Perovskite Module Interconnects With Conformal Barrier Layers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Perovskite solar cells are susceptible to metal-induced degradation due to halide-metal interactions and decomposition at elevated temperatures, which affects their performance and stability.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a conformal transport layer that acts as a barrier to prevent perovskite-metal contact and includes a non-metallic intermediate layer to protect the subcell structure, along with a patterned electrode layer configuration to minimize decomposition and enhance stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If metal electrodes are used in perovskite solar cells, then electrical conductivity and light harvesting are improved, but metal-induced degradation and perovskite decomposition occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a conformal transport layer as an intermediary barrier between the metal electrode and the perovskite absorber layer. This transport layer prevents direct contact between metal and perovskite, eliminating halide-metal interactions that cause degradation, while still enabling efficient charge transport from the perovskite to the metal electrode. The conformal nature of the layer ensures complete coverage and protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite structure consisting of multiple functional layers: the perovskite absorber layer, the conformal transport layer, and the metal electrode layer. This composite architecture combines the advantages of each material while mitigating their individual drawbacks, allowing simultaneous achievement of high conductivity and enhanced stability.
2Productivity
If elevated temperature processing is used for manufacturing, then deposition and patterning efficiency are improved, but perovskite decomposition increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the conformal transport layer before depositing the metal electrode, creating a protective barrier in advance. This preliminary action prevents subsequent high-temperature metal deposition processes from directly affecting and decomposing the perovskite layer, allowing efficient manufacturing without compromising material integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The conformal transport layer serves as a thermal intermediary that protects the temperature-sensitive perovskite from the high-temperature processing required for metal electrode deposition. This mediator enables elevated temperature processing to proceed without causing perovskite decomposition.
3Device complexity
If direct perovskite-metal contact is allowed, then device complexity is reduced, but halide-metal interactions cause degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The conformal transport layer acts as a thin intermediary barrier that prevents harmful halide-metal interactions between the perovskite and metal electrode. Despite adding a layer, the conformal design ensures complete coverage with minimal thickness, maintaining relative structural simplicity while effectively eliminating degradation pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes a thin film conformal transport layer that provides protective functionality without significantly increasing device complexity. The thin film approach maintains the overall compact structure while introducing the necessary barrier function to prevent metal-induced degradation.
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 enhances the stability and performance of perovskite solar cells by preventing decomposition and metal-induced degradation, while allowing for economical in-line processing and integration of metal rear electrodes for light harvesting.
Implementation Method 1
a conformal transport layer over the subcell layer and laterally surrounding an outside perimeter the subcell layer... The conformal transport layer may encapsulate the subcell layer to prevent perovskite-metal contact and perovskite decomposition
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C~2D
AI summary
Thin-film solar cell modules and serial cell-to-cell interconnect structures and methods of fabrication are described. In an embodiment, solar cell module and interconnect includes a conformal transport layer over a subcell layer. The conformal transport layer may also laterally surround an outside perimeter the subcell layer.