Flinders PhD Enterprise Scholarship: Optimising silicon solar panel recycling: Chemistry or Chemical Engineering

Change lives and change the world with impactful PhD research co-funded by Flinders and Reclaim PV.

Flinders University and Reclaim PV are offering a PhD Enterprise Scholarship to undertake innovative research into optimising silicon solar panel recycling.

Flinders Institute for Nanoscale Science & Technology and Reclaim PV are collaborating on this research project to develop a silicon solar panel recycling method with optimal material yield at lowest possible energy input. Bringing significant industry experience to the project, Reclaim PV is a well- respected and dynamic Australian owned and operated solar panel recycling company that aims to ensure 100% recycling of materials and that no material is dumped in landfill through innovative and cost-effective collection and recycling services. Flinders Institute for Nanoscale Science & Technology is committed to provide sustainable solutions for a changing world and has complimentary research strengths within the area of solar energy.  

The research area of this PhD project is recycling of the materials in silicon solar panels. Around the world, and especially in Australia, the massive implementation of solar cells for the generation of renewable energy has been extremely successful but has also created an upcoming recycling concern. The solar panel market is already starting to generate a significant waste problem when replacements occur from commercial and private consumers. In the coming years this problem will increase significantly. To avoid disposing the aged or broken solar panels on landfill and to responsibly deal with the used solar panels they must be recycled. Today it is not clear how the materials in the solar panels can be recycled in the most optimal way.

In this PhD project the student will explore innovative methods to optimise the recycling of the materials used in silicon solar panels. The materials that the project will be focusing on are the valuable silver that is used as an electrical conductor on the silicon wafers, the plastics in the junction boxes and the plastic back sheets in the modules. We are seeking innovative solutions to this challenging area of research through this PhD project. 

The PhD Enterprise Scholarship also includes an internship of at least 60 full-time equivalent days, agreed to in written form within 18 months of candidature, undertaken and completed prior to completion of the PhD, during which you will be embedded with the industry partner team, developing your network, and gaining insight into the everyday research practices of an industry-leading/service driven organisation.

This PhD Enterprise Scholarship offers:

•  $33,000 (2023 full-time rate, indexed annually) per annum tax free, for up to 3.5 years
• Access to academic and industry expertise through joint supervision
• A supportive environment to learn leading-edge research methods and become an expert in your area
• The opportunity to manage a complex research project and respond innovatively to challenges
• A collaborative research community where you can enhance your skills and build your network to progress your research career
• Apply your research skills during an internship with Reclaim PV

To be eligible for a PhD Enterprise Scholarship you will need:

• To be an Australian citizen, New Zealand citizen, an Australian permanent resident or have, or are eligible to apply for, a relevant international visa; and
• Meet Flinders University PhD admission requirements – an Australian Honours degree Class 1 or 2A or equivalent qualification (at least AQF Level 8), or evidence of equivalent research experience, such as refereed publications or significant experience as a lead researcher; and
• Scholarship recipients are expected to take up their studies as soon as practicable within a timeframe specified by the Office of Graduate Research in consultation with the industry partner, up to maximum of 3 months from the time of acceptance of the scholarship.  In exceptional circumstances and with approval of the industry partner and the University, this time may be extended to 6 months
• Any other eligibility criteria relevant to the industry partner/research project (eg have or able to apply for a National Police Criminal History Check) It is desirable for applicants to also have:
• Honours/Masters degree with a focus on Chemistry or Chemical Engineering
• Interest in working with an industry partner

It is desirable for applicants to also have:

• Honours/Masters degree with a focus on Chemistry or Chemical Engineering
• Interest in working with an industry partner