Photoelectric conversion device, electronic device, and power supply module

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Solution Overview

Problem

The photoelectric conversion efficiency of flexible photoelectric conversion devices decreases over time when exposed to light for extended periods.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a photoelectric conversion device with an electron transport layer containing metal oxide particles, where the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis shows a peak area ratio of Y/(X+Y) ≥ 0.5, indicating a predominant high-energy side peak area, which helps maintain efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a photoelectric conversion device uses a conventional electron transport layer, then the device can be manufactured with standard materials, but the photoelectric conversion efficiency decreases over time when exposed to light

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephotoelectric conversion efficiency stabilityVSAvoidoperational duration under light exposure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the chemical composition parameters of the electron transport layer by incorporating metal oxide particles with specific oxygen states. The key parameter is the ratio of oxygen atoms in different oxidation states, controlled by the peak area ratio Y/(X+Y) ≥ 0.5 in XPS analysis, where X represents oxygen in one state and Y represents oxygen in another state. This parameter change stabilizes the electron transport layer against photo-induced degradation, preventing efficiency loss over time while maintaining manufacturability with standard materials and processes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite electron transport layer by combining metal oxide particles with a binder material. The metal oxide particles provide stable electron transport properties and resist photo-induced aggregation, while the binder holds the particles together and maintains layer integrity. This composite structure achieves both long-term operational stability under light exposure and compatibility with conventional manufacturing methods, resolving the contradiction between reliability and duration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 device maintains photoelectric conversion efficiency by suppressing deterioration over time when exposed to light, even after prolonged use.

Implementation Method 1

an electron transport layer which includes metal oxide particles

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectron transport: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

a photoelectric conversion layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric conversion: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4413601B1Photoelectric conversion device, electronic device, and power supply module
Publication Date: 2025.07.30 RICOH CO LTD
  • EP4413601B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4413601B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3E
  • EP4413601B1 patent drawingFigure 3F~3H

AI summary

A photoelectric conversion device includes a photoelectric conversion layer, and an electron transport layer. The electron transport layer includes metal oxide particles. In response to performing an X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis on the electron transport layer, two peaks representing 1s orbitals of oxygen atoms are detected. A formula Y/(X+Y)≧0.5 is satisfied, where a peak area of a peak on a low-energy side among the two peaks is X and a peak area of a peak on a high-energy side among the two peaks is Y.