Study on the Electrochemical Performance of End-of-Life Photovoltaic Crystalline Silicon as an Anode in Silicon-Air Batteries

With the rapid development of the photovoltaic industry, the issue of high-value conversion and utilization of end-of-life photovoltaic modules emerges. This study proposes using them in silicon-air batteries and designs a one-step pretreatment process to obtain two types of anode materials: AB@Si and TC@Si. Additionally, to enhance the electrochemical performance of retired crystalline silicon from PV modules as anodes for silicon-air batteries and improve their mass conversion efficiency, this study introduces Triton X-100 into the KOH electrolyte to inhibit chemical corrosion of the anodes and investigates the mechanism of action of Triton X-100. The results indicate that the surfaces of AB@Si and TC@Si exhibit a pyramidal structure, demonstrating excellent passivation resistance when used in silicon-air batteries, with maximum mass conversion efficiencies of 3.5% and 1.83%, respectively. Under the influence of Triton X-100, the maximum mass conversion efficiencies reach 6.39% and 3.09%, respectively. Polarization curves and mass loss under non-current conditions indicate that Triton X-100 primarily affects the chemical corrosion process of the silicon anode, while its impact on electrochemical corrosion is negligible. Results from contact angle measurements and adsorption energy calculations indicate that Triton X-100 adsorbs onto the silicon surface via benzene ring groups or OH groups, reducing hydrophilicity and delaying the self-corrosion process of silicon, thereby improving the battery′s discharge lifespan and mass conversion efficiency.