Stable, lead-free double perovskite for next-generation photovoltaic applications
Lead-free, non-toxic semiconductor with an optimal ~1 eV bandgap, ideally matched to the solar spectrum for maximum photoconversion efficiency. Tunable bandgap enables customization across a range of photovoltaic and optoelectronic device architectures, including tandem solar cells. Exceptional long-term stability demonstrated under real-world humidity and temperature conditions, outperforming conventional lead halide perovskites.
Highlights
- Lead-free, non-toxic semiconductor with an optimal ~1 eV bandgap, ideally matched to the solar spectrum for maximum photoconversion efficiency.
- Tunable bandgap enables customization across a range of photovoltaic and optoelectronic device architectures, including tandem solar cells.
- Exceptional long-term stability demonstrated under real-world humidity and temperature conditions, outperforming conventional lead halide perovskites.
Opportunity
A research team at the University of Alberta has developed a novel all-inorganic copper-doped double perovskite for high-performance optoelectronic applications. The material is synthesized entirely from inexpensive, earth-abundant elements and is completely lead-free, addressing both the cost and toxicity limitations that hinder the commercialization of conventional perovskite solar materials. The compound achieves an optical indirect bandgap of approximately 1 eV through copper doping, a value that falls within the ideal range for solar energy conversion and is well-suited for use as a low-bandgap absorber layer in perovskite-silicon or all-perovskite tandem solar cell architectures. The bandgap can be precisely tuned between 1 eV and 2.65 eV by adjusting the concentration of the copper dopant, offering significant flexibility for device design across a range of photovoltaic and optoelectronic applications. Critically, the material has demonstrated outstanding environmental stability, a longstanding challenge in perovskite commercialization. Accelerated stress testing confirmed no structural or optical degradation after 365 days at 55% relative humidity and after 6 days at 110°C, validating its suitability for long-term deployment in real-world conditions.
Competitive advantage
- Regulatory compliance by design: Completely lead-free composition addresses RoHS restrictions and growing global regulatory pressure on lead-containing photovoltaic materials
- Low-cost synthesis: Prepared from commercially available, earth-abundant reagents using a straightforward aqueous synthesis route.
Status
- Patent Issued, United States – US 11,479,47
About University of Alberta
The University of Alberta is a large, comprehensive public research university in Edmonton with multiple campuses and a strong applied research culture. Industry engages through co-located labs and pilot-scale facilities, as well as established co-op and internship programs that place talent with partners year-round. Integration with Alberta’s province-wide hospital system supports clinical research and accelerates translation. Companies also benefit from proximity to regional industry clusters and collaboration hubs on and near campus for joint R&D and prototyping. Supported by NSERC, CIHR, SSHRC, and Canada Foundation for Innovation funding—plus provincial and industry support—the tech transfer office manages IP, licensing, and startup formation with streamlined sponsored-research agreements.
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