India Develops Lead-Free Self-Powered Photodetector

Researchers in India have developed a novel, lead-free and environmentally friendly photodetector that operates without external power and offers stable long-term performance. The innovation opens new possibilities for applications in consumer electronics, industrial monitoring, security systems, and biomedical imaging, while addressing key environmental and durability concerns linked to existing technologies.

Institutions Behind The Breakthrough

The research has been carried out by scientists at the International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials (ARCI), Hyderabad, in collaboration with Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad. ARCI is an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology. The findings have been published in the international journal “Solar Energy” by Elsevier.

Why Lead-Free Photodetectors Matter

Photodetectors convert light into electrical signals and are critical components in cameras, environmental sensors, smart wearables, and imaging systems. Many high-performance devices currently rely on lead-based perovskites, which raise environmental and health concerns due to lead toxicity and also suffer from performance degradation under real-world conditions. The Indian team addressed these issues by developing a device based on the lead-free double perovskite material Cs₂AgBiBr₆.

Innovative Design And Fabrication

A key innovation lies in the device’s simple and cost-effective architecture. The photodetector is hole-transport-material free and uses low-cost carbon electrodes, eliminating the need for expensive metal contacts and additional layers. It is fabricated entirely at room temperature through a single-step coating process under ambient conditions, without gloveboxes or vacuum systems. The architecture enables efficient charge separation, allowing self-powered operation without any external voltage.

Important Facts for Exams

• ARCI is an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology.
• Cs₂AgBiBr₆ is a lead-free double perovskite material.
• Photodetectors convert light signals into electrical signals.
• Self-powered devices operate without external voltage supply.

Performance Stability And Future Applications

Performance tests showed reliable ON–OFF switching and high operational stability. The device retained over 90 per cent of its performance even after 60 days of storage under normal room conditions, demonstrating strong environmental stability. With its eco-friendly materials, low-cost fabrication, and robust performance, the technology aligns with India’s goals of sustainable materials development, green manufacturing, and self-reliance in advanced electronic technologies.