Biodegradable Cellulose-Polymer Solar Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional organic photovoltaic devices face challenges due to the use of liquid electrolytes, which lead to solvent evaporation and leakage, limiting their long-term stability and environmental friendliness.
Innovation Solution
A polymer solar cell is developed using biodegradable cellulose-based electrically conductive polymer composites and composite polymer semiconductors, with a solvent-free preparation process that includes a cathode and anode structure, utilizing ionic liquids and carbon-based compounds to prevent short circuits, and achieving high yield in polyphenylacetylene polymerization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If liquid electrolytes are used in organic photovoltaic devices, then the device can achieve initial functionality, but long-term stability deteriorates due to solvent evaporation and leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the liquid electrolyte component from the organic photovoltaic device structure, replacing it with a solid-state composite material. This extraction eliminates the source of solvent evaporation and leakage while maintaining the essential charge transport function through alternative mechanisms in the solid-state composite.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the electrolyte from liquid to solid by using a composite material system. This parameter change fundamentally alters the stability characteristics, preventing solvent evaporation and leakage while maintaining ionic conductivity through the solid-state composite structure.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional organic photovoltaic devices are manufactured, then functionality is achieved, but environmental friendliness deteriorates due to non-biodegradable materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite material system combining biodegradable polymers with functional components to create an environmentally friendly photovoltaic device. The composite structure integrates cellulose-based materials with conductive polymers and semiconductor components, achieving both functionality and biodegradability simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adopts biodegradable materials that can naturally decompose after use, replacing conventional non-biodegradable components. This approach allows the device to fulfill its functional purpose and then return to the environment harmlessly, improving environmental friendliness through controlled biodegradation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If cellulose-based composite materials are used, then environmental friendliness and biodegradability improve, but electrical conductivity may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite material system where biodegradable cellulose-based polymers are combined with conductive polymer components and semiconductor materials. This composite structure allows the biodegradable matrix to provide structural integrity while the functional components maintain necessary electrical conductivity for photovoltaic operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different material properties to different regions or components of the device. The cellulose-based biodegradable materials provide structural and environmental benefits, while localized conductive polymer and semiconductor components ensure adequate electrical conductivity in specific functional zones of the device.
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 a stable, environmentally friendly polymer solar cell with improved long-term performance and reduced waste production, leveraging the biodegradability and efficient conductivity of cellulose-based materials.
Implementation Method 1
The present disclosure includes a polymer solar cell which contains biodegradable components
Implementation Method 2
a conductive polymer or conductive polymer composite
Implementation Method 3
In organic solar cells bound electron-hole pairs (excitons) are strongly bound after excitation with light
Implementation Method 4
a film of ionic liquid, optionally with a dissolved carbon-based compound such as a fullerene including a multi-walled carbon nanotube, on the cathode to help to prevent short circuit of the solar cell
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a cellulose-polymer composite solar cell that is substantially biodegradable and fabricated using environmentally friendly materials and methods. The polymer solar cell comprises an electrically conductive cellulose-polymer composite and an electrically semiconductive cellulose-polymer composite.