Progress in silicon resource recovery and high-value utilization from photovoltaic silicon cutting waste

With the rapid development of the photovoltaic industry, the amount of silicon-cutting waste is constantly increasing. Recycling and high-value utilization of silicon resources from silicon-cutting waste can not only effectively reduce environmental pollution risks and protect human health but also promote the recycling of high-purity silicon resources, which have significant environmental and economic value. This article first introduces the development background of the photovoltaic industry, as well as the sources, classifications, and forms of silicon resources in silicon-cutting waste. Subsequently, the technical route for silicon resource recovery from silicon-cutting waste was outlined using physical and chemical methods, and the advantages and limitations of different recovery methods were evaluated. The application value of silicon cutting waste in different fields was also assessed. Finally, the bottleneck problems faced by the silicon resource recycling industry in silicon cutting waste were analyzed, and corresponding solutions were proposed. The content summarized in this review will help promote the high-quality and sustainable development of the photovoltaic industry.