Materials Development and Recycling Technologies (MDR)

About

The Materials Development and Recycling (MDR) Division at ODTÜ-GÜNAM conducts research on the development, optimization, and circular use of materials that form the foundation of photovoltaic technologies. The Division contributes to sustainable manufacturing processes through research on both the synthesis of new materials and the recovery of materials from end-of-life solar modules.

Research Areas and Expertise

The MDR Division carries out research aimed at improving the performance of materials used in photovoltaic systems and extending their service life.

Its main research areas include:

• Conductive and insulating thin-film materials
• Encapsulation and surface coating materials
• Development of metal pastes and polymeric components
• Recycling of glass, EVA, TCO, and wafer components
• Life-cycle and environmental impact analyses

The Division aims to develop suitable materials and components for both crystalline silicon and emerging photovoltaic technologies. It also investigates module degradation mechanisms, ageing processes, and durability in order to improve long-term material stability.

Infrastructure and Capabilities

The MDR Division has laboratory infrastructure supporting material development, characterization, and recycling processes.

Its infrastructure includes thin-film deposition systems such as PVD, ALD, and sputtering equipment; thermal and chemical recycling systems; and analytical instruments including FTIR, XRD, SEM, UV–Vis, DSC, and TGA.

The Division also has capabilities for evaluating the environmental impacts of material production processes through life-cycle costing (LCC) and carbon footprint analyses. These capabilities support the development of more sustainable and resource-efficient production models for the photovoltaic sector.