Influence of Lead-Free Perovskite Panels on Indoor Growth of Solanum lycopersicum L. and Artemisia annua L. Plants

This work focuses on research into innovative lead-free perovskite materials to be employed as a sensitive layer for a new generation of solar cells, exploiting their potential applications in covering greenhouses to move toward an eco-friendly environment. Two types of lead-free perovskites-yellow and orange double-cation Cs₂AgBiBr₆, synthesized with an innovative method without chemical thinners-have been used, for the first time, as a cover for greenhouses in indoor experiments by analyzing the incident electromagnetic radiation. Two plant species, <i>Solanum lycopersicum</i> L. and <i>Artemisia annua</i> L., were cultivated indoors under controlled light, temperature, and humidity, covering the greenhouses with yellow (PY+) and orange (PO+) panels for comparison with control plants (P-) roofed by a glass panel. The growth and development parameters of all plants were investigated, referring to the aerial and root parts. Significant differences were found in terms of the plant growth parameters and photosynthetic pigments of both PY+ and PO+ compared to P- and also between them, with the yellow panel being less invasive. These results, dealing with two different plant species, confirm the feasibility of using perovskite-based panels for indoor cultivation and pave the way for outdoor application in greenhouses under sunlight.