Metal halide perovskites have demonstrated exceptional properties for various technological applications. However, several challenges still impede their full commercial expansion. From a sustainability perspective, this communication reviews the current status of some of the most significant challenges and, in certain cases, offers potential solutions.

One of the key challenges is the toxicity associated with materials, precursors, and solvents. This issue has gained increased relevance following the publication of the Safe and Sustainable by Design Framework in Europe.[1] The adoption of deposition techniques other than spin-coating presents new difficulties for improving efficiency, but it also offers considerable opportunities for reducing energy consumption and waste from an environmental and economic sustainability perspective. Nevertheless, significant technological optimization is still needed, particularly in the selection of green solvents and their optimal drying and recycling processes.[2]

Techniques such as hot injection and microwave synthesis for producing perovskite nanoparticles also face notable challenges in scaling, enhancing performance, improving energy efficiency, and increasing circularity. Another limiting factor affecting commercialization is the criticality of materials in Europe and other countries, particularly metals like cesium,[3] rubidium, antimony, and bismuth.[4] Beyond their inclusion in official lists, the issue is more complex and intriguing when we consider the dynamics of systems, including global resource availability and the geopolitical factors that influence them.

Additionally, we present findings from environmental impact studies employing life cycle analysis methodology on metal halide perovskites, highlighting unresolved issues related to inventory shortages and deficiencies, the lack or obsolescence of toxicity characterization factors for certain substances (such as metals and solvents), and the unknown behavior of nanoparticles in ecosystems and their effects on human health.

Finally, the silicon photovoltaic technology has yet to resolve the issue of what to do with solar panels at the end of their life cycle. We should not allow metal halide perovskites to face the same fate. We still have the opportunity to adopt circular practices from this early stage of research, including mechanisms like recent digital product passports.

This presentation aims to stimulate discussions, exploring innovative solutions and collaborative efforts to address these pressing challenges in the sustainable development of perovskite technologies.