Halide Perovskite Solar Cells with Biocompatibility

Abstract

Recently, the perovskite solar cell (PSC) has gained increasing attention because of its remarkable surge in power conversion efficiency (PCE), up to 25.2%, over the past several years. Unfortunately, most of the efficient PSCs contain lead (Pb), a toxic metal which is an occupational and environmental hazard. Exposure to Pb is extremely common and can lead to significant detrimental neuropsychological and physical effects in humans. Tin (Sn) is also listed as a hazardous metal and causes issues, similar to those raised by Pb, regarding environment and human health. Moreover, the perovskite itself degrades into hazardous compounds under external stimuli. Solar technology is growing at an exponential speed, and the research into its environmental impacts are, therefore, becoming gradually important. Herein, a comprehensive account of recent literature on the environmental and human health effects of Pb and Sn exposure, and the sources and routes of their toxicities during processing, fabrication, application, degradation, and withdrawal or recycling of halide perovskites and their solar devices is provided. In addition, the future perspectives on nontoxic and stable perovskites for sustainable solar devices are discussed.