Issue 1, 2021

Lead or no lead? Availability, toxicity, sustainability and environmental impact of lead-free perovskite solar cells

Abstract

Hybrid halide perovskites have taken over the world of new generation photovoltaics (PVs) since their first implementation just a decade ago, thanks to their efficiency comparable to commercial solutions, ease of fabrication, flexibility and versatility. Despite their outstanding performances, the presence of lead represents a severe concern for their future commercialisation, due to its toxicity and associated risks to human health and its environmental impact. Lead-free perovskites offer a potential avenue to circumvent the problem. However, parameters such as material abundance, toxicity and environmental impact of potential lead-substituents are too often neglected. In this review, we put forward a different perspective, focusing on concepts such as cost, availability, sustainability and eco-friendliness required to justify the large-scale use of lead alternatives in the PV industry. Furthermore, comparative case studies with technologies based on lead-containing materials such as lead zirconate titanate, Pb(ZrxTi1−x)O3, also known as PZT, and CdTe solar panels are provided. Finally, it is argued that the advantages of using lead in photovoltaic panels – when including proper encapsulation and recycling – outweigh the risks associated with its manufacturing.

Graphical abstract: Lead or no lead? Availability, toxicity, sustainability and environmental impact of lead-free perovskite solar cells

Article information

Article type
Perspective
Submitted
23 sept. 2020
Accepted
12 nov. 2020
First published
17 nov. 2020

J. Mater. Chem. C, 2021,9, 67-76

Lead or no lead? Availability, toxicity, sustainability and environmental impact of lead-free perovskite solar cells

G. Schileo and G. Grancini, J. Mater. Chem. C, 2021, 9, 67 DOI: 10.1039/D0TC04552G

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