Amine-Functionalized ZnO Nanoparticles for Organic Solar Cells

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing organic solar cells face limitations in efficiency and stability due to surface defects in zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles used as electron transfer layers, which act as trap sites, reducing the performance and longevity of the devices.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles with one or more amine groups bonded to their surface as the electron transfer layer in organic electronic devices, which reduces surface defects and enhances the interaction between electron donor and acceptor materials, improving the device's efficiency and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles are used as electron transfer layer, then electron transfer capability is improved, but surface defects act as trap sites reducing device stability and lifetime

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice stabilityVSAvoidsurface defects

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies passivation treatment to convert the harmful surface defects of ZnO nanoparticles into beneficial features. By treating the surface of ZnO nanoparticles with specific chemicals or methods, the trap sites are eliminated or reduced, transforming the originally harmful surface properties into a stable, defect-free surface that enhances device reliability without compromising electron transfer capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the surface parameters of ZnO nanoparticles through treatment processes that alter surface chemistry, energy levels, or morphology. These parameter changes reduce surface defect density and eliminate trap sites, thereby improving device stability while maintaining the core electron transfer function of the ZnO nanoparticle layer

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If conventional electron transfer layer materials are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but open-circuit voltage and energy conversion efficiency are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy conversion efficiencyVSAvoidelectron transfer layer structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameters of the electron transfer layer by using treated ZnO nanoparticles with modified surface properties. This material substitution enables higher open-circuit voltage and improved energy conversion efficiency compared to conventional materials, while the treatment process itself can be integrated into existing manufacturing workflows

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite structure by combining ZnO nanoparticles with surface treatment layers or coatings. This composite approach leverages the excellent electron transfer properties of ZnO while adding surface treatment functionality to eliminate trap sites, achieving both high efficiency and improved stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Productivity

If zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles with surface defects are used, then electron transfer layer can be formed, but trap sites reduce fill factor and device performance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefill factorVSAvoiddevice performance

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of surface defects into a benefit by applying passivation treatment. The treatment process specifically targets and eliminates trap sites on the ZnO nanoparticle surfaces, transforming the originally defective structure into a high-performance electron transfer layer that achieves both high fill factor and excellent device performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 use of amine-functionalized ZnO nanoparticles increases the open-circuit voltage, fill factor, and energy conversion efficiency while extending the device's lifetime by minimizing trap sites and facilitating smoother electron migration, thus enhancing the overall performance and production efficiency of organic electronic devices.

Implementation Method 1

uses an electron transfer layer comprising a zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticle having one or more amine groups bonding to a surface thereof and thereby has few trap sites caused by surface defects present on the zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticle surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSurface defect passivation:

Implementation Method 2

an electron transfer layer provided between the photoactive layer and the first electrode, wherein the electron transfer layer comprises a zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectron transfer: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 3

zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticle having one or more amine groups bonding to a surface thereof

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical bonding: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentUS11393996B2Organic electronic device and manufacturing method thereof

Publication Date: 2022.07.19 LG CHEM LTD

AI summary

The present application relates to an organic electronic device comprising a first electrode; a second electrode provided opposite to the first electrode; a photoactive layer provided between the first electrode and the second electrode; and an electron transfer layer provided between the photoactive layer and the first electrode, wherein the electron transfer layer comprises a zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticle having one or more amine groups bonding to a surface thereof, and a method for manufacturing the same.