Flexible Perovskite Solar Cell Structure for Low-Temperature Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing perovskite solar cells face limitations in flexibility, mechanical strength, and efficiency when using flexible polymer substrates due to high-temperature annealing requirements and poor performance of electron transport layers, leading to degradation and hysteresis issues.

Innovation Solution

A perovskite solar cell configuration using a flexible metal substrate with a metal-doped TiO2 layer and a dielectric/metal/dielectric transparent electrode structure, allowing for top illumination and improved electron transport, which enhances flexibility, stability, and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If high-temperature annealing is applied to obtain highly crystalline TiO2 for high efficiency, then power conversion efficiency is improved, but flexible polymer substrates cannot be used and mechanical flexibility is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower conversion efficiencyVSAvoidflexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the processing temperature parameter from high-temperature annealing (>500°C) to low-temperature processing (<150°C), enabling the use of flexible polymer substrates while maintaining acceptable TiO2 layer functionality for electron transport in perovskite solar cells

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite material structures including metal-doped TiO2 layers combined with flexible polymer substrates, and uses composite transparent electrode structures (e.g., MoO3/Al/MoO3) to achieve both flexibility and high efficiency without requiring high-temperature annealing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If thick ITO layers are used on polymer substrates to improve conductivity, then electrical conductivity is improved, but mechanical strength and fatigue resistance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical conductivityVSAvoidmechanical strength

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces thick rigid ITO layers with thin-film transparent electrode structures such as MoO3/Al/MoO3 or ITO/PEDOT:PSS composite structures that maintain electrical conductivity while providing flexibility and mechanical strength suitable for flexible electronics applications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite transparent electrode structures combining multiple materials (e.g., MoO3/Al/MoO3, ITO/PEDOT:PSS) to achieve both adequate electrical conductivity and mechanical flexibility, avoiding the brittleness of thick ITO layers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Adaptability or versatility

If low-temperature processed TiOx compact layer is used on flexible substrates, then flexibility is maintained, but power conversion efficiency is limited compared to high-temperature processed cells

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidpower conversion efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses metal-doped TiO2 composite materials and optimized composite layer structures to enhance electron transport properties at low processing temperatures, achieving power conversion efficiency comparable to high-temperature processed cells while maintaining flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes multiple parameters including TiO2 layer thickness, doping concentration, and deposition conditions to maximize electron transport efficiency at low temperatures, compensating for the lack of high-temperature crystallization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 configuration achieves high flexibility, resistance to degradation, and increased power conversion efficiency, with reduced hysteresis and improved stability under UV illumination and humidity, suitable for applications like wearable electronics.

Implementation Method 1

a metal-doped TiO2 layer... improved electron transport

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectron transport: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

transparent electrode layer... enables illumination of the perovskite layer through the transparent electrode layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight transmission: Refraction

Implementation Method 3

halide perovskite solar cells... high absorption coefficient (>10^4 cm^-1)... power conversion efficiency

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Implementation Method 4

flexible metal substrate including a metal foil layer... high flexibility

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical flexibility: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12520601B2Perovskite solar cell configurations

Publication Date: 2026.01.06 UNIV OF PITTSBURGH OF THE COMMONWEALTH SYST OF HIGHER EDUCATION

AI summary

Various perovskite solar cell embodiments include a flexible metal substrate (e.g., including a metal doped TiO2 layer), a perovskite layer, and a transparent electrode layer (e.g., including a dielectric/metal/dielectric structure), wherein the perovskite layer is provided between the flexible metal substrate and the transparent electrode layer. Also, various tandem solar cell embodiments including a perovskite solar cell and either a quantum dot solar cell, and organic solar cell or a thin film solar cell.