Indian scientists at the International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy & New Materials (ARCI), Hyderabad, have developed a novel organic-inorganic halide perovskite photodetector that uses magnesium as a partial substitute for lead, marking a significant step towards safer solar energy generation.
The researchers, affiliated with the Department of Science and Technology (DST), have focused on overcoming the environmental and health hazards posed by the use of lead in optoelectronic devices. They achieved this by introducing magnesium into the perovskite structure, thus creating a non-toxic alternative for solar applications.
The photodetector, based on the compound MAPbxMg1-xCl2I, was synthesized using a one-step anti-solvent approach. This process resulted in a tetragonal perovskite phase with the desired optoelectronic properties for efficient solar energy conversion.
In a departure from traditional device structures that require expensive metal cathodes such as gold, the ARCI team’s innovation uses a simplified architecture that is both cost-effective and robust. This new photodetector configuration has shown outstanding performance, with a high responsivity and detectivity, along with rapid response and recovery times, all achieved without bias.
The successful development of this lead-free perovskite photodetector by the ARCI not only addresses significant environmental concerns but also provides a potent alternative to the current materials used in the solar industry. This advancement aligns with the global shift towards renewable energy sources and sustainable technologies.
