Sustainable management of lead in perovskite solar cells

Abstract

Lead halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have come closer to their commercialization because of their high power conversion efficiencies (PCEs), substantially enhanced stability, and low-cost and scalable manufacturing. However, toxic lead (Pb) as an indispensable component in high-performance PSCs remains an outstanding issue challenging the commercialization of perovskite photovoltaic technology; toxic and water-soluble lead can leak out of perovskite layers under severe weather conditions, resulting in great potential pollution to soil and underground water. It is therefore essential to develop a closed-loop management of lead from preventing Pb leakage from perovskite solar modules during the device service life to recycling Pb from end-of-life modules. Here we highlight the recent advances in the sustainable management of Pb in PSCs from the above two aspects, and provide a brief outlook for the further development of lead management in PSCs.