Low-Temperature Platinisation for Dye-Sensitised Solar Cell Counter Electrodes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) face inefficiencies due to high temperature requirements for platinum deposition on counter electrodes, limited substrate options, and lengthy dye binding processes, along with challenges in preventing electrolyte leakage and achieving even platinum coverage.

Innovation Solution

A low-temperature method for platinizing counter electrodes using a series of steps involving cleaning, activation, and reduction of platinum solutions at temperatures below 100°C, allowing for efficient platinum deposition on a wide range of substrates, including polymers, with improved adhesion and transparency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If high temperature treatment (400-500°C) is used for platinum deposition and calcination, then platinum coating is achieved on counter electrode, but substrate selection is limited and production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplatinum coating qualityVSAvoidsubstrate selection range

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the temperature parameter from conventional 400-500°C to below 100°C, enabling the use of thermally unstable substrates like polymers while still achieving functional platinum coating through modified chemical deposition processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediary substances including adhesion promoters and organic acids as catalysts to enable platinum deposition at low temperatures, acting as mediators between the platinum source and substrate surface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If high temperature treatment (400-500°C) is used for platinum deposition, then platinum layer is formed, but production time and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplatinum deposition completenessVSAvoidproduction cycle time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the temperature parameter from 400-500°C to below 100°C and reduces treatment time from at least one hour to rapid processing, achieving complete platinum deposition under milder conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces thermal energy-driven deposition with chemically-driven deposition using organic acids and reducing agents, eliminating the need for high temperature heating processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Quantity of substance

If conventional platinum deposition methods are used, then platinum coverage is achieved, but adhesion to substrate and evenness of coverage are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplatinum coverage amountVSAvoidplatinum coverage evenness

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary surface treatment steps including cleaning with organic solvents and application of adhesion promoters before platinum deposition, ensuring proper surface preparation for uniform and adherent platinum coverage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses adhesion promoters and organic acid catalysts as intermediary substances that facilitate uniform platinum nucleation and growth across the substrate surface, improving coverage evenness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 method enhances the efficiency and fill factor of DSSC devices, enables the use of thermally unstable polymers as substrates, and reduces production time and costs, while maintaining high transparency and even platinum coverage.

Implementation Method 1

adding a reducing agent and wherein the reduction of the aqueous platinum solution is carried out at a temperature of from room temperature to at most 100 °C

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReduction: Reduction

Implementation Method 2

coating this plate with a transparent conducting oxide (TCO) (2), preferably with doped tin oxide

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 3

Platinum coating the counter electrode catalyses the reduction of the iodide/triiodide redox couple

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Implementation Method 4

photons strike the dye moving it to an excited state capable of injecting electrons into the conducting band of the titanium dioxide

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhoton absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP2474012B1Low temperature platinisation for dye-sensitised solar cells

Publication Date: 2019.10.23 UNIV OF WALES BANGOR

Figure 1

AI summary

This invention relates to the field of dye-sensitised solar cells (DSSC) and to a method for the low temperature platinisation of the counter-electrode which is applicable to a wide range of substrates.