A South Korean research team has developed a method to upcycle silicon from end-of-life PV modules into silicon nitride, a high-value ceramic used in various industries. They aim to give recycled silicon a new, higher-value application by working on a practical, scalable recycling process with a Korean PV recycling company to reduce transportation costs and carbon emissions. Using SEM and ICP-OES, researchers studied particle morphology and purity of recycled silicon, finding that controlling milling conditions and using acid etching and sedimentation processes effectively removed impurities. By optimizing the recycling process, they achieved a silicon purity of 99.95% and α-Si3N4 content of 93.1%, emphasizing the importance of controlling impurities in recycled silicon for improving the properties of the final upcycled product.