Minimizing perovskite solar cells' lead leakage with a cost-effective and 160 days stable encapsulant

Abstract

Perovskite solar cells' (PSCs) potential lead leakage seriously threatens ecosystems and human health, significantly hindering their commercialization. In this paper, we develope a cost-effective (less than 2$/m²) and long-term stable SSP film by mixing sulfonated SiO₂ with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Combined with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) forming the encapsulation layer, it can effectively prevent over 99% of lead leakage under simulated adverse weather conditions with different structures of devices (p-i-n and n-i-p) and modules. Even after 160 days of air storage, the film maintains excellent lead sequestration efficiency. Additionally, it has no negative impact on the performance and stability. This work offers a practical and economical strategy to mitigate the toxicity of perovskite photovoltaic devices, thereby promoting their commercialization.