Chalcogen Double Perovskites for Lead-Free Optoelectronics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current perovskite materials for optoelectronic applications face challenges due to the use of lead, which is toxic and environmentally unfriendly, and the need for materials with direct band gaps less than 3 eV for efficient photovoltaic and electroluminescent performance.

Innovation Solution

Development of chalcogen double perovskites, such as Ba2AgIO6, which have a direct band gap in the visible region, are synthesized using a low-temperature solution processing route, replacing lead with non-toxic elements like indium and antimony, and optimizing the electronic valency of cations at the B sites.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If lead-halide perovskites are used to achieve high power conversion efficiency, then photovoltaic performance is improved, but environmental toxicity worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower conversion efficiencyVSAvoidenvironmental toxicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by replacing lead (Pb) with non-toxic elements such as bismuth (Bi), antimony (Sb), and thallium (Tl) in the perovskite structure. This substitution maintains the optoelectronic properties while eliminating environmental toxicity, directly resolving the contradiction between efficiency and environmental harm

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite material design by creating double perovskite structures (A2BB'X6) that combine multiple elements with complementary properties. The B-site cations (Bi3+, Sb3+, Tl3+) are paired with monovalent cations (Ag+, Cu+, In+) to form composite structures that achieve both high efficiency and environmental friendliness simultaneously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Use of energy by moving object

If Cs2BiAgBr6 is used to achieve low band gap of 1.9 eV, then light absorption is improved, but band gap type worsens (indirect gap)

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveband gap energyVSAvoidband gap type for optoelectronic applications
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent systematically varies the composition parameters at the B-site by substituting different combinations of Bi3+, Sb3+, Tl3+ with Ag+, Cu+, In+ to tune the electronic structure. This compositional tuning transforms the indirect band gap of Cs2BiAgBr6 into a direct band gap structure while maintaining low energy values suitable for optoelectronic applications

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality optimization by specifically designing the B-site cation configuration to achieve direct band gap characteristics. The ordered arrangement of B and B' cations in the double perovskite structure creates favorable local electronic environments that enable direct transitions, resolving the band gap type issue while preserving low energy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If Cs2AgInCl6 is used to achieve direct band gap, then optoelectronic performance is improved, but band gap value worsens (relatively large at 3.3 eV)

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedirect band gap characteristicVSAvoidband gap energy value
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the compositional parameters by substituting Cl- anions with Br- or I- anions, and adjusting the B-site cation ratios. These parameter changes reduce the band gap energy from 3.3 eV to values below 3 eV while preserving the direct band gap characteristic, achieving both reliability and energy efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Object-affected harmful factors

If non-toxic elements (In, Sb, Bi) are used to replace lead, then environmental friendliness is improved, but synthesis complexity worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental friendlinessVSAvoidsynthesis process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-mixing the non-toxic metal salts (In, Sb, Bi, Ag, Cu, Tl) with organic ligands and solvents to form homogeneous precursor solutions before deposition. This preliminary preparation simplifies the subsequent synthesis process, eliminating the need for complex multi-step procedures while achieving high-quality perovskite films with non-toxic compositions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3709373B1Double perovskite
Publication Date: 2022.11.09 OXFORD UNIVERSITY INNOVATION LTD
  • EP3709373B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3709373B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3709373B1 patent drawingFigure 3a

AI summary

The invention relates to an optoelectronic material comprising a compound, wherein the compound comprises: (i) one or more cations, A; (ii) one or more first B cations, Bn+; (iii) one or more second B cations, Bm+; and (iv) one or more chalcogen anions, X; wherein the one or more first B cations, Bn+ are different from the one or more second B cations, Bm+; n represents the oxidation state of the first B cation and is a positive integer of from 1 to 7 inclusive; m represents the oxidation state of the second B cation and is a positive integer of from 1 to 7 inclusive; and n + m is equal to 8.