Redefining Sustainability Pathways for Metal Halide Perovskite Optoelectronics

Abstract

Metal halide perovskites have emerged as highly promising materials for next-generation optoelectronic devices; however, concerns regarding toxicity, energy-intensive fabrication, and end-of-life management remain critical barriers to their sustainable deployment. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in green and renewable processing strategies for metal halide perovskites, with a particular focus on environmentally benign material design and device fabrication. We first discuss the development of non-toxic, lead-free perovskite materials, highlighting the most promising candidates based on performance, stability, and elemental abundance. Subsequently, progress in green solvent engineering, including bio-derived and low-toxicity solvent systems, is summarized with an emphasis on solvent–perovskite interactions and process compatibility. We then examine green and low-energy fabrication processes, such as low-temperature, vacuum-free, and scalable coating techniques, which significantly reduce energy consumption and carbon footprint. The importance of intrinsic material stability is further discussed as a key criterion for sustainable perovskite technologies, as prolonged operational lifetimes directly translate into reduced environmental impact. Finally, emerging recycling and circular-economy strategies for perovskite devices are reviewed, addressing material recovery, substrate reuse, and end-of-life considerations. By integrating material, process, stability, and recycling perspectives, this review outlines a holistic framework toward truly sustainable metal halide perovskite technologies.