Perovskite Photoelectric Conversion Layer Separation Using Inactive Regions

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing photoelectric conversion devices face issues with electrical separability between adjacent photoelectric conversion layers, leading to potential short circuits and reduced efficiency due to the difficulty in cleanly separating the active layers during manufacturing.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of inactive regions with higher electrical resistance, formed by altering a perovskite compound to compounds like PbI2 or AX, between adjacent photoelectric conversion layers to enhance electrical separation and prevent short circuits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If mechanical scribing is used to separate adjacent photoelectric conversion layers, then the active layer can be divided into regions, but the soft and viscous active layer is likely to remain in the groove or on the conductive metal oxide, causing electrical short circuits

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation precisionVSAvoidelectrical separability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

An inactive region is formed in advance within the active layer at the position where the groove is to be formed, before the mechanical scribing process. This inactive region, having different properties from the active layer, prevents the active layer material from remaining in the groove during scribing, thereby ensuring electrical separation between adjacent photoelectric conversion layers without requiring excessive scribing pressure that could crack the conductive oxide layer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If scribing pressure is increased to prevent active layer from remaining in the groove, then electrical separation may improve, but cracks or damage are likely to occur in the conductive oxide layer

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical separabilityVSAvoidlayer integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The inactive region is prepared beforehand in the active layer at the groove position. During subsequent mechanical scribing, this inactive region facilitates clean separation without requiring high pressure, thus preventing cracks in the conductive oxide layer while ensuring the active layer does not remain in the groove.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The inactive region is localized specifically at the groove position within the active layer, creating a local difference in material properties. This localized modification allows the rest of the active layer and conductive oxide layer to maintain their integrity and strength while enabling clean separation only where needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If a conductive polymer with the same softness as the active layer is used as the transparent electrode, then flexibility is maintained, but it becomes difficult to selectively scribe and remove only the active layer

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial compatibilityVSAvoidselective separability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The inactive region creates a local difference in material properties within the active layer at the groove position. This local differentiation enables selective removal or separation of the active layer material even when the transparent electrode has similar softness, as the inactive region provides a distinct interface for separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 inactive regions effectively increase electrical separability, improving the photoelectric conversion efficiency by preventing short circuits and ensuring secure separation of adjacent layers.

Implementation Method 1

formed by altering a perovskite compound to compounds like PbI2 or AX

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase change: Phase Change

Implementation Method 2

inactive regions with higher electrical resistance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical resistance: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentEP3855521B1Photoelectric conversion element and production method therefor
Publication Date: 2025.07.09 KK TOSHIBA
  • EP3855521B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3855521B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3855521B1 patent drawingFigure 5A~5B

AI summary

A photoelectric conversion device in an embodiment includes a first photoelectric conversion part including a first transparent electrode, a first photoelectric conversion layer, and a first counter electrode and a second photoelectric conversion part including a second transparent electrode, a second photoelectric conversion layer, and a second counter electrode, the first photoelectric conversion part and the second photoelectric conversion part being provided on a transparent substrate . The first counter electrode and the second transparent electrode are electrically connected by a connection part. As for the first photoelectric conversion layer and the second photoelectric conversion layer, adjacent portions of the adjacent first and second photoelectric conversion layers are electrically separated by an inactive region having electrical resistance higher than that of the first and second photoelectric conversion layers.