Photoactive Organic Compound for Visible Light Absorption

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current photoactive organic electronic components have insufficient absorption in the wavelength range below 600 nm, particularly below 500 nm, limiting their ability to convert a broad spectrum of visible light into electrical current.

Innovation Solution

Development of compounds with a specific molecular structure, including conjugated blocks and electron-withdrawing groups, which enhance absorption properties across a broad range of visible light, particularly in the short-wave range (400 to 700 nm), by optimizing molecular orbitals and structural elements such as furan rings and nitrile groups.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If conventional organic semiconductor materials are used, then the device structure can be maintained, but the absorption in the wavelength range below 600 nm is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveabsorption of electromagnetic radiationVSAvoidconversion efficiency of visible light to electrical current
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies molecular parameters by introducing specific structural elements (furan rings, nitrile groups, conjugated blocks) to change the optical properties of the organic compound. This alters the energy levels and absorption characteristics of the material, enabling it to absorb photons with higher energy (shorter wavelengths below 600 nm) while maintaining compatibility with existing device architectures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite molecular structure combining electron-donating conjugated blocks with electron-withdrawing groups containing furan rings and nitrile groups. This composite approach at the molecular level results in a material with enhanced absorption properties across the visible spectrum, particularly in the short-wave range, while preserving the organic semiconductor's fundamental characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Use of energy by moving object

If the molecular structure is optimized for broad spectrum absorption, then the absorption properties improve, but the molecular complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveabsorption propertiesVSAvoidmolecular structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the molecular structure into distinct functional blocks: electron-donating conjugated blocks (such as oligothiophenes) and electron-withdrawing blocks (containing furan rings and nitrile groups). This segmentation allows each block to perform its specific function while maintaining overall molecular organization. The modular design achieves complex absorption properties through systematic arrangement of simpler subunits rather than creating entirely complex structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention applies local quality by placing specific functional groups (furan rings, nitrile groups) at strategic positions within the molecular structure. These localized electron-withdrawing groups create specific regions of high electron affinity that facilitate charge separation and enhance absorption in the short-wave visible range, while the rest of the molecule maintains its conjugated backbone for overall structural integrity and electron delocalization.

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 compounds exhibit significantly better absorption behavior in the short-wave range, enabling more efficient conversion of visible light into electrical current, making them suitable for improved performance in photodetectors, light-sensitive transistors, and organic solar cells.

Implementation Method 1

Photoactive organic electronic components make it possible to convert electromagnetic radiation, for example in the wavelength range of visible light, into electrical current using the photoelectric effect.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

The compounds exhibit significantly better absorption behavior in the short-wave range, enabling more efficient conversion of visible light into electrical current

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption of electromagnetic radiation: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP3397637B1Compound for photoactive organic electronic element, and photoactive organic electronic element comprising the compound
Publication Date: 2021.08.11 HELIATEK GMBH
  • EP3397637B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3397637B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3397637B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a compound of general formula (I), where Y, Y', Z, Z' and X, as well as the structural units D1 to D3 having coefficients o, p and q and the groups A1 and A2 are respectively defined as disclosed in claim 1. The compound of formula (I) is characterised by a high absorption in the short wavelength spectral region of visible light. The invention also relates to the use of the claimed compound for an organic electronic component, as well as a method for producing the compound.