Drawback and Improvements of Current Perovskite Solar Cells

The concept of "sustainable solar cells" encompasses the dual objectives of promoting human health and advancing sustainable societal progress. Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have garnered significant attention over the years as promising contenders, recently reaching power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) exceeding 25%. Nonetheless, a majority of the primary materials in PSC production are recognized as hazardous by multiple environmental bodies. While there have been initial efforts, both chemically and physically, to develop less toxic PSCs, the PCE of these environmentally-friendly variants remains subpar when compared to their traditional counterparts. Hence, the balance between toxicity and efficiency has emerged as a pivotal concern for the PSC market. Viewing this through a lens of sustainability, it becomes evident why PSCs have become a dominant choice for sustainable solar technology. The subsequent focus should be on addressing the limitations—mainly toxicity and stability—associated with PSCs. The toxicity inherent in PSCs is largely attributed to the inclusion of heavy metals, such as lead, and halogens in its molecular composition. Concurrently, stability issues stand as significant barriers to the large-scale manufacturing of PSCs. Thus, pinpointing the equilibrium between toxicity and efficiency is vital for the successful market integration of PSCs. Finally, potential solutions to mitigate these shortcomings will be outlined.