Lead Sequestration from Perovskite Solar Cells Using a Metal-Organic Framework Polymer Composite

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have increased in power conversion efficiency in the last 10 years, from approximate to 3% to now over 25%. While the best perovskite photovoltaics have remarkable efficiencies, the Pb-based absorber is likely problematic for commercialization due to environmental concerns. To address this inevitable issue, a porous metal-organic framework (MOF) polymer composite is applied, known as FeBTC/PDA that is used in "safe-by-design" perovskite solar panels. The material is based on a porous MOF scaffold containing a polymeric metal binding agent. Herein, the activity of this material to sequester lead from several solutions is demonstrated, including simulated perovskite solutions, solutions containing decomposed perovskite thin films, and real-world solutions obtained from damaged solar cell devices in a range of temperatures and conditions, and contaminated water derived from damaged PSCs is brought below the drinkable standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).