Sustainable LEDs: Unlocking the Potential of Perovskite Technology

[Left: Pervoskite LED. Right: Feng Gao, Professor of Optoelectronics at LiU. Credit: Olov Planthaber and Thor Balkhed at Liu.]

The journey that new technologies must undertake from the lab to the market is long, difficult, and not always successful. In a recent article in the journal Nature Sustainability, WISE-affiliated researcher and optoelectronics professor at Linköping University, Feng Gao, along with PhD student Muyi Zhang and collaborators, explored the challenges of commercializing next-generation light-emitting diodes (LEDs) known as perovskite LEDs. In their study, the researchers identified three key factors for successful commercialization: reducing costs, improving performance—particularly lifespan and energy efficiency—and developing eco-friendly manufacturing methods that use non-toxic solvents, enable large-scale production, and support recycling.

LEDs are devices that produce light when electricity flows through them. They are energy-efficient and in recent years have transformed lighting and display technology found in our smartphones and screens. Among emerging LED technologies, perovskite LEDs (PeLEDs) stand out due to their lightweight design, flexibility, and broad color range. They can also be produced using low-energy methods and abundant materials. In recent years, their stability has significantly improved, making them a strong candidate for commercial use.

Motivated by PeLEDs’ potential, Prof. Gao and his team analyzed the environmental and economic performance of 18 representative PeLEDs. They found that, like mature organic LED technologies, PeLEDs perform exceptionally well in terms of environmental impact. Their life-cycle assessment (LCA)—which measures environmental effects from raw material extraction to disposal—revealed that, despite containing small amounts of lead, PeLEDs do not pose major toxicity risks. This is due to the perovskite layer being just 0.0002% the thickness of a human hair.

-We were inspired by the lack of a comprehensive LCA covering all PeLED development stages. Our study gathered data from both our research and existing literature, says Prof. Gao.

The researchers concluded that PeLEDs hold strong long-term commercialization potential and may even replace today’s LEDs due to lower costs and a reduced environmental footprint. The main challenge remains their lifespan. However, ongoing advancements are improving their durability.

-As researchers, we need to consider sustainability and economic factors when designing new technologies if we want them to be widely adopted, says Muyi Zhang, PhD student at Linköping University’s Department of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.

For more information about this publication visit: Zhang, M., Ma, X., Esguerra, J.L. et al. Towards sustainable perovskite light-emitting diodes. Nat Sustain 8, 315–324 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41893-024-01503-7

Prof. Feng Gao’s research at WISE can be found at:

End-of-life Perovskite Solar Module Recycling for Sustainable Photovoltaics