Manufacturing research at the University of Queensland (UQ) is advancing lead-free photovoltaic technology designed to power wearable health devices using indoor light as well as sunlight.
UQ researchers are developing low-toxicity indoor photovoltaics based on perovskite technology, which the university said could provide an alternative power source for devices such as glucose sensors, ECG patches and sweat-based lactate and electrolyte sensors. 
In a news release, the university said the research aims to address concerns around the toxic lead content used in some perovskite photovoltaic technologies.
UQ chemical engineer Dr Miaoqiang Lyu said indoor photovoltaics could help address battery limitations in wearable health devices.
“Wearable health devices such as glucose sensors, ECG patches and sweat-based lactate and electrolyte patches support preventative healthcare and improve quality of life, but limitations with their batteries can be challenging for users,” Dr Lyu said.
“Batteries need regular charging and eventual replacement while indoor photovoltaic technologies have the potential to provide a low-maintenance source of clean energy.”
Dr Lyu has received a UQ Foundation Research Excellence Award to advance the research and develop a prototype intended to power wearable health monitoring sensors.
The project builds on his research into perovskite photovoltaic technologies, with UQ saying his team has developed a scalable vapour-deposition manufacturing method that removes toxic lead and hazardous solvents while delivering what it described as record performance for lead-free perovskite devices.
The latest research will further develop lead-free perovskite indoor photovoltaics using thermal evaporation, which UQ said is an industry-compatible manufacturing process with potential for scale-up.
The university said the technology could also contribute to wider applications for self-powered electronics that harvest energy from indoor environments.
“The potential benefits are particularly relevant for people managing chronic illness, and communities in regional and remote locations where access to healthcare services can be more challenging,” Dr Lyu said.
“If successful, lead-free indoor photovoltaics could help enable a new generation of healthcare devices that are safer, more sustainable and easier to use in everyday life.”
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