Bis-Fl-NTCDI Electron Transport Layer for Organic Solar Cells

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current organic solar cells face limitations due to the lack of suitable electron transport materials that meet the required properties for efficient light absorption and conductivity, leading to reduced efficiency and stability.

Innovation Solution

The use of 2,7-bis(9H-fluoren-2-yl)benzo[1mn][3,8]phenanthroline-1,3,6,8(2H,7H)tetron compounds, specifically N,N-bis(fluoren-2-yl)-naphthalene tetracarboxydiimide (Bis-Fl-NTCDI), as electron transport materials, which are doped with metal complexes or cationic dyes to enhance conductivity and transparency, thereby improving photocurrent density and long-term stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional electron transport materials (such as C60, NTCDA, HATCN) are used, then the solar cell structure is established, but the conductivity is insufficient and/or parasitic absorption occurs and/or surface roughness is high

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveconductivityVSAvoidparasitic absorption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical structure parameters of electron transport materials by introducing fluorinated groups and imide structures. This modifies the electronic properties (HOMO/LUMO levels) and optical properties (band gap) of the materials, achieving both high conductivity through doping and transparency in the visible range by increasing the band gap to prevent parasitic absorption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite material strategies by combining electron transport materials with specific dopants (metal complexes or cationic dyes). This composite approach enhances the conductivity of the transport layer while maintaining optical transparency, resolving the contradiction between electrical performance and optical properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If NTCDA is used as electron transport material, then transparency is achieved, but surface roughness increases and layer closure is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovetransparencyVSAvoidsurface roughness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the molecular structure parameters of the electron transport material by incorporating fluorinated naphthalene diimide cores with specific substituents (such as triphenylamine or carbazole groups). This structural optimization maintains the wide band gap for transparency while improving molecular packing and film-forming properties, resulting in smooth, closed layers with low surface roughness suitable for vacuum deposition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If doping is increased to improve conductivity, then charge carrier transport is enhanced, but material stability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveconductivityVSAvoidmaterial stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the doping level parameter to achieve the desired conductivity while maintaining material stability. By carefully selecting dopant concentrations and using stable dopant materials (metal complexes or cationic dyes), the patent achieves sufficient charge carrier density for efficient transport without excessive doping that would compromise the structural and chemical stability of the organic layers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Bis-Fl-NTCDI compounds demonstrate increased conductivity, transparency in the visible range, and enhanced power efficiency, along with improved long-term stability, making them suitable for use in organic solar cells as exciton blockers or electron transport layers.

Implementation Method 1

N,N-bis(fluoren-2-yl)-naphthalene tetracarboxydiimide (Bis-Fl-NTCDI), as electron transport materials

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectron transport: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

which are doped with metal complexes or cationic dyes to enhance conductivity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDoping: Dopants

Implementation Method 3

The light incident through the transparent contact initially generates excitons

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 4

organic solar cell with percent efficiency by Tang et al. 1986

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2498315B8Organic solar cell
Publication Date: 2017.11.22 NOVALED GMBH

AI summary

Organic solar cell comprises at least one N,N-bis(fluorene-2-yl)-naphthalinetetracarboxydiimide compound (I). Organic solar cell comprises at least one N,N-bis(fluorene-2-yl)-naphthalinetetracarboxydiimide compound of formula (I). R1-R6 : H, halo, optionally substituted or optionally saturated 1-20C alkyl, 1-20C heteroalkyl, 1-20C alkenyl, 1-20C heteroalkenyl, 1-20C alkynyl, 1-20C heteroalkynyl, 6-20C aryl, 6-20C heteroaryl, optionally saturated carbocycle or heterocycle, where two adjacent R1-R6 is part of further optionally saturated, carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring comprising C, N, O, S, Si and Se. [Image].