Ionic Polymer-TiO2 Photoelectric Layer for Flexible Substrates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dye-sensitized solar cells face challenges such as high production costs due to complex processes, low efficiency due to high internal resistance, and inability to use flexible plastic substrates due to the need for high-temperature sintering, which also limits the adsorption of dye on metal-oxide semiconductors.
Innovation Solution
A composition combining a semiconductor, such as titanium oxide nanoparticles, with a large amount of ionic polymer, specifically an anionic or cationic polymer, to form a photoelectric conversion layer that enables electricity storage and high photoelectric conversion efficiency without the need for sintering, allowing the use of plastic substrates and simplifying the production process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If high-temperature sintering is used to melt-bond titanium oxide particles, then the electrode structure is strengthened and particles are bonded, but plastic substrates cannot be used and production complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a binder as an intermediary substance between titanium oxide particles to achieve bonding without high-temperature sintering. The binder holds particles together at lower temperatures, enabling the use of plastic substrates while maintaining electrode structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the bonding mechanism from thermal (sintering) to chemical/adhesive (binder-based). This parameter change in the bonding process allows low-temperature processing compatible with plastic substrates while still achieving sufficient electrode strength.
2Ease of manufacture
If titanium oxide particles are applied without sintering, then production process is simplified, but particles peel from substrate and electrode functionality is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The binder serves as an intermediary that adheres to both the substrate and titanium oxide particles, providing reliable particle attachment without requiring sintering. This enables simple low-temperature processing while ensuring particles remain firmly attached during device operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure consisting of titanium oxide particles embedded in a binder matrix. This composite approach combines the photoelectric conversion properties of titanium oxide with the adhesive and mechanical properties of the binder, achieving both ease of manufacture and reliable particle attachment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If polypyrrole is used as the positive electrode for electricity storage, then the solar cell gains electricity storage function, but internal resistance increases and generating power decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material composition and structure of the positive electrode to reduce internal resistance. By optimizing the electrode composition and using appropriate binders and conductive additives, the patent achieves low internal resistance while maintaining electricity storage capability, thereby preserving high generating power.
4Adaptability or versatility
If two different electrolyte solutions are used to achieve electricity storage function, then the solar cell can store electricity, but the structure becomes highly complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single electrolyte solution that performs multiple functions: it serves as both the electrolyte for dye-sensitized photoelectric conversion and as the electrolyte for electricity storage in the positive electrode. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate electrolyte systems, significantly simplifying the overall cell structure while maintaining both photoelectric conversion and electricity storage functions.
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 solution allows for the formation of a photoelectric conversion layer with both high photoelectric conversion characteristics and electricity storage function on flexible plastic substrates, reducing production complexity and costs, and enabling efficient dye adsorption on semiconductors.
Implementation Method 1
efficient dye adsorption on semiconductors
Implementation Method 2
photoelectric conversion layer constituting a photoelectric conversion element, e.g., a solar cell
Implementation Method 3
photoelectric conversion layer with both high photoelectric conversion characteristics and electricity storage function
Data Source
AI summary
A composition that can form a photoelectric conversion layer having an electricity storage function is provided. The composition comprises at least a semiconductor (e.g., a titanium oxide particle) and an ionic polymer (e.g., a fluorine-series resin having a sulfo group), and the ratio of the ionic polymer relative to 1 part by weight of the semiconductor is not less than 0.05 parts by weight. The composition may further contain a dye (a sensitizing dye). An electrode provided with a photoelectric conversion layer formed from the composition can be used in combination with, in particular, an electrode having a porous layer to give a photoelectric conversion element having an excellent electricity storage function.