Sustainable Pb Management in Perovskite Solar Cells toward Eco-Friendly Development

Pb-based perovskite solar cells (PSCs) as one of the most promising photovoltaic technologies for commercialization have attracted tremendous attention in recent years. However, the toxicity and leakage of heavy metal Pb from perovskite film have become critical obstacles for eco-friendly development. Extreme weather conditions such as heavy rain, high temperature, or strong sunlight may accelerate the undesired decomposition of perovskite film and cause inevitable Pb contamination in the ecosystem, which results in a potential threat to animals and the environment. In this review, guidelines for successfully managing Pb in PSCs are provided to open a pathway toward sustainable development. First, the toxicological research of Pb that can cause health problems for humans and contaminate the environment is discussed. Then, the decomposition mechanism of perovskite film and Pb leakage pathways under simulated environments in terms of moisture, high temperature, and illumination are briefly reviewed. Moreover, strategies to inhibit Pb leakage including physical sequestration, chemical adsorption, and Pb component substitution engineering are systematically summarized. Finally, different pathways for achieving the goal of Pb recycling and sustainable utilization are systematically analyzed. With a comprehensive understanding of these effects, rational strategies for sustainable Pb management can be made to accelerate the development of this emerging field.