Proceedings of MATSUS Spring 2025 Conference (MATSUSSpring25)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.29363/nanoge.matsusspring.2025.123
Publication date: 16th December 2024
The rapid development of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) has significantly advanced the field of renewable energy, offering high efficiency and cost-effectiveness. However, the widespread adoption of PSCs has raised serious environmental concerns, mainlydue to toxic lead-based components, such as lead iodide (PbI₂), which can pose substantial risks if not properly managed at the end of the product’s life cycle. As the need for sustainable practices in the disposal and recycling of these materials becomes more urgent, there is an increasing focus on finding efficient, environmentally friendly solutions for the recovery and reuse of lead from PSCs [1].
In this study, we introduce a novel and sustainable approach for up-cycling lead iodide (PbI₂) from PSCs using environmentally friendly functional liquids. Unlike conventional recycling techniques, which often rely on harsh chemicals and processes that can harm the environment [2],[3],[4]; our method focuses on harnessing green solvent systems to facilitate the efficient recovery and purification of PbI₂, making it suitable for reuse in the production of new PSCs or other applications, thereby closing the material loop and reducing waste.
By employing green solvent systems, the process mitigates the environmental impact typically associated with the extraction and purification of lead but also maximizes the material recovery rate. The effectiveness of the recovery process will be rigorously validated through comprehensive analyses, including structural, chemical, and morphological characterization of the purified PbI₂ to confirm the quality and yield of the recovered material, and demonstrating its potential to meet the stringent requirements for reuse in PSC manufacturing.
This methodology offers a practical and scalable solution to address the toxicity concerns associated with PSC waste [5],[6], and it represents a significant advancement in sustainable recycling practices, providing a pathway to reduce the environmental footprint of PSCs while promoting a circular economy. By improving the recyclability of essential materials like lead—while mitigating its toxicity concerns—this research contributes to developing environmentally responsible solar energy technologies, helping to pave the way for a more sustainable future in renewable energy [7].
I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to my supervisor, Professor Eva Unger, for her continuous guidance, support, and insightful contributions throughout this research. I would also like to thank the Unger Team for their support and contributions to this work. Special thanks to Helmholtz Zentrum Berlin for providing access to their advanced infrastructure, which was essential for the characterization and analysis of PbI₂. I would also like to acknowledge CATLab and FSU Jena for their support in handling the characterization techniques.
I would also like to express my gratitude to my former supervisor, Dr. Senol Oz, for his continuous support and valuable input throughout this project. I am also thankful to the team at Saule Technologies for their resources and assistance during the experimental development.
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