Low-toxicity Light-absorbing Materials for Indoor Photovoltaic Applications

Abstract

Indoor photovoltaics (IPVs) have been considered as compelling candidates for powering various portable and off-the-grid Internet-of-things (IoT) electronic devices. While IPVs holds great promise for enabling autonomous operation of indoor electronics, low-toxicity materials are essential for eliminating potential health and environmental concerns for practical application. This review presents the representative research progress in developing low-toxicity light-absorbing semiconductors for IPVs, such as lead-free halide perovskites, organic semiconductors, silicon and III-V semiconductors. The advantages and potential of lead-free halide perovskite materials are highlighted in comparison to the other competing candidates in the IPV research field. Finally, research challenges and perspectives are discussed. This article aims to shed light on future research and advancement of low-toxicity materials for next-generation IPV technology.