Cyclic Titanium Oxide Clusters for Perovskite Solar Cells

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing nanomaterials used in perovskite solar cells face challenges such as complex synthesis, stringent storage requirements, limited fabrication conditions, unclear structure information, uneven composition distribution, and low reproducibility, which hinder their practical application.

Innovation Solution

The development of cyclic titanium-oxide cluster (CTOC) compositions, which are modified or derivatized with organic functional groups through different active sites, allowing for high yield, good reproducibility, and tailoring flexibility to enhance stability and optoelectronic performance in perovskite solar cells.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional nanomaterials are used as functional layers in perovskite solar cells, then power conversion efficiency and device durability can be improved, but synthesis complexity, storage requirements, and reproducibility deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice durabilityVSAvoidsynthesis complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by incorporating specific ratios of Ti, Si, and Al elements (e.g., Ti:Si:Al = 3:1:1) and controlling particle size distribution (10-50 nm range), which simplifies the synthesis process while maintaining high device durability and reproducibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite metal oxide material combining TiO2, SiO2, and Al2O3 in specific ratios, which integrates the advantages of each component (TiO2 for photocatalytic activity, SiO2 for stability, Al2O3 for barrier properties) into a single material system that simplifies synthesis and improves reproducibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Stability of the object's composition

If functional layers are added to protect perovskite material, then stability against environment attacks and ion diffusion is improved, but device structure complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from environment attacksVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The composite metal oxide functional layer performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a barrier against moisture and oxygen penetration, prevents ion diffusion (X− and Pb2+), provides structural support, and maintains optoelectronic properties, thereby reducing the need for multiple separate protective layers and simplifying the overall device structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If nanomaterials are used to passivate defects and enhance charge transport, then power conversion efficiency is improved, but manufacturing reproducibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower conversion efficiencyVSAvoidmanufacturing reproducibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent establishes specific compositional parameters (Ti:Si:Al ratio of 3:1:1) and particle size parameters (10-50 nm) that can be precisely controlled during synthesis, ensuring high manufacturing reproducibility while maintaining excellent defect passivation and charge transport properties for high power conversion efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20250197430A1Cyclic titanium oxide nanocluster composition and device with same

Publication Date: 2025.06.19 CITY UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG

AI summary

A cyclic titanium-oxide cluster (CTOC)-based composition of Formula Ti32O16(OCH2CH2O)32(R1COO)x(ArCOO)16-x(R2O)16 (Formula I).