Lead Sequestration and Recycling in Perovskite Solar Cells

Organic-inorganic hybrid halide perovskites have rapidly become a focal point of the photovoltaic (PV) community as a promising next-generation PV technology. The certified efficiencies of single-junction perovskite solar cells (PSCs) and perovskite-based tandem cells have reached 26.1% and 33.7%, respectively. However, all of the current state-of-the-art perovskite-based PV devices contain lead (Pb) ions. The toxic Pb could pose a potential threat to the environment and public health. To address this potential challenge for future market adoption of perovskite PV technologies, we need to develop proper Pb management strategies for both perovskite devices in operation and those at the end-of-life. In this talk, I will first provide an overview of the potential Pb toxicity issue and some common strategies to address it. Then I will present our recent studies in this research area. Specifically, I will discuss our efforts on developing on-device Pb sequestration to prevent the leakage of Pb ions from broken perovskite PV devices under severe weather conditions. I will also discuss how to make our Pb sequestration approach scalable for industrial applications. In addition, I will discuss our efforts on recycling Pb from end-of-life perovskite PV devices. Finally, I will present our perspective on making perovskite PV a sustainable technology.