# Integrated Lead/Iodine Management for Sustainable Perovskite Solar Modules

## TL;DR

This paper introduces a new method to safely manage toxic lead and iodine in perovskite solar modules using a dual-function material and recycling process.

## Contribution

A dual-function adsorbent and semi-closed recycling process for managing lead and iodine in perovskite solar modules is introduced.

## Key findings

- A dual-function adsorbent prevents lead and iodine leakage even under severe damage.
- A recycling process recovers 96.9% high-purity PbI2 from perovskite waste.
- Residual Pb2+ concentration is reduced to below 10 ppb, meeting EU drinking water standards.

## Abstract

The environmental hazards posed by the release of toxic lead ions (Pb2+) and volatile iodine species remain a major obstacle to the large‐scale commercialization of perovskite solar modules. Here, we propose a dual‐function adsorbent–porphyrin‐modified whitlockite nanocomposites (WH&Por), which simultaneously captures volatile iodine via surface‐coated porphyrin and adsorbs Pb2+ through the whitlockite matrix, forming an integrated pollutant barrier throughout the entire lifecycle of perovskite devices. Experimental results show that even under severe mechanical damage with a WH&Por loading of just 0.25 mg/cm2, the protection system prevents the leakage of lead and iodine, demonstrating excellent environmental safety performance. In addition, we developed a semi‐closed loop recycling process that enables the recovery of high‐purity PbI2 from perovskite waste, achieving a recovery yield of up to 96.9%. Devices reassembled using the recovered PbI2 exhibit power conversion efficiencies comparable to those of their pristine counterparts. Remarkably, the residual Pb2+ concentration in the treated recycling waste solution was reduced to below 10 ppb, well beneath the stringent limit set by the European Union Drinking Water Directive 98/83/EC. This study offers a practical and integrated “protection–recycling” solution to one of the key environmental challenges facing perovskite photovoltaics.

Perovskite solar modules face environmental risks from lead and iodine leakage. A dual‐function adsorbent—porphyrin‐modified whitlockite nanocomposites—effectively captures iodine and Pb2
+, even under severe damage. Combined with a semi‐closed recycling process, it recovers 96.9% high‐purity PbI2 and reduces residual Pb2
+ to <10 ppb, offering an integrated “protection–recycling” solution for sustainable perovskite photovoltaics.