Inverted Organic Solar Cell Inner Encapsulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inverted organic solar cells face challenges with photostability and photoconversion efficiency due to radical penetration from the electron transport layer into the photoactive layer, and the complexity of the manufacturing process increases costs.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an inner encapsulation material with a carboxyl group, which self-assembles on the surface of the electron transport layer, prevents radical penetration and improves the stability and efficiency of the solar cell, while simplifying the manufacturing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a metal oxide is used as an electron transport layer in an inverted organic solar cell, then electron transport is improved, but radicals are generated due to photocatalytic reaction and penetrate into the photoactive layer, damaging it and reducing photostability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an inner encapsulation layer composed of specific materials (such as fullerene derivatives or metal oxide nanoparticles) positioned between the electron transport layer and the photoactive layer. This intermediary layer acts as a barrier that blocks radical penetration from the electron transport layer into the photoactive layer, while maintaining efficient electron transport through the encapsulation layer itself.
2Reliability
If a separate inner encapsulation layer is introduced between the electron transport layer and the photoactive layer to block radical penetration, then photostability is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes complicated and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the inner encapsulation function with existing layers in the solar cell structure. The encapsulation material is integrated into the electron transport layer formulation or applied as a thin interface layer during the same manufacturing process, rather than requiring a completely separate additional layer formation step. This merging approach maintains the radical-blocking function while simplifying the overall manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs materials with self-assembling or self-organizing properties that automatically form the encapsulation structure at the interface between the electron transport layer and photoactive layer during the manufacturing process. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex multi-step deposition processes, as the encapsulation structure forms spontaneously under the manufacturing conditions.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional materials are used without inner encapsulation, then manufacturing is simple, but radicals penetrate into the photoactive layer reducing photoconversion efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical or physical parameters of existing materials to provide both electron transport and encapsulation functions. By changing parameters such as molecular structure, surface properties, or composition ratios of the electron transport layer materials, the layer gains dual functionality: maintaining electron transport efficiency while inherently blocking radical penetration, thus eliminating the need for separate encapsulation layers.
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 approach enhances the photostability and photoconversion efficiency of the inverted organic solar cell, reduces manufacturing costs, and simplifies the process by blocking radical penetration and improving electron transport.
Implementation Method 1
at least a part of the inner encapsulation material is self-assembled on the surface of the electron transport layer
Implementation Method 2
the penetration of radicals generated in the electron transport layer into the photoactive layer is blocked by the inner encapsulation layer
Implementation Method 3
generates excitons by light absorption
Implementation Method 4
The excitons thus generated are separated into electrons and holes at a junction interface between an electron donor and an electron acceptor
Data Source
AI summary
The present inventive concept relates to an inverted organic solar cell and a method of manufacturing the same. Specifically, the inverted organic solar cell according to one embodiment of the present inventive concept includes a substrate; a lower electrode disposed on the substrate; an electron transport layer disposed on the lower electrode; a photoactive layer disposed on the electron transport layer and formed by mixing a photoactive material and an inner encapsulation material; a hole transport layer disposed on the photoactive layer; and an upper electrode disposed on the hole transport layer, wherein the inner encapsulation material has a carboxyl group, and at least a part of the inner encapsulation material may be self-assembled on the surface of the electron transport layer.