Carbon Nanotube Transparent Electrode With Metal Oxide Electron Blocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar cells, particularly those using polycrystal silicon, require high-purity silicon and high-temperature processes, leading to energy inefficiencies and high production costs, while alternative solar cells with indium tin oxide electrodes face challenges with rare element availability and energy conversion efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A light-transmitting electrode is developed using a carbon nanotube film with a metal oxide film, specifically molybdenum oxide, deposited on a transparent substrate, combined with a perovskite active layer and a buffer layer, to enhance electrical conductivity and electron blocking performance, enabling efficient energy conversion at lower costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If carbon nanotube film is used as light-transmitting electrode material, then availability and cost are improved, but electrical conductivity is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines carbon nanotube film with metal oxide film (such as molybdenum oxide, tungsten oxide, or titanium oxide) to create a composite light-transmitting electrode. This composite structure leverages the low cost and availability of carbon nanotubes while the metal oxide component provides the necessary electrical conductivity, thus resolving the contradiction between cost-effectiveness and electrical performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the electrical conductivity parameter of carbon nanotube film by incorporating metal oxide films with varying compositions and thicknesses. By adjusting the metal oxide content and properties, the electrode achieves sufficient electrical conductivity while maintaining the cost advantages of carbon nanotube-based materials
2Reliability
If polycrystal silicon solar cells are produced, then energy conversion efficiency is improved, but production cost and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive polycrystal silicon with organic photovoltaic materials that can be produced at lower cost through solution processing. While organic materials may have shorter operational lifetimes compared to silicon, they offer significantly reduced manufacturing costs and lower production energy requirements, addressing the contradiction between efficiency and manufacturing feasibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical high-temperature processing required for polycrystal silicon with chemical solution processing methods. Organic photovoltaic materials can be deposited from solutions at low temperatures, eliminating the need for energy-intensive high-temperature fabrication processes while maintaining functional performance
3Reliability
If ITO is used as light-transmitting electrode, then electrical conductivity is improved, but element availability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces indium tin oxide (ITO) with carbon nanotube-based electrodes that use abundant carbon resources instead of rare indium. Although ITO provides excellent conductivity, indium is a scarce element; the carbon nanotube composite offers a sustainable alternative using plentiful materials while achieving comparable or sufficient electrical performance for solar cell applications
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 achieves high electrical conductivity and electron blocking performance, reducing production costs and environmental impact while improving energy conversion efficiency in solar cells.
Implementation Method 1
the metal oxide film is formed directly on the carbon nanotube film
Implementation Method 2
a conductive carbon nanotube film which is formed on the light-transmitting substrate
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a light-transmitting electrode which has high electrical conductivity and high electron blocking performance. The present invention also provides a solar cell which is capable of achieving high energy conversion efficiency at low cost. The present invention provides a method for producing a light-transmitting electrode that has a light-transmitting substrate, a carbon nanotube film which is formed directly or indirectly on the light-transmitting substrate, and a metal oxide film which is formed directly on the carbon nanotube film. This production method includes vapor depositing the metal oxide film, which contains oxygen and a metal element belonging to the group 4, 5 or 6 of the periodic table, on one surface or both surfaces of the carbon nanotube film. The present invention provides a light-transmitting electrode which includes a light-transmitting substrate and a conductive carbon nanotube film that is formed directly or indirectly on the light-transmitting substrate.