N-Graphene Transparent Electrode for Durable Nanowire Patterning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar cells and photoelectric conversion devices face challenges in achieving flexibility, durability, and preventing electrode deterioration, particularly when using metal nanowires, which are prone to peeling off during patterning and operation.
Innovation Solution
A transparent electrode comprising a patterned metal nanowire electroconductive film with a protective N-graphene layer, where the N-graphene film is formed on top of the electroconductive film to prevent peeling and deterioration, and a process involving photoresist patterning and etching to create isolated electrode parts for enhanced device structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metal nanowires are used as transparent electrode material, then transparency and low-resistance are achieved, but the electrode layer peels off or impairs during etching or photoresist removal
Solution Approach 1:
An organic compound layer is introduced as an intermediary between the metal nanowire electrode layer and the photoresist. This intermediary layer prevents direct contact between the photoresist and metal nanowires during patterning, eliminating the peeling and impairment issues while maintaining the transparency and conductivity benefits of metal nanowires.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode structure is designed as a composite system comprising metal nanowires embedded in or coated with an organic compound layer. This composite structure combines the electrical conductivity and transparency of metal nanowires with the protective and adhesive properties of the organic compound, preventing peeling during processing.
2Reliability
If metal nanowire electrodes are used in photoelectric conversion devices, then excellent transparency and low-resistance are achieved, but the electrodes deteriorate during production or operation
Solution Approach 1:
The organic compound layer serves as a protective intermediary that shields metal nanowires from environmental factors such as oxidation during device operation and production. This protective barrier prevents direct exposure of the metal nanowires to harmful conditions, thereby extending their service life and maintaining performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite structure of metal nanowires combined with the organic compound layer provides both the electrical functionality and the environmental stability required for durable photoelectric conversion devices. The organic component protects the metal from deterioration while maintaining the desired electrical properties.
3Manufacturing precision
If photoresist patterning is applied to metal nanowire electrodes, then electrode patterning is achieved, but the electrode layer is peeled off or impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The organic compound layer is applied before photoresist coating, creating an intermediary interface that allows photoresist patterning to proceed without damaging the underlying metal nanowire electrode. This intermediary prevents the photoresist removal process from causing peeling or impairment of the electrode layer.
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 provides a flexible, durable, and transparent electrode with high electroconductivity, preventing peeling and deterioration, and enabling the production of efficient photoelectric conversion devices with improved stability and performance.
Implementation Method 1
a protective film lying on said metal nanowires and containing N-graphene in which carbon atoms in the graphene carbon skeleton are partly substituted with nitrogen atoms
Data Source
AI summary
The present embodiment provides a transparent electrode, a transparent electrode production process and a photoelectric conversion device. The transparent electrode comprises a patterned electrode layer formed on a transparent substrate. The electrode layer has an electroconductive film containing metal nanowires and also has a film of N-graphene. In the graphene carbon skeleton of the N-graphene, carbon atoms are partly substituted with nitrogen atoms. The transparent electrode can be produced by: forming an electroconductive layer by coating with a dispersion containing metal nanowires; then forming an N-graphene film thereon; and subsequently patterning them.