Lead Halide Precursor Ink for Uniform Perovskite Thin Films

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current photovoltaic technologies face challenges in achieving high efficiency and stability, particularly in the deposition of perovskite solar cells, where the morphology and coverage of the perovskite layer on mesoporous TiO2 layers affect photovoltaic performance, and existing solar cells struggle with cost-effectiveness and durability.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the preparation of a lead halide precursor ink by dissolving lead halide in a solvent and adding water, which is then deposited onto a substrate, followed by drying and the application of a second solvent and salt, to form a thin film, enhancing the photovoltaic performance by improving the morphology and stability of perovskite solar cells.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If perovskite layer is deposited on mesoporous TiO2 using conventional methods, then photovoltaic performance is achieved, but morphology and coverage control is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveperovskite layer morphology and coverageVSAvoiddeposition process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters of the precursor ink by incorporating specific additives (e.g., formamidinium iodide, hydrochloric acid) and adjusting solvent ratios to control perovskite crystallization kinetics, thereby achieving improved morphology and coverage without complicating the deposition process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The precursor ink is pre-formulated with controlled composition and stoichiometry before deposition, allowing the perovskite layer to self-organize into desired morphology during the deposition and annealing process, reducing the need for post-processing adjustments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If perovskite solar cell efficiency is increased, then energy conversion improves, but stability and durability decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy conversion efficiencyVSAvoiddevice stability and durability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite perovskite structures combining multiple cations (methylammonium, formamidinium, cesium) and halides (iodide, bromide) to create materials that simultaneously achieve high efficiency and enhanced stability through complementary properties of different components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The precursor ink formulation creates local compositional variations that promote formation of phases with different properties - high-efficiency phases in active regions and stable phases at grain boundaries and interfaces, achieving both efficiency and durability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If perovskite coverage on TiO2 is increased, then photovoltaic performance improves, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephotovoltaic performanceVSAvoidmaterial consumption and cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The optimized precursor ink formulation enables the perovskite to self-assemble and self-limit its growth to achieve complete TiO2 coverage without excess material, with the ink composition automatically regulating deposition uniformity and preventing waste

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 improves the photovoltaic performance and stability of perovskite solar cells by optimizing the morphology and coverage of the perovskite layer, leading to enhanced energy conversion efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

drying the lead halide precursor ink to form a thin film

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 2

contacting the lead halide with the first solvent to dissolve the lead halide

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDissolution: Solvation

Data Source

PatentEP3706181B1Method of forming a thin film from a lead halide precursor ink for perovskite material devices
Publication Date: 2025.01.01 CUBICPV INC
  • EP3706181B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3706181B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3706181B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a perovskite material and a method of producing such. The method comprises the steps of: preparing a lead halide precursor ink, depositing the lead halide precursor ink onto a substrate; drying the lead halide precursor ink to form a thin film; and depositing a second solvent and a salt onto the thin film. Preparing a lead halide precursor ink comprises the steps of: introducing a lead halide into a vessel; introducing a first solvent into the vessel; contacting the lead halide with the first solvent to dissolve the lead halide; and introducing water into the vessel.