Chemical Recycling of Structural Carbon Fibers Reinforced Composites with Integrated Solar Cell for E-Vehicle

This study presents the development of a carbon fiber-reinforced epoxy composite with a bio-based and recyclable thermoset matrix, integrating a silicon solar cell for structural applications in E-vehicles. The composite is manufactured using a cleavable amine-based epoxy resin, enabling full recyclability where the key factor is attributable to the presence of a cleavable ketal group within amine's chemical structure when treated under mild acid conditions. A selective chemical recycling process is employed, achieving a 100 % recovery yield of all components - carbon fibers, matrix, and silicon solar cell - without degradation. Morphological analysis confirms that the recovered materials retain their original properties, since no microstructural changes were detected, demonstrating the effectiveness of the recycling process. This approach enhances sustainability in E-vehicle structures by enabling material reuse without performance loss.