Perovskite Solar Cell NIR Crystallization

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Solution Overview

Problem

The manufacturing process of perovskite solar cells is time-consuming and costly due to the need for sintering and high-temperature heat treatment, which limits their efficiency and scalability.

Innovation Solution

A rapid and low-temperature process using near-infrared (NIR) radiation to crystallize the perovskite precursor solution, eliminating the need for sintering and reducing processing time, with a compact tin oxide layer and metal oxide nanoparticles as a scaffold for the perovskite light absorber and electron transporter.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional sintering and high-temperature heat treatment are used to fabricate perovskite solar cells, then the perovskite layer is properly formed and stabilized, but the manufacturing process becomes time-consuming and costly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveperovskite layer formation qualityVSAvoidmanufacturing process time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the temperature parameter from conventional high-temperature sintering (typically 500-700°C) to low-temperature processing (below 150°C), enabling rapid perovskite formation without compromising layer quality. This parameter change transforms a time-consuming thermal process into a fast, scalable manufacturing step.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the conventional thermal sintering mechanism with an electrochemical deposition mechanism. By applying electrical potential to drive the perovskite precursor deposition and crystallization, the process eliminates the need for prolonged high-temperature heating, reducing both time and energy consumption while maintaining formation quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If conventional sintering is used to drive off binders and form the nanoporous film, then the film structure is properly formed, but considerable time and energy are consumed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenanoporous film structureVSAvoidheating energy
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes thermal energy-driven sintering with electrochemical energy-driven deposition. Electrical potential applied to the substrate drives the removal of binders and formation of the nanoporous structure through electrochemical reactions, eliminating the need for energy-intensive heating while achieving the desired film architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the energy input parameter from thermal (heating) to electrical (potential application). This parameter transformation enables binder removal and pore formation at ambient or low temperatures, dramatically reducing energy consumption while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If multiple procedural steps are used in perovskite solar cell manufacturing, then the device performance is optimized, but manufacturing costs increase due to increased process time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice performanceVSAvoidmanufacturing throughput
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple sequential processing steps into a single integrated electrochemical deposition step. The precursor deposition, binder removal, and perovskite crystallization occur simultaneously under applied electrical potential, reducing the number of discrete manufacturing steps while maintaining device performance and increasing throughput.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements continuous electrochemical deposition where the perovskite layer forms continuously under sustained electrical potential without interruption for drying, heating, or cooling cycles. This continuous action eliminates idle time between steps, maintaining high productivity while ensuring optimal layer formation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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

This method enables the rapid production of efficient photovoltaic devices with improved efficiency and reduced manufacturing costs, achieving performance comparable to oven-cured standards while minimizing processing time to under 8.5 seconds.

Implementation Method 1

NIR radiation is provided to a perovskite precursor solution coated onto the compact layer so that the perovskite precursor solution crystallizes to form a perovskite scaffold

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNear-infrared radiation heating: Infrared Radiation

Implementation Method 2

the perovskite precursor solution crystallizes to form a perovskite scaffold

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCrystallization: Crystallisation

Data Source

PatentEP3061142B1Method of making a photovoltaic device
Publication Date: 2020.02.26 UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF SWANSEA
  • EP3061142B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

A photovoltaic device (1) is made by providing a substrate (10) and forming a compact layer (30) on the substrate. The compact layer is coated with a layer (40) including metal oxide nanoperticles (50) and perovskites (60). NIK radiation Is used to cure the layer so that a scaffold is provided for the perovskites which can allow for light absorption and electron transportation In the compact layer when exposed to light. There is also an electrode (80) attached to the scaffold. The method allows for the manufacture of photovoltaic devices very efficiently and rapidly making it a very economical process.