Adsorption Molecule Orientation for Nanoparticle Light Absorption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Semiconductor nanoparticle-based photoelectric conversion devices face challenges in increasing light absorption rate per unit volume due to the lower light absorption coefficient of semiconductor nanoparticles compared to organic materials, and the limited ability to selectively absorb light of specific wavelengths.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating adsorption molecules that selectively absorb light of predetermined wavelengths, aligned non-parallel to the semiconductor nanoparticles, to enhance light absorption efficiency in the nanoparticle layers of photoelectric conversion devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If semiconductor nanoparticles are used in photoelectric conversion devices, then the device can be manufactured with nanoscale precision and selective wavelength absorption capability, but the light absorption rate per unit volume decreases due to lower absorption coefficient compared to organic materials

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenanoparticle size controlVSAvoidlight absorption rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines semiconductor nanoparticles with organic adsorption molecules to create a composite photoelectric conversion system. The semiconductor nanoparticle provides structural stability and selective wavelength absorption, while the organic adsorption molecule compensates for the low absorption coefficient by providing strong light absorption capability. This composite structure resolves the contradiction by integrating the advantages of both material types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different materials with different properties to different functional regions: the semiconductor nanoparticle core provides quantum confinement effects for wavelength selectivity, while the surface-adsorbed organic molecules provide enhanced light absorption. This local differentiation of material properties allows simultaneous achievement of manufacturing precision and high light absorption rate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of manufacture

If semiconductor nanoparticles with larger volume are used, then the nanoparticle can be more easily synthesized, but the light absorption coefficient per unit volume decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenanoparticle synthesisVSAvoidlight absorption coefficient

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the functional parameters of the nanoparticle system by adding organic adsorption molecules on the nanoparticle surface. This allows the nanoparticle volume to be optimized for ease of synthesis while the organic molecules compensate for the reduced absorption coefficient by providing additional absorption pathways and increasing the effective absorption cross-section.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If the number of semiconductor nanoparticle types is limited, then the synthesis process is simplified, but the ability to selectively absorb light at different wavelengths is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenanoparticle synthesis processVSAvoidwavelength selectivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the wavelength selection function into two parts: the semiconductor nanoparticle core determines the base absorption wavelength through quantum confinement effects, while the organic adsorption molecules are selected to absorb at complementary wavelengths. This segmentation allows simplified nanoparticle synthesis while achieving broad wavelength selectivity through molecular selection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The semiconductor nanoparticle serves multiple functions: it provides the structural framework, enables quantum confinement for wavelength selectivity, and offers a surface for adsorbing organic molecules. This multi-functionality allows a single nanoparticle type to support multiple wavelength selection strategies through different organic adsorbates, enhancing versatility without complicating synthesis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This approach increases light absorption rate per unit volume, improving photoelectric conversion efficiency by densely arranging semiconductor nanoparticles and optimizing light absorption across different wavelength ranges.

Implementation Method 1

an adsorption molecule configured to selectively absorb light having a predetermined wavelength

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

the adsorption molecule being adsorbed to each of the plurality of semiconductor nanoparticles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentUS10361241B2Dispersion material, photoelectric conversion device, and imaging unit

Publication Date: 2019.07.23 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

A dispersion material includes: a plurality of semiconductor nanoparticles; and an adsorption molecule configured to selectively absorb light having a predetermined wavelength and adsorbed to each of the plurality of semiconductor nanoparticles, the adsorption molecule having a plane aligned to be non-parallel to a direction from a center portion of each of the plurality of semiconductor nanoparticles toward an adsorption portion of each of the plurality of semiconductor nanoparticles.