Organic Photoelectric Conversion Device Active Layer Crystallization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional organic thin-layer solar cells face challenges in achieving high efficiency due to limited exciton diffusion length, inadequate interface between electron donors and acceptors, and low durability under light irradiation, leading to low conversion efficiency and short device lifetime.

Innovation Solution

A method for producing an organic photoelectric conversion device using a coating process that incorporates an active layer formed by converting latent pigments into high-crystallinity pigments, such as benzoporphyrin compounds, combined with inorganic particles, to enhance charge transport and photoelectric conversion characteristics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a hetero junction type solar cell is used with simple layer deposition, then the device structure is simple, but the interface contact area between electron donors and acceptors is limited, resulting in low charge transport efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidcharge transport efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a bulk hetero junction structure combining organic electron donor and acceptor materials in a mixed active layer, creating intimate interfacial contact throughout the bulk rather than at a simple planar interface. This composite structure increases the contact area between donors and acceptors, enabling efficient charge separation and transport while maintaining device simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from a two-dimensional planar interface (hetero junction) to a three-dimensional bulk mixture structure. By distributing acceptor particles throughout the donor matrix in the bulk active layer, the contact interface extends into the third dimension, dramatically increasing the interfacial area available for charge separation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Use of energy by stationary object

If conventional organic materials are used in thin layer solar cells, then the production energy is reduced, but the exciton diffusion length is limited, resulting in low photoelectric conversion efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction energyVSAvoidphotoelectric conversion efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state parameter of the active layer from amorphous to crystalline by controlling the deposition process. This phase change increases the exciton diffusion length significantly, allowing excitons to reach the charge separation interface before recombining, thereby improving photoelectric conversion efficiency while maintaining low production energy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention utilizes phase transition from amorphous to crystalline state in the organic semiconductor materials. By inducing crystallization in the active layer, the material's electronic structure and charge transport properties are improved, extending exciton diffusion length and enhancing overall device efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #36Phase transitions

3Adaptability or versatility

If organic photoelectric conversion devices are used, then the device can be formed on plastic substrates for portable applications, but the durability under light irradiation is insufficient, resulting in short device lifetime

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesubstrate flexibilityVSAvoiddevice lifetime
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating distinct functional layers with optimized properties: the active layer is designed with specific crystalline structure and composition to resist photo-degradation, while the electrode and encapsulation layers provide additional protection. This localized optimization of material properties at different device positions enhances overall durability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The invention implements beforehand cushioning by incorporating stable inorganic particles and designing a robust device architecture that preemptively protects against light-induced degradation. The structured bulk hetero junction and material selection are designed in advance to withstand operational stress, extending device lifetime before failure occurs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 results in a durable organic photoelectric conversion device with improved photoelectric conversion characteristics and high efficiency, enabling broader contact areas between electron donors and acceptors for enhanced mobility and longer device lifetime.

Implementation Method 1

the active layer is formed by coating; and the active layer contains a pigment which is obtained by converting a latent pigment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat treatment: Heat Treatment

Implementation Method 2

incorporates an active layer formed by converting latent pigments into high-crystallinity pigments, such as benzoporphyrin compounds

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCrystallization: Crystallisation

Implementation Method 3

uses charge transport caused by photoinduction at the interface of the layers

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric conversion: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 4

charge transport caused by photoinduction at the interface of the layers

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoinduction: Photosynthesis

Data Source

PatentUS9136489B2Method for producing organic photoelectric conversion device and organic photoelectric conversion device
Publication Date: 2015.09.15 MITSUBISHI CHEM CORP
  • US9136489B2 patent drawing
  • US9136489B2 patent drawing
  • US9136489B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The objects are to provide a method for producing a durable organic photoelectric conversion device by a coating process or to produce an organic photoelectric conversion device superior in photoelectric conversion characteristics to the conventional devices. In the production method for an organic photoelectric conversion device including a substrate, a pair of electrodes which are formed on the substrate and at least one of which is transparent, and an active layer formed between the pair of electrodes, the active layer is formed by coating; and the active layer contains a pigment.