Perovskite indoor photovoltaic devices for Internet of Things applications

The growing interest in indoor photovoltaics (IPVs) aligns with the digital technology shift towards an advanced era that integrates widely with the Internet of Things (IoT). IPVs present a promising solution for powering IoT devices by harnessing photonic energy from indoor, low-light environments. Among these, perovskite solar cells have achieved an impressive power conversion efficiency of 27.0% under outdoor light and above 40% under indoor conditions, positioning them as potential energy sources for self-sustaining IoT systems. This review highlights recent advances in perovskite IPVs (PIPVs), particularly for their applications under dim, low-light conditions. It begins by addressing critical challenges that may limit the efficiencies of PIPVs, followed by an in-depth discussion of essential factors for commercial viability, including scalable fabrication, flexibility, stability, and toxicity. Finally, new strategies and future directions are introduced to enhance perovskite and interfacial materials specifically tailored for indoor use. The rapid development of PIPVs holds promise for creating low-cost, high-performance photonic energy harvesters for IoT applications, potentially reducing reliance on traditional batteries and promoting sustainability.