Cathode Polarization for Titanium Oxide Solar Cell Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing dye-sensitized solar cells do not effectively address the formation of a laminate that includes a light-transmissive electrode layer and an N-type semiconductor layer, which is crucial for efficient solar cell performance.
Innovation Solution
A laminate producing method involving cathode polarization of a light-transmissive electrode layer in a treatment solution containing a Ti component, such as hexafluorotitanic acid or its salts, to form a titanium oxide layer as the N-type semiconductor layer, with specific Ti content and current density conditions, followed by dye adsorption and subsequent layer formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional methods are used to form the N-type semiconductor layer, then the production process is simple, but the solar cell performance (short-circuit current, open-circuit voltage, power conversion efficiency) is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the parameters of the treatment solution (Ti component concentration: 0.004-1.300 mol/L, pH: 1-6, temperature: 20-80°C) and electrochemical conditions (current density: 0.01-1.00 A/dm², time: 1-120 minutes) to optimize the formation of the titanium oxide layer, thereby improving solar cell performance while maintaining a relatively simple production process
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces conventional mechanical or chemical deposition methods with electrochemical cathode polarization to form the N-type semiconductor layer. This electrochemical approach allows precise control over layer formation through electrical parameters (current density, time) while achieving better crystallinity and performance
2Manufacturing precision
If the Ti component concentration in the treatment solution is increased to improve the titanium oxide layer quality, then the N-type semiconductor layer performance improves, but the cost and solution stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the Ti component concentration to a specific range (0.004-1.300 mol/L) that balances layer quality with cost and stability considerations. This parameter optimization ensures sufficient titanium oxide formation for high-performance solar cells while avoiding excessive Ti concentration that would increase costs and reduce solution stability
3Productivity
If the current density is increased to accelerate the titanium oxide layer formation, then the production speed increases, but the layer uniformity and quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention establishes an optimal current density range (0.01-1.00 A/dm²) that balances formation speed with layer quality. Within this range, the cathode polarization process achieves sufficient titanium oxide deposition rate while maintaining uniform layer formation and good crystallinity, preventing defects that would occur at excessively high current densities
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 method enables the production of a dye-sensitized solar cell with improved performance metrics, including short-circuit current, open-circuit voltage, fill factor, and power conversion efficiency, as demonstrated by the example of a solid-state dye-sensitized solar cell with a titanium oxide layer and Ru-based dye.
Implementation Method 1
subjecting a member serving as the light-transmissive electrode layer to cathode polarization in a treatment solution containing a Ti component to thereby form, on the member, a titanium oxide layer
Implementation Method 2
followed by dye adsorption and subsequent layer formation
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a novel method for producing a laminate to be used as a light-transmissive electrode layer and an N-type semiconductor layer of a wet or solid-state dye-sensitized solar cell comprising a light-transmissive electrode layer, an N-type semiconductor layer, a P-type semiconductor layer, and a facing electrode in this order. In said method, a member to be used as the light-transmissive electrode layer is cathode-polarized in a treatment solution containing a Ti component so as to form a titanium oxide layer to be used as the N-type semiconductor layer on said member.