Methods of extracting silica and silicon from agricultural waste ashes and application of the produced silicon in solar cells: a mini-review

Abstract

The beneficiation of agricultural waste is a topical issue in the field of sustainable and renewable energy production. This review focuses on recent methods applied to extract silica and silicon (Si), a major semiconductor material, from different agricultural waste ashes and their application in solar cell nanotechnology. Specific attention is given to such methods as relating to sugarcane bagasse ash, a waste product from the sugarcane processing industry. Also reviewed is the current carbothermal process through which pure silicon is obtained from an inorganic source, quartz. The review also highlights current challenges and opportunities associated with present technologies, and aims to create awareness and provoke the thoughts of researchers, scientists and stakeholders in the energy sector in this area.

Keywords

• agricultural waste
• sugarcane bagasse ash
• silicon nanoparticles
• renewable energy
• solar cells