Cyanine Dye Anchor Groups for Photoelectric Conversion Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dye-sensitized photoelectric conversion devices face issues with dye fixation characteristics and electron mobility on oxide semiconductor materials, leading to low conversion efficiency due to easy exfoliation in water or organic solvents and insufficient electron injection.
Innovation Solution
A photoelectric conversion device using a cyanine compound with anchor groups bonded to a methine chain skeleton, which enhances electron injection efficiency and fixation characteristics by reducing physical distance to the semiconductor material and resisting exfoliation when exposed to solvents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing dye is absorbed to oxide semiconductor electrode, then photoelectric conversion function is achieved, but dye is easily exfoliated when contacted with water or organic solvent
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a composite dye molecule combining cyanine compound (for light absorption) with carboxylic acid group (for strong binding to oxide semiconductor). This composite structure achieves both photoelectric conversion function and stable fixation, preventing exfoliation in water or organic solvents.
Solution Approach 2:
The dye molecule has different functional groups with different properties: the cyanine part provides light absorption capability while the carboxylic acid group provides strong adhesion to the oxide semiconductor surface. This local differentiation of function within the molecule resolves the contradiction between maintaining dye stability and preventing exfoliation.
2Productivity
If existing dye is used for photoelectric conversion, then light absorption occurs, but electron injection efficiency to oxide semiconductor electrode is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical structure parameters of the dye by introducing carboxylic acid groups, which alters the electron injection characteristics. The carboxylic acid group facilitates better electron transfer from the excited dye to the oxide semiconductor, improving electron injection efficiency and overall photoelectric conversion efficiency.
3Productivity
If cyanine compound with carboxylic acid group is used, then electron injection efficiency is improved, but molecular structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dye molecule is segmented into distinct functional regions: the cyanine core for light absorption and the carboxylic acid group for electron injection and binding. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall molecular functionality.
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 cyanine compound improves electron injection efficiency and fixation characteristics, increasing conversion efficiency and preventing dye exfoliation, thereby enhancing the overall performance of the photoelectric conversion device.
Implementation Method 1
the dye supported by the oxide semiconductor electrode absorbs light and excited
Implementation Method 2
Y1 and Y2 are an anchor group
Implementation Method 3
the cyanine compound has a structure in which a heterocyclic skeleton is bonded with both ends of a methine chain skeleton
Data Source
AI summary
A photoelectric conversion device capable of improving conversion efficiency is provided. The photoelectric conversion device includes a work electrode, an opposed electrode, and an electrolyte-containing layer. In the work electrode, a metal oxide semiconductor layer supporting a dye is provided. The dye contains a cyanine compound that has a methine chain, an indolenine skeleton bonded with both ends of the methine chain, and anchor groups introduced to a nitrogen atom included in the indolenine skeleton. Electron injection efficiency to the metal oxide semiconductor layer is improved, and the dye is hardly exfoliated from the metal oxide semiconductor layer.