3D Organic Framework OPV Structure for Charge Transport Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells suffer from low power conversion efficiency due to static and dynamic disorder, leading to poor electrical properties with low electron and hole mobilities and short charge-diffusion lengths, which hinder their market viability.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a 3D organic framework with a channel layer and a sparse metal grid electrode structure in OPV cells to enhance charge dispersion and improve power conversion efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional organic photovoltaic cells are used, then the device structure is simple, but the power conversion efficiency is low due to static and dynamic disorder
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into multiple functional layers including electron transport layer, hole transport layer, active layer, and electrode layers. Each layer is optimized for specific functions, with the active layer containing donor and acceptor materials in specific ratios (1:1 to 1:9 weight ratio) to enhance charge separation and transport, thereby improving power conversion efficiency while maintaining manageable structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite organic materials including fullerenes (C60, C70), p-type semiconductors (PTB7, PTB7-Th), and n-type semiconductors (PC71BM, PC81BM) combined in specific ratios. These composite materials create a synergistic effect that enhances charge carrier mobility and diffusion length, directly addressing the efficiency problem while using well-established material systems
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional OPV cells are used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the electrical properties are poor with low electron and hole mobilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality optimization by creating distinct electron transport and hole transport layers with specific material compositions. The electron transport layer contains fullerenes and the hole transport layer contains p-type semiconductors, with controlled thicknesses and ratios to optimize local charge transport properties. This localized optimization improves overall electrical performance while maintaining a straightforward solution-processing manufacturing approach
Solution Approach 2:
The patent systematically optimizes parameters including the weight ratio of donor to acceptor materials in the active layer (1:1 to 1:9), the thickness of electron and hole transport layers, and the molecular weight of materials used. These parameter optimizations enhance charge carrier mobility and diffusion length while maintaining compatibility with conventional solution-processing manufacturing techniques
3Device complexity
If conventional OPV cells are used, then the material structure is simple, but the charge-diffusion length is short (less than a micrometer)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediary transport layers between the active layer and electrodes. The electron transport layer and hole transport layer act as intermediaries that facilitate efficient charge extraction from the active layer, reducing recombination losses and extending the effective charge-diffusion length. These intermediary layers are designed with specific material compositions and thicknesses to optimize charge transport without increasing overall device complexity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The proposed structure increases charge carrier density and open-circuit voltage, resulting in enhanced power conversion efficiency and improved transparency of the OPV cells.
Implementation Method 1
Organic photovoltaic cells (OPVs) and organic photodetectors (OPDs) and their compositions are described herein
Implementation Method 2
the channel layer is configured to laterally disperse a charge across the channel layer
Data Source
AI summary
A three-dimensional (3D) organic framework is provided. The 3D organic framework includes a plurality of nodes, A; a plurality of linkers, B; and a plurality of interstitial void spaces, C. The 3D organic framework has a structure wherein each node of the plurality of nodes A is connected to at least another node of the plurality of nodes A through one of the plurality of linkers B; each of the plurality of interstitial void spaces C, can contain one or more molecules E; at least one of A, B, or E is an electron donor; and at least one of A, B, or E is an electron acceptor. An organic photovoltaic (OPV) or an organic photodetector (OPD) device including the 3D organic framework is also provided.