Center for Excitonics

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From cradle to grave: “The toxicity of organometal halide perovskite solar cells”

December 5, 2016 at Perovskite Symposium: 12pm-4pm/ 36-462

Aslihan Babayigit
Nanostructure Physics Group, Institute for Materials Research-IMEC, BE

In the last few years, the advent of metal halide perovskite solar cells has revolutionized the prospects of next-generation photovoltaics [1]. As this technology is maturing at an exceptional rate, research on its environmental impact is becoming increasingly relevant. With arising consciousness regarding the heavy metal content of this technology, and the possible strain this imposes on the public perception and acceptance, we provide an overall and well-balanced summary of the toxicity associated with perovskite solar cells from cradle to grave. We highlight for each phase of the device life-cycle different routes of intoxication and environmental burden – both on an occupational and non-occupational level –, stressing the relevance of the exact chemical nature of precursor materials (organic or inorganic metal compounds), solvents and their relation to various deposition methods [2].

Babayigit-image

Figure 1 Schematic life cycle of perovskite solar cells.

We also provide insight into the kinetics of Lead or Tin entering the human body with respective threshold values, symptoms and diagnostics [3]. Above all, we discuss some less obvious hazards in the device lifecycle and elaborate on challenges that still have to be overcome (cfr. robust encapsulations and recycling strategies). We also revisit Cadmium Telluride solar cells, a commercial solar technology also employing notorious heavy metals, and point out differences, similarities, and key facets that could allow perovskite to thrive commercially as well [4].

[1]. S. D. Stranks, H.J. Snaith, Nature Nanotech. (2015), 10, 391- 402.
[2]. World Health Organization, Environmental Health Criteria 3: Lead, 1977.
[3]. World Health Organization, Exposure to lead: a major public health concern,  2010.
[4]. J. Zayed, S. Philippe, Int. J. Toxicol. (2009), 28, 259-265.

Aslihan Babayigit obtained her Bachelor degree in Biomedical Sciences in 2013 at Hasselt University, BE. In 2015 she completed her degree with a Master in Bioelectronics and Nanotechnology at Hasselt University, BE. Currently she is a PhD fellow of Research Fund Flanders (FWO) in the Nanostructure Physics group lead by Prof. dr. Hans-Gerd Boyen at the Institute for Materials Research-IMEC, BE. For her Master dissertation she investigated the thermal stability and environmental burden of Lead (Pb) and Tin (Sn) based photovoltaic perovskites. Her current work focuses on various aspects of film formation of most archetypical and novel perovskites. Additionally, her focus is also directed towards toxicological screening of unconventional, potentially non-toxic perovskites and their eco-friendly processing. In 2016, she obtained a FWO travel grant for a long research stay abroad at the Photovoltaic and Optoelectronic Device Group lead by Prof. dr. Henry J. Snaith, FRS at the University of Oxford, UK. There she investigated a reproducible and universal deposition protocol for efficient multi-cation and multi-anion perovskites solar cells alongside research on perovskite-perovskite tandem solar cells.