Flexible Solar Cells via 3D Aerogel Jet Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional solar cells face challenges due to high costs, low photovoltaic conversion efficiency, opacity, and inflexibility, limiting their widespread adoption and efficiency in energy utilization.
Innovation Solution
A method for preparing flexible solar cells using 3D aerogel jet printing on nano-optical paper, involving the creation of a substrate with high light transmittance and haze, where all cell materials are formed in one step, including a cathode, active layer, and anode, using specific hierarchical materials and printing processes to achieve precise layer formation and reduced material waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If traditional conductive glass (FTO or ITO) is used as substrate, then electrical conductivity and light transmittance are improved, but flexibility and haze are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid conductive glass with flexible nano-optical paper as the substrate. This thin film substrate maintains flexibility while incorporating optical properties through its nano-structured surface that provides both flexibility and high light transmittance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure by combining conductive materials (silver nanoparticles, carbon black) with nano-optical paper substrate. This composite approach achieves both electrical conductivity and optical properties simultaneously in a flexible platform
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional multi-step deposition methods (spin coating, thermal evaporation) are used, then layer formation is achieved, but process complexity and material waste are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple deposition steps into a single 3D printing process. The multi-layer structure (conductive layer, buffer layer, active layer) is deposited sequentially in one integrated printing operation, eliminating the need for separate spin coating, thermal evaporation, and annealing steps
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the deposition parameters by using 3D printing technology with controlled nozzle positioning, material extrusion rates, and layered deposition parameters. This enables precise control of layer thickness and position while simplifying the overall process
3Reliability
If conventional solar cell structures are used, then photovoltaic function is achieved, but transparency and flexibility are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses thin-film structures for all layers including the active layer, buffer layer, and conductive layers. This thin-film approach maintains transparency while achieving photovoltaic function, and the entire structure is mounted on flexible nano-optical paper
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates porous nano-optical paper as the substrate which allows light transmission while providing mechanical flexibility. The porous structure also facilitates the deposition of subsequent layers while maintaining optical properties
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
This method results in solar cells with improved photovoltaic conversion efficiency, flexibility, and reduced material loss, offering a cost-effective and efficient solution for energy conversion while maintaining high light utilization and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
a method for preparing flexible solar cells using 3D aerogel jet printing on nano-optical paper
Implementation Method 2
Having high light transmittance and high haze, nano-optical paper can, on the one hand, ensure that the incident light reaches the active layer and, on the other hand, extend the transmission distance of light in the solar cell
Implementation Method 3
the development of more forms of clean energy has gradually become an urgent need for human survival. However, solar cells have not yet been widely used due to their high costs, low photovoltaic conversion efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a method for preparing bendable nanopaper-based flexible solar cells by 3D aerogel jet printing. In this method, firstly all-cellulose paper is soaked in ionic liquid, and quickly partially dissolved and regenerated under the condition of hot pressing to produce nanopaper with high transmittance and high haze; and then a 3D aerogel jet printer is used to precisely print the respective layers of a solar cell on the surface of the nanopaper as a flexible substrate material, wherein the solar cell comprises an anode PFN/Ag NWs, an active layer CuPc/C60/PTCBI/BCP and a cathode MoO3/Ag/MoO3, and the thickness of each layer is precisely controlled by setting the parameters of the 3D printer. The electrode grid line on the surface of the prepared paper flexible solar cell has a width less than 10 μm and a thickness less than 20 nm. The prepared flexible organic thin film solar cell has a photovoltaic conversion efficiency 50% to 70% higher than that of the traditional flexible solar cell.