Lead-Free Metal Halide Perovskite Nanocrystals: From Fundamentals to Applications

Lead (Pb) halide perovskite nanocrystals, with the general formula APbX(3), where A=CH3NH3+, CH(NH2)(2+), or Cs+ and X=Cl-, Br-, or I-, have emerged as a class of materials with promising properties due to their remarkable optical properties and solar cell performance. However, important issues still need to be addressed to enable practical applications of these materials, such as instability, mass production, and Pb toxicity. Recent studies have carried out the replacement of Pb by various less-toxic cations as Sn, Ge, Sb, and Bi. This variety of chemical compositions provide Pb-free perovskite and metal halide nanostructures with a wide spectral range, in addition to being considered less toxic, therefore having greater practical applicability. Highlighting the necessity to address and solve the toxicity problems related to Pb-containing perovskite, this review considers the prospects of the Pb-free perovskite, involving synthesis methods, and properties of them, including advantages, disadvantages, and applications.

Automated summary

Lead halide perovskite nanocrystals show promising properties in terms of optical performance and solar cell efficiency. However, stability, mass production, and lead toxicity still need to be addressed. Recent studies have focused on replacing lead with less toxic cations, such as Sn, Ge, Sb, and Bi, resulting in a wide range of Pb-free perovskite and metal halide nanostructures.