Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Passivation Layer for Moisture Blocking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing organic electronic devices, such as OLEDs and solar cells, face degradation due to moisture and oxygen exposure, leading to low durability and reliability, especially when using plastic substrates which have weak gas barrier properties and thermal stress issues.
Innovation Solution
An organic/inorganic hybrid thin film passivation layer is developed, comprising a photocurable polymer layer formed via UV/ozone curing and an inorganic nanocomposite layer, applied in a laminated structure to effectively block moisture and oxygen transmission, enhancing the gas barrier properties of plastic substrates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single inorganic thin film passivation layer is applied to block moisture and oxygen, then the water vapor transmission rate and oxygen transmission rate are lowered, but the interfacial adhesion strength is weak resulting in non-uniform layer formation and surface light scattering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a composite passivation layer structure consisting of an organic polymer layer combined with an inorganic thin film layer. This composite structure leverages the advantages of both materials: the organic layer provides flexibility and good adhesion to the substrate, while the inorganic layer provides superior moisture and oxygen barrier properties. The combination resolves the contradiction by achieving both strong interfacial adhesion and effective gas barrier performance that neither material could achieve alone.
2Reliability
If ceramic materials are applied to a passivation layer to improve protection, then the protective properties are enhanced, but high temperature is required for the process and the properties are limited by the physical properties of the ceramic materials themselves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter of the passivation process by using organic polymer materials that can be cured at lower temperatures compared to traditional ceramic materials. This allows the formation of an effective passivation layer without requiring high temperature processing, thereby improving ease of manufacture while still providing reliable protective properties against moisture and oxygen.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If a passivation layer is applied to improve device reliability, then the lifetime is extended, but the device complexity increases due to additional layers and processing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the passivation function into two distinct layers: an organic polymer layer for adhesion and flexibility, and an inorganic thin film layer for barrier performance. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for its specific function and simplifies the overall structure compared to using a single complex material system, while still achieving extended device lifetime through effective protection against environmental degradation.
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 hybrid passivation layer significantly improves the stability and reliability of organic electronic devices by efficiently blocking moisture and oxygen, reducing transmission rates and enhancing adhesion strength, thus extending device lifetime and improving substrate resistance.
Implementation Method 1
an organic polymer passivation layer made of a photocurable polymer according to a UV/ozone curing process
Implementation Method 2
an organic polymer passivation layer made of a photocurable polymer according to a UV/ozone curing process
Implementation Method 3
an inorganic thin film passivation layer prepared by using a nanocomposite material containing at least two inorganic materials
Implementation Method 4
effectively blocking moisture and oxygen transmission, enhancing the gas barrier properties of plastic substrates
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an organic/inorganic hybrid thin film passivation layer comprising an organic polymer passivation layer prepared by a UV/ozone curing process and an inorganic thin film passivation layer for blocking moisture and oxygen transmission of an organic electronic device fabricated on a substrate and improving gas barrier property of a plastic substrate; and a fabrication method thereof. Since the organic/inorganic hybrid thin film passivation layer of the present invention converts the surface polarity of an organic polymer passivation layer into hydrophilic by using the UV/ozone curing process, it can improve the adhesion strength between the passivation layer interfaces, increase the light transmission rate due to surface planarization of the organic polymer passivation layer, and enhance gas barrier property by effectively blocking moisture and oxygen transmission.