Organic Solar Cell Anode Buffer Layer Composition

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Solution Overview

Problem

The use of PEDOT/PSS as an anode buffer layer in organic thin film solar cells faces challenges such as water instability, aggregation issues, and coating apparatus clogging, which hinder mass production and photoelectric conversion efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A composition comprising an aryldiamine derivative, an electron-accepting dopant substance, and an organosilane compound dissolved in an organic solvent is used to form a uniform solution for the anode buffer layer, enhancing photoelectric conversion characteristics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If PEDOT/PSS aqueous dispersion is used as an anode buffer layer, then the coating process is simple, but water accelerates deterioration of the OPV element and causes aggregation of solids leading to defects and apparatus clogging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoating process simplicityVSAvoidOPV element stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the solvent parameter from aqueous to organic (chlorobenzene, dichloromethane, etc.), transforming the PEDOT/PSS formulation from water-based to organic-based dispersion. This parameter change eliminates water-related deterioration while maintaining coating processability, directly resolving the contradiction between manufacturing ease and device reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs conventional, readily available organic solvents that can be easily evaporated, replacing the need for complex water removal systems. The organic solvent acts as a temporary carrier that fulfills its function during coating and then dissipates, leaving a stable film without causing long-term deterioration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Ease of manufacture

If PEDOT/PSS aqueous dispersion is used, then the coating process is straightforward, but aggregation of solids generates defects and causes coating apparatus clogging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoating process simplicityVSAvoidcoating film uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Changing from aqueous to organic solvent system fundamentally alters the solvation characteristics, preventing solid aggregation that occurs in water-based systems. The organic solvent provides better compatibility with the polymer chains, ensuring uniform dissolution and preventing clogging while maintaining coating simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The organic solvent acts as an intermediary medium that facilitates uniform distribution of PEDOT/PSS solids without causing aggregation. It mediates between the solid polymer particles and the coating process, enabling smooth flow through apparatus while preventing defect formation in the final film

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If water is present in the anode buffer layer, then the coating can be applied easily, but water accelerates deterioration of the OPV element

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoating application easeVSAvoidwater-induced deterioration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes water from the PEDOT/PSS dispersion system, replacing it with organic solvents. This extraction eliminates the harmful water component that accelerates OPV deterioration while preserving the essential coating application properties through the use of volatile organic carriers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The organic solvent serves as a disposable, temporary carrier that enables easy coating application but does not remain in the final device. It performs its function during the coating process and then evaporates completely, leaving no harmful residues that would cause deterioration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 solution results in an organic thin film solar cell with improved photoelectric conversion efficiency and stability, reducing production issues associated with PEDOT/PSS.

Implementation Method 1

a composition containing an aryldiamine derivative and an electron-accepting dopant substance is completely dissolved in an organic solvent

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectron transfer: Redox Reactions

Implementation Method 2

a composition containing an aryldiamine derivative and an electron-accepting dopant substance is completely dissolved in an organic solvent to form a uniform solution

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSolvation: Solvation

Data Source

PatentEP3082171B1Composition for anode buffer layer of organic thin film solar cell and organic thin film solar cell

Publication Date: 2022.04.27 NISSAN CHEM CORP

AI summary

Provided is a composition comprising: a charge-transporting substance that comprises N,N'-diphenylbenzidine; an electron-accepting dopant substance; and an organic solvent. This composition is suitable, for example, as a composition for the anode buffer layer of an organic thin film solar cell, said composition being used to produce a thin film that is suitable for use as an anode buffer layer that makes it possible to achieve an organic thin film solar cell having a high photoelectric conversion efficiency.