[en] Intensive development of organometal halide perovskite solar cells has lead to a dramatic surge in power conversion efficiency up to 20%. Unfortunately, the most efficient perovskite solar cells all contain lead (Pb), which is an unsettling flaw that leads to severe environmental concerns and is therefore a stumbling block envisioning their large-scale application. Aiming for the retention of favorable electro-optical properties, tin (Sn) has been considered the most likely substitute. Preliminary studies have however shown that Sn-based perovskites are highly unstable and, moreover, Sn is also enlisted as a harmful chemical, with similar concerns regarding environment and health. To bring more clarity into the appropriateness of both metals in perovskite solar cells, we provide a case study with systematic comparison regarding the environmental impact of Pb- and Sn-based perovskites, using zebrafish (Danio Rerio) as model organism. Uncovering an unexpected route of intoxication in the form of acidification, it is shown that Sn based perovskite may not be the ideal Pb surrogate.
Centre/Unité de recherche :
GIGA - Laboratory for Organogenesis and Regeneration Hasselt University, Institute for Materials Research Hasselt University, X-LaB GIGA-I3 - Giga-Infection, Immunity and Inflammation - ULiège AFFISH-RC - Applied and Fundamental FISH Research Center - ULiège CART - Centre Interfacultaire d'Analyse des Résidus en Traces - ULiège
Disciplines :
Sciences de l’environnement & écologie Science des matériaux & ingénierie Pharmacie, pharmacologie & toxicologie
Auteur, co-auteur :
Babayigit, Aslihan; Universiteit Hasselt - UH > Institute for Materials Research
Dinh Duy Thanh ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Laboratory for Organogenesis and Regeneration > Form. doct. sc. (bioch., biol. mol. cel., bioinf. - paysage)
Ethirajan, Anitha; Universiteit Hasselt - UH > Institute of Materials Research
Manca, Jean; Universiteit Hasselt - UH > X-LaB
Muller, Marc ; Université de Liège > Département des sciences de la vie > GIGA-R : Biologie et génétique moléculaire
Boyen, Hans-Gerd; Universiteit Hasselt - UH > Institute for Materials Research
Conings, Bert; Universiteit Hasselt - UH > Institute for Materials Research
Langue du document :
Anglais
Titre :
Assessing the toxicity of Pb- and Sn-based perovskite solar cells in model organism Danio rerio
Date de publication/diffusion :
2016
Titre du périodique :
Scientific Reports
eISSN :
2045-2322
Maison d'édition :
Nature, London, Royaume-Uni
Volume/Tome :
6
Peer reviewed :
Peer reviewed vérifié par ORBi
Organisme subsidiant :
FWO - Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek Vlaanderen F.R.S.-FNRS - Fonds de la Recherche Scientifique WBI - Wallonie-Bruxelles International
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