Perovskite Optoelectronic Layer Structures for Solvent Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optoelectronic devices, particularly perovskite-based solar cells, face challenges in maintaining long-term stability due to issues such as degradation from exposure to solvents and environmental factors like moisture and oxygen, which affect the integrity and performance of the perovskite layers.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a functional layer, such as poly(ethylenimine) ethoxylated (PEIE) or acid anhydride, between the perovskite layers to enhance bonding and act as a barrier, preventing degradation by solvents and environmental factors, and enabling the construction of tandem devices with improved stability and performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a thin third layer (greater than zero nm to about 100 nm) is used to maintain device stability, then the barrier protection is sufficient, but the electrical conductivity may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material structures by combining the thin third layer (greater than zero nm to about 100 nm) with the second layer containing functional groups (hydroxyl, amine, or carboxylic acid groups). This composite structure achieves both barrier protection and electrical conductivity: the thin third layer provides solvent and environmental barrier protection while the functional groups in the second layer ensure adequate electrical conductivity, with sheet resistance between 1 KOhm/sq and 10 MOhm/sq
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the thickness parameter of the third layer to be greater than zero nm but no more than 100 nm. This parameter change allows the layer to provide sufficient barrier protection against solvents and environmental factors while maintaining adequate electrical conductivity, resolving the contradiction between protection and conductivity
2Strength
If the second layer with functional groups is added to improve bonding, then the layer adhesion is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second layer containing functional groups (hydroxyl, amine, or carboxylic acid groups) serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides chemical bonding capability to enhance adhesion between the first perovskite layer and the third layer, and it also contributes to the overall device performance and stability. This multi-functionality justifies the additional layer despite increased structural complexity
3Ease of manufacture
If perovskite layers are exposed to solvents during fabrication, then the device manufacturing is simplified, but the perovskite layers degrade
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary protective action by depositing the third layer (greater than zero nm to about 100 nm) onto the perovskite layers before subsequent solvent-based fabrication steps. This pre-deposited layer acts as a barrier that prevents solvent penetration and degradation of the perovskite layers during manufacturing processes, allowing simplified fabrication while maintaining perovskite stability
Solution Approach 2:
The third layer serves as an intermediary barrier between the perovskite layers and the solvents used during fabrication. This intermediate layer allows the manufacturing process to proceed with solvent-based materials and techniques while protecting the perovskite layers from direct solvent exposure and 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 functional layer improves the bonding between layers, enhancing the stability and performance of perovskite-based devices, allowing for the production of stable tandem solar cells with improved efficiency and durability.
Implementation Method 1
the second layer may include a functional group that includes at least one of a hydroxyl group and/or an amine
Implementation Method 2
the third layer has a first thickness between greater than zero nm and about 100 nm... preventing degradation by solvents and environmental factors
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a device that includes a first layer that includes at least one of a semiconducting material, a hole transport material (HTM), and/or an electron transport material (ETM), a second layer, and a third layer that includes a material that is at least one of transparent or conductive, where the second layer is positioned between the first layer and the third layer, the first layer, the second layer, and the third layer are in electrical contact with each other, and the third layer has a first thickness between greater than zero nm and about 100 nm. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the semiconducting material may include a perovskite.