Oxide-Halide Perovskite Composites for Simultaneous Recycling of Piezoceramics and Solar Cells

Global concerns regarding energy and the environment have created an urgent demand for sustainable manufacturing, usage, and disposal of electronic components. Piezoelectric and photovoltaic components are being extensively used due to the rapid development of the Internet of Things (IoT) and green energy production, which require large quantities of piezoelectric sensors/energy harvesters and solar cells as functional components and power sources. Thus, recycling these two essential types of components needs to be carefully considered. This work develops upside-down composites to recycle waste oxide perovskite-based piezoceramics and organometal halide perovskite-based solar cells. Production of the recycled and reusable materials requires only a marginal energy budget, while achieving a high level of material densification and excellent sensing capabilities. This work offers an energy- and environmentally friendly approach for recycling hazardous and high energy-consuming elements, as well as giving a second life to the functionality of waste piezoelectric and photovoltaic components.