The main objective of this study is to develop a sustainable approach for reviving perovskite solar cells (PSCs) to achieve the highest-value product, not merely the recovery of elements. PSCs have emerged as an innovative technology in photovoltaics, offering high efficiency and cost-effective fabrication. Despite their potential, widespread adoption is hindered by challenges related to instability and the lack of effective recycling strategies [1]. Therefore, as PSC technology approaches commercialisation, scalable and environmentally responsible recycling methods are essential to ensure long-term viability and minimize environmental impact.

In this contribution, we introduce a green solution-based recycling methodology specifically designed to revive PSCs with carbon electrodes (C-PSCs), yielding the highest value product while preserving the device architecture. C-PSCs stand out for their superior stability and scalable fabrication [2]. Furthermore, their fully porous structure and fabrication method (infiltrating the perovskite in the porous scaffold) enable in-situ reloading or regenerating the perovskite material. According to our holistic assessment of different recycling opportunities in PSCs [3], revival through re-infiltration of fresh perovskite material into the porous scaffold provides the highest value product.

The degradation of C-PSCs is primarily attributed to the perovskite material [4], which can be selectively removed and replaced while maintaining the integrity of the porous scaffold. We developed a solution-based recycling technique utilising a non-toxic solvent, γ-Valerolactone (GVL), which has demonstrated a competitive performance in PSC fabrication [5]. GVL provides a green alternative to toxic solvents such as dimethylformamide (DMF) and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), making it a promising candidate for sustainable PSC recycling.

Currently, the efficiencies of the revived C-PSCs showed an average revival rate of 65% when compared to the fresh devices, and we are now working on different strategies to significantly enhance the rate. Our findings highlight the importance of scaffold stability during the recycling process. For example, optimized C-PSC structures incorporating zirconia nanoparticles exhibit enhanced mechanical robustness, ensuring durability during solvent exposure in the washing and re-infiltration steps. It is hypothesized that zirconia nanoparticles enhance cohesion among carbon particles through sintering, providing robust structural integrity to withstand solvent interactions. The solution-based revival method demonstrates a sustainable pathway for recycling PSCs to achieve maximum value product. By addressing key challenges in PSC sustainability, this work represents a step toward scalable and eco-friendly revival techniques promoting circular economy in photovoltaics.