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Podapangi SK, Jafarzadeh F, Mattiello S, Korukonda TB, Singh A, Beverina L, Brown TM. Green solvents, materials, and lead-free semiconductors for sustainable fabrication of perovskite solar cells. RSC Adv 2023; 13:18165-18206. [PMID: 37333793 PMCID: PMC10269851 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra01692g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Perovskite materials research has received unprecedented recognition due to its applications in photovoltaics, LEDs, and other large area low-cost electronics. The exceptional improvement in the photovoltaic conversion efficiency of Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) achieved over the last decade has prompted efforts to develop and optimize device fabrication technologies for the industrial and commercial space. However, unstable operation in outdoor environments and toxicity of the employed materials and solvents have hindered this proposition. While their optoelectronic properties are extensively studied, the environmental impacts of the materials and manufacturing methods require further attention. This review summarizes and discusses green and environment-friendly methods for fabricating PSCs, particularly non-toxic solvents, and lead-free alternatives. Greener solvent choices are surveyed for all the solar cell films, (i.e. electron and hole transport, semiconductor, and electrode layers) and their impact on thin film quality, morphology and device performance is explored. We also discuss lead content in perovskites, its environmental impact and sequestration routes, and progress in replacing lead with greener alternatives. This review provides an analysis of sustainable green routes in perovskite solar cell fabrication, discussing the impact of each layer in the device stack, via life cycle analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suresh K Podapangi
- CHOSE (Centre for Hybrid and Organic Solar Energy), Department of Electronic Engineering, University of Rome-Tor Vergata via del Politecnico 1 00133 Rome Italy
| | - Farshad Jafarzadeh
- CHOSE (Centre for Hybrid and Organic Solar Energy), Department of Electronic Engineering, University of Rome-Tor Vergata via del Politecnico 1 00133 Rome Italy
| | - Sara Mattiello
- Department of Materials Science, State University of Milano-Bicocca Via Cozzi 55 I-20126 Milano Italy
| | - Tulja Bhavani Korukonda
- Department of Centre for Energy Studies, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi Hauz Khas New Delhi-110016 India
| | - Akash Singh
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Duke University Durham NC 27708 USA
| | - Luca Beverina
- Department of Materials Science, State University of Milano-Bicocca Via Cozzi 55 I-20126 Milano Italy
| | - Thomas M Brown
- CHOSE (Centre for Hybrid and Organic Solar Energy), Department of Electronic Engineering, University of Rome-Tor Vergata via del Politecnico 1 00133 Rome Italy
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Maranghi S, Parisi ML, Basosi R, Sinicropi A. The critical issue of using lead for sustainable massive production of perovskite solar cells: a review of relevant literature. OPEN RESEARCH EUROPE 2021; 1:44. [PMID: 37645134 PMCID: PMC10445902 DOI: 10.12688/openreseurope.13428.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
This work aims to review the most significant studies dealing with the environmental issues of the use of lead in perovskite solar cells (PSCs). A careful discussion and rationalization of the environmental and human health toxicity impacts, evaluated by life cycle assessment and risk assessment studies, is presented. The results of this analysis are prospectively related to the possible future massive production of PSC technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Maranghi
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, R²ES Lab, University of Siena, Via A. Moro 2, Siena, 53100, Italy
- Center for Colloid and Surface Science (CSGI), Via della Lastruccia 3, Firenze, 50019, Italy
| | - Maria Laura Parisi
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, R²ES Lab, University of Siena, Via A. Moro 2, Siena, 53100, Italy
- Center for Colloid and Surface Science (CSGI), Via della Lastruccia 3, Firenze, 50019, Italy
- Institute for the Chemistry of OrganoMetallic Compounds (CNR-ICCOM), Italian National Council for Research, Via Madonna del Piano 10, Firenze, 50019, Italy
| | - Riccardo Basosi
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, R²ES Lab, University of Siena, Via A. Moro 2, Siena, 53100, Italy
- Center for Colloid and Surface Science (CSGI), Via della Lastruccia 3, Firenze, 50019, Italy
- Institute for the Chemistry of OrganoMetallic Compounds (CNR-ICCOM), Italian National Council for Research, Via Madonna del Piano 10, Firenze, 50019, Italy
| | - Adalgisa Sinicropi
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, R²ES Lab, University of Siena, Via A. Moro 2, Siena, 53100, Italy
- Center for Colloid and Surface Science (CSGI), Via della Lastruccia 3, Firenze, 50019, Italy
- Institute for the Chemistry of OrganoMetallic Compounds (CNR-ICCOM), Italian National Council for Research, Via Madonna del Piano 10, Firenze, 50019, Italy
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Buizza LRV, Herz LM. Polarons and Charge Localization in Metal-Halide Semiconductors for Photovoltaic and Light-Emitting Devices. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2021; 33:e2007057. [PMID: 33955594 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202007057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Metal-halide semiconductors have shown excellent performance in optoelectronic applications such as solar cells, light-emitting diodes, and detectors. In this review the role of charge-lattice interactions and polaron formation in a wide range of these promising materials, including perovskites, double perovskites, Ruddlesden-Popper layered perovskites, nanocrystals, vacancy-ordered, and other novel structures, is summarized. The formation of Fröhlich-type "large" polarons in archetypal bulk metal-halide ABX3 perovskites and its dependence on A-cation, B-metal, and X-halide composition, which is now relatively well understood, are discussed. It is found that, for nanostructured and novel metal-halide materials, a larger variation in the strengths of polaronic effects is reported across the literature, potentially deriving from variations in potential barriers and the presence of interfaces at which lattice relaxation may be enhanced. Such findings are further discussed in the context of different experimental approaches used to explore polaronic effects, cautioning that firm conclusions are often hampered by the presence of alternate processes and interactions giving rise to similar experimental signatures. Overall, a complete understanding of polaronic effects will prove essential given their direct influence on optoelectronic properties such as charge-carrier mobilities and emission spectra, which are critical to the performance of energy and optoelectronic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo R V Buizza
- Department of Physics, University of Oxford, Clarendon Laboratory, Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PU, UK
| | - Laura M Herz
- Department of Physics, University of Oxford, Clarendon Laboratory, Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PU, UK
- TUM Institute for Advanced Study (IAS), Lichtenbergstraße 2 a, Garching bei München, 85748, Germany
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Goetz KP, Taylor AD, Hofstetter YJ, Vaynzof Y. Sustainability in Perovskite Solar Cells. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:1-17. [PMID: 33372760 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c17269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
At a current value of 25.5%, perovskites have reached some of the highest power conversion efficiencies of all single-junction solar cell devices. Researchers, however, are questioning their readiness for the commercial market, citing reasons of the toxicity of the lead-based active layer and instability. Closer examination of the life cycle of perovskite solar cells reveals that there are more areas than just these which should be addressed in order to bring an environmentally friendly and sustainable technology to global use. In this review, we discuss these issues. Life cycle analyses show that high temperature processes, heavy use of organic solvents, and extensive use of certain materials can have high up and downstream consequences in terms of emissions, human and ecotoxicity. We further bring attention to the toxicity of the perovskites themselves, where the most direct analyses suggest that the lead cannot be considered totally safe, despite its small quantity and that replacements such as tin may be more toxic in certain scenarios. As a way to reduce the negative environmental impact, we highlight ways in which researchers have used encapsulation and recycling to extend the life of the entire unit and its components and to prevent lead leakage. We hope this review directs researchers toward new strategies to introduce a clean solar technology to the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katelyn P Goetz
- Integrated Center for Applied Physics and Photonic Materials and Center for Advancing Electronics Dresden, Technical University of Dresden, Nöthnitzer Strasse 61, 01187 Dresden, Germany
| | - Alexander D Taylor
- Integrated Center for Applied Physics and Photonic Materials and Center for Advancing Electronics Dresden, Technical University of Dresden, Nöthnitzer Strasse 61, 01187 Dresden, Germany
| | - Yvonne J Hofstetter
- Integrated Center for Applied Physics and Photonic Materials and Center for Advancing Electronics Dresden, Technical University of Dresden, Nöthnitzer Strasse 61, 01187 Dresden, Germany
| | - Yana Vaynzof
- Integrated Center for Applied Physics and Photonic Materials and Center for Advancing Electronics Dresden, Technical University of Dresden, Nöthnitzer Strasse 61, 01187 Dresden, Germany
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Life-Cycle Carbon Emissions and Energy Return on Investment for 80% Domestic Renewable Electricity with Battery Storage in California (U.S.A.). ENERGIES 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/en13153934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This paper presents a detailed life-cycle assessment of the greenhouse gas emissions, cumulative demand for total and non-renewable primary energy, and energy return on investment (EROI) for the domestic electricity grid mix in the U.S. state of California, using hourly historical data for 2018, and future projections of increased solar photovoltaic (PV) installed capacity with lithium-ion battery energy storage, so as to achieve 80% net renewable electricity generation in 2030, while ensuring the hourly matching of the supply and demand profiles at all times. Specifically—in line with California’s plans that aim to increase the renewable energy share into the electric grid—in this study, PV installed capacity is assumed to reach 43.7 GW in 2030, resulting of 52% of the 2030 domestic electricity generation. In the modelled 2030 scenario, single-cycle gas turbines and nuclear plants are completely phased out, while combined-cycle gas turbine output is reduced by 30% compared to 2018. Results indicate that 25% of renewable electricity ends up being routed into storage, while 2.8% is curtailed. Results also show that such energy transition strategy would be effective at curbing California’s domestic electricity grid mix carbon emissions by 50%, and reducing demand for non-renewable primary energy by 66%, while also achieving a 10% increase in overall EROI (in terms of electricity output per unit of investment).
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