KEYNOTE LECTURE

Aldo Di Carlo

Insitute of Structure of Matter, National Research Council, Italy

Halide perovskite solar cells have quickly become one of the most promising technologies for next-generation photovoltaics, owing to their high power conversion efficiencies and low-cost fabrication potential. Nevertheless, concerns related to environmental impact of halide composition and fabrication processes hinder their large-scale commercialization. In this talk, we propose an integrated strategy for advancing the sustainable development of halide perovskite photovoltaics by adopting eco-conscious materials and fabrication methods. The main approaches include the use of green solvents for perovskite film deposition, providing safer, more scalable, and environmentally friendly processing routes. We report the fabrication of fully flexible perovskite solar cells under ambient air conditions using low-toxicity and sustainable solvents. To further reduce solvent consumption, we also investigate solvent-free thermal evaporation as an alternative deposition technique for the perovskite layer, thereby substantially decreasing chemical waste. Furthermore, conventional noble metal electrodes are replaced with carbon-based back contacts, which offer a low-cost and sustainable alternative while maintaining suitable conductivity and stability. This approach also highlights the potential compatibility of these devices with full roll-to-roll manufacturing. Finally, we tackle the issue of lead toxicity by partially replacing lead with tin in mixed Pb-Sn perovskite compositions, reducing environmental concerns while preserving promising photovoltaic performance in both single-junction devices and perovskite/perovskite tandem solar cells. Overall, these developments represent important steps toward the realization of greener, safer, and more sustainable perovskite solar technologies for future large-scale deployment.

Aldo Di Carlo is a Full Professor at the Department of Electronic Engineering at the University of Rome Tor Vergata (Italy), Director of the Institute of Structure of Matter of the National Research Council of Italy (CNR-ISM), and President of the CNR Research Area of Rome – RM2, which includes more than 10 research institutes. Di Carlo founded and directed from 2006 to 2019, the Center for Hybrid and Organic Solar Energy (CHOSE), which comprises more than 70 PhD students and experienced researchers in the emerging field of photovoltaics. Additionally, he served as Chairman of the Scientific Council of the Dyepower consortium for the development and industrialization of Dye Solar Cells (DSCs). Di Carlo's research interests include the study, design, and optimization of electronic and optoelectronic devices. His work has focused on the development and scaling-up of emerging photovoltaic technologies, with particular emphasis on Dye Solar Cells (DSCs) and Perovskite Solar Cells for industrial applications. He has authored or co-authored over 600 international scientific publications and holds 13 international patents. Furthermore, he has served as general coordinator or partner coordinator in more than 30 large European projects.