Metal Complex Dye for High-Temperature Solar Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current photoelectric conversion elements and dye-sensitized solar cells face challenges in achieving high photoelectric conversion efficiency, external quantum efficiency for long-wavelength light, and heat resistance durability, particularly at elevated temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A photoelectric conversion element comprising a conductive support, a photoconductor layer with semiconductor fine particles carrying a specific metal complex dye structure, including geometric isomers with bipyridine ligands and monodentate ligands, which enhances light absorption and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional metal complex dyes (N3, N719, N749, Z907, J2) are used in photoelectric conversion elements, then photoelectric conversion efficiency can be achieved, but heat resistance durability deteriorates at elevated temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the molecular structure parameters of metal complex dyes by introducing specific substituents (alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl groups) at defined positions on the ligand framework. These structural parameter changes enhance the thermal stability and heat resistance durability of the dye molecules while preserving their photoelectric conversion functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite dye structures combining multiple ligand components (bipyridine ligands with specific substituents, carboxylic acid groups, and other coordinating groups) around metal centers (Ru, Os, Ir, Pt, Rh). This composite molecular architecture provides both the necessary light-absorbing properties and improved thermal stability for high-temperature operation.
2Reliability
If conventional dyes are used, then basic photoelectric conversion function is achieved, but external quantum efficiency for long-wavelength light (>700 nm) deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the light absorption spectrum into the long-wavelength region by modifying electronic parameters of the dye molecules through strategic substitution patterns. The introduced substituents alter the HOMO-LUMO energy gap and extend the absorption tail beyond 700 nm, achieving high external quantum efficiency in the red and near-infrared regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent expands the functional performance of the dye by accessing another dimension of the electromagnetic spectrum (longer wavelengths beyond conventional absorption ranges). This dimensional extension in spectral response enables utilization of previously underutilized portions of the solar spectrum for photoelectric conversion.
3Productivity
If photoelectric conversion efficiency is improved, then energy conversion performance increases, but heat resistance durability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates composite dye molecules that integrate multiple functional components: light-harvesting chromophores, electron-injecting groups, and thermally stabilizing structural elements. This composite architecture simultaneously achieves high photoelectric conversion efficiency through effective light harvesting and electron transfer, while the robust molecular framework provides resistance to thermal degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality enhancement by placing specific thermally stabilizing substituents at critical positions within the dye molecule (such as positions 4 and 4' of bipyridine ligands). These localized structural modifications provide thermal stability without compromising the overall photoelectric conversion efficiency of the molecule.
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 significantly improves photoelectric conversion efficiency, external quantum efficiency for long-wavelength light, and heat resistance durability, enabling stable performance even at elevated temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
photoelectric conversion efficiency which was comparable to that of amorphous silicon
Implementation Method 2
external quantum efficiency for long-wavelength light
Data Source
AI summary
A photoelectric conversion element includes a conductive support, a photoconductor layer including an electrolyte, a charge transfer layer including an electrolyte, and a counter electrode, in which the photoconductor layer has semiconductor fine particles carrying a metal complex dye represented by a specific formula.