Phenoxyazine Electron Acceptors for Broad-Spectrum Light Harvesting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing organic photoresponsive devices, such as organic photovoltaic devices and organic photodetectors, face challenges in achieving efficient light absorption across a wide spectral range, particularly in the near-infrared region.

Innovation Solution

The use of a composition containing an electron acceptor material and an electron donor material, where the electron acceptor material is a compound of formula (I): EAG-EDG-EAG, with specific structural features that allow for tunable light absorption across various wavelengths.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If conventional organic photoresponsive devices are used, then device structure is simple, but light absorption efficiency in near-infrared region is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight absorption efficiencyVSAvoidspectral range coverage

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite materials by combining electron donor materials with electron acceptor materials of formula (I) to create a bulk heterojunction composition. This composite approach enables synergistic light absorption across a broad spectral range, with the donor and acceptor materials working together to capture photons from visible to near-infrared regions, thereby resolving the contradiction between absorption efficiency and spectral versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by modifying the molecular structure of electron acceptor materials through varying substituents (R1-R8) and core structures (X, Y, A, Z). These structural parameter adjustments tune the HOMO and LUMO energy levels, band gaps, and absorption characteristics of the materials, enabling optimization of light absorption efficiency across different spectral regions while maintaining device performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If electron acceptor materials of formula (I) are used to extend absorption to near-infrared, then spectral range is improved, but material complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespectral rangeVSAvoidmaterial structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the electron acceptor material into distinct functional modules: a core structure (X, Y, A, Z) that provides the basic electron-accepting capability and absorption characteristics, and substituent groups (R1-R8) that fine-tune the spectral properties. This modular segmentation allows independent optimization of different material functions, extending spectral range while managing structural complexity through systematic design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Use of energy by moving object

If broad spectral absorption is achieved through material composition, then light harvesting efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight harvesting efficiencyVSAvoidmanufacturing process simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements universality by designing electron acceptor materials of formula (I) that can function across multiple spectral regions (visible and near-infrared) and are compatible with various electron donor materials. This multi-functionality allows a single acceptor material design to achieve broad spectral absorption when combined with different donors, simplifying the manufacturing process by reducing the need for highly specialized, application-specific material formulations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution enables organic photoresponsive devices to effectively absorb light in the visible region and beyond 750 nm, enhancing their performance as photovoltaic devices and photodetectors, especially in detecting near-infrared light.

Implementation Method 1

enables organic photoresponsive devices to effectively absorb light in the visible region and beyond 750 nm

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

organic photoresponsive devices to effectively absorb light in the visible region and beyond 750 nm, enhancing their performance as photovoltaic devices and photodetectors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS12232415B2Molecular materials based on phenoxyazine core for heterojunction organic solar cells

Publication Date: 2025.02.18 SUMITOMO CHEM CO LTD

AI summary

A composition comprising an electron acceptor material and an electron donor material wherein the electron acceptor material is a compound of formula (I): EAG-EDG-EAG (I) wherein each EAG is an electron-accepting group and EDG is a group of formula (II): (II) wherein: n is at least 1; each m is independently 0 or at least 1; each X, Y and A is independently O, S or Se; Z, independently in each occurrence if n is greater than 1, is O, S, C═O or NR9 wherein R9 is H or a substituent; and R1-R8 are each independently selected from H or a substituent. The composition may be used as photosensitive organic layer of an organic photodetector.