ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SECURITY

Analysis of the Promising Thin Film Materials for Graphene — Based Solar Panels in Decarbonization and Circular Economy Processes

Authors

V. G. Petruk
Vinnytsia National Technical University ROR
S. M. Kvaterniuk
Vinnytsia National Technical University ROR
A. P. Polyvyanchuk
Vinnytsia National Technical University ROR
R. V. Petruk
Vinnytsia National Technical University ROR
S. V. Gavadza
Vinnytsia National Technical University ROR
DOI https://doi.org/10.31649/1997-9266-2025-182-5-17-24

Keywords

graphene thin-film solar panels circular economy decarbonization photovoltaic waste recycling

Abstract

The paper is devoted to a comparative analysis of the possibilities of recycling and utilization of two key technologies of solar power: conventional silicon panels, dominating the market, and advanced thin-film graphene-based ones. The analysis was conducted in the context of the transition to a circular economy and the rapid growth of photovoltaic waste volumes, which by 2030 may reach 78 million tons. The material composition of silicon panels was studied, which includes both valuable components (silicon, silver, aluminum) and toxic substances (lead, cadmium), which creates significant environmental risks during disposal. Existing mature technologies for their recycling are described - a combination of mechanical, thermal and chemical methods that allow recovering up to 80 % of materials with a potential of up to 99 %. It is emphasized that the economic feasibility of this process is supported by the high cost of secondary raw materials, and its development is stimulated by state regulatory policies, such as the WEEE Directive in the EU, in contrast to the lack of such a legislative framework in Ukraine. Graphene thin-film elements are presented as a promising alternative. Their fundamental advantage lies in the potential absence of toxic substances, since they are carbon-based. This can radically simplify, reduce the cost and make recycling processes safer, shifting the focus from hazardous waste management to the recovery of non-toxic materials. Although the technology is still at the research stage, innovations in reducing the cost of graphene production open the way to its future commercialization. The future of sustainable solar power engineering depends not only on the efficiency of energy generation, but also on the creation of a closed life cycle. The development of non-toxic materials and the introduction of mandatory producer responsibility for disposal are critical steps to prevent the environmental crisis and implement the principles of the circular economy.

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How to Cite

[1]
“Analysis of the Promising Thin Film Materials for Graphene — Based Solar Panels in Decarbonization and Circular Economy Processes”, Вісник ВПІ, no. 5, pp. 17–24, Oct. 2025, doi: 10.31649/1997-9266-2025-182-5-17-24.

Author Biographies

V. G. Petruk, Vinnytsia National Technical University

Dr. Sc. (Eng.), Professor, Professor of the Chair of Ecology, Chemistry and Environmental Protection Technologies

S. M. Kvaterniuk, Vinnytsia National Technical University

Dr. Sc. (Eng.), Professor, Professor of the Chair of Ecology, Chemistry and Environmental Protection Technologies

A. P. Polyvyanchuk, Vinnytsia National Technical University

Dr. Sc. (Eng.), Professor, Professor of the Chair of Ecology, Chemistry and Environmental Protection Technologies

R. V. Petruk, Vinnytsia National Technical University

 Dr. Sc. (Eng.), Professor, Professor of the Chair of Ecology, Chemistry and Environmental Protection Technologies

S. V. Gavadza, Vinnytsia National Technical University

Post-Graduate Student of the Chair of Ecology, Chemistry and Environmental Protection Technologie

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