Electron Donating Polymer for Broad Light Absorption Solar Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solar cells face challenges in absorbing light with a wider wavelength region and achieving improved miscibility with electron acceptors, which limits their photoelectric conversion efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A novel electron donating polymer is developed, incorporating specific moieties that enhance light absorption across a broader wavelength range and improve compatibility with electron acceptors, forming a photoactive layer with improved morphology and solubility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional polymers are used in solar cells, then the device structure is simple, but the light absorption wavelength range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite polymer structures combining electron-donating moieties (thiophene, selenophene, carbazole) with electron-accepting moieties (furan, pyridine, pyrimidine) to create materials with broadened light absorption spectra. This composite approach enables the polymer to absorb light across a wider wavelength range while maintaining processability through appropriate side chain engineering.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent systematically varies structural parameters including the type of electron-donating/accepting moieties, side chain length and composition, and polymer backbone configuration to optimize light absorption properties. By adjusting these parameters, the absorption spectrum can be tuned across different wavelength regions while controlling solubility and film-forming characteristics.
2Reliability
If conventional polymers are used, then the polymer is easier to synthesize, but the miscibility with electron acceptor is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces specific functional groups and side chains at localized positions within the polymer structure to enhance miscibility with electron acceptors. Electron-withdrawing groups are positioned to create favorable interactions with fullerene derivatives, while maintaining overall polymer stability and ease of synthesis through modular monomer design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses specific side chains and functional groups as intermediary elements that mediate interactions between the polymer backbone and electron acceptors. These intermediary groups improve phase compatibility and interfacial contact between donor and acceptor materials, enhancing charge separation efficiency without requiring complex synthesis procedures.
3Productivity
If the photoactive layer has improved morphology, then the charge separation efficiency increases, but the coating process becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs polymers with dynamic side chains that can adjust their conformation during film formation to optimize packing and morphology. The side chains provide flexibility that enables the polymer to self-organize into favorable morphologies for charge separation while remaining soluble in common processing solvents, thus simplifying the coating process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates pre-designed molecular structures with built-in tendencies toward favorable phase separation and domain formation. The polymer backbone and side chains are configured in advance to promote spontaneous self-organization into optimal morphologies during solvent evaporation, eliminating the need for complex post-processing or specialized coating techniques.
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 polymer enables enhanced photoelectric efficiency by facilitating better separation of electrons and holes, increasing the short circuit current density while maintaining open circuit voltage, and improving the uniformity and coating properties of the photoactive layer.
Implementation Method 1
capable of absorbing light with a wider wavelength region
Implementation Method 2
produces electrical energy by transferring electrons and holes to the n-type and p-type semiconductors, respectively, and then collecting electrons and holes in each electrode when an electron-hole pair (EHP) is produced by solar light energy absorbed in a photoactive layer
Data Source
AI summary
An electron donating polymer including moiety A represented by Chemical Formula 1,and a solar cell including the electron donating polymer are provided. In Chemical Formula 1, X1 is a functional group including at least two ester residual groups and a substituted or unsubstituted divalent aliphatic organic group linking the ester residual groups, andX2 is one of hydrogen, a halogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted C1 to C20 aliphatic group, a hydroxy group, a substituted or unsubstituted C1 to C20 alkoxy group, a substituted or unsubstituted C1 to C30 ketone group, a substituted or unsubstituted C1 to C20 ester group, a thiol group, —SR100 (wherein R100 is one of a substituted or unsubstituted C1 to C20 aliphatic group, a substituted or unsubstituted C2 to C30 aromatic group, and a substituted or unsubstituted C2 to C30 heterocycloalkyl group), and a combination thereof.