method to convert problematic solar panel waste into valuable nanomaterials, supporting sustainable resource recovery and circular economy goals.
DOI
10.55713/jmmm.v35i4.2448
First Page
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Last Page
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Recommended Citation
Ussawanawachat, Pathomporn; Nawaukkaratharnant, Nithiwach; and Theerapapvisetpong, Apirat
(2025)
"Synthesis and characterization of silica nanoparticles from solar panel glass cullet,"
Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals: Vol. 35:
No.
4, Article 6.
DOI: 10.55713/jmmm.v35i4.2448
Available at:
https://digital.car.chula.ac.th/jmmm/vol35/iss4/6