Photoconductor System with Oligomeric Phenylene Additive for Spectral Sensitivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrophotographic photoconductor systems experience reduced efficiency and photo-induced degradation when exposed to low-wavelength light due to the charge transport layer absorbing photons, which limits their ability to absorb light in the 350 nm to 850 nm range and affects print resolution.
Innovation Solution
An electrophotographic photoconductor system with a charge generation layer comprising titanyl phthalocyanine and an oligomeric phenylene additive, which absorbs light in the 350 nm to 850 nm range, and a charge transport layer that minimally absorbs light, ensuring maximum absorption efficiency and preventing degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the charge transport layer absorbs photons in the low-wavelength region (350 nm to 500 nm), then the light absorption capability is enhanced, but the efficiency of charge generation is reduced and photo-induced degradation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the photoconductor system into two distinct functional layers: a charge generation layer containing photosensitive materials that absorb low-wavelength light, and a charge transport layer that transports charges while being transparent to the incident light. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function without interfering with the other, resolving the contradiction between light absorption and charge generation efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The charge generation layer acts as an intermediary between the incident light and the charge transport layer. It absorbs the photons and generates electron-hole pairs, which are then separated and transported by the charge transport layer. This intermediary mechanism prevents the charge transport layer from directly absorbing photons, thereby maintaining both light absorption capability and charge generation efficiency
2Manufacturing precision
If light of low wavelength (350 nm to 500 nm) is used for irradiation, then print resolution is improved, but the photoconductor system experiences photo-induced degradation
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the photoconductor into specialized layers, the patent enables the use of low-wavelength light for high-resolution printing while protecting the charge transport layer from direct photon exposure, thus maintaining photoconductor stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of low-wavelength light absorption by the charge transport layer into a beneficial arrangement where only the charge generation layer absorbs these photons. This transforms what would be a degrading effect into a useful function for high-resolution image formation without compromising system reliability
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 system achieves high spectral sensitivity and print resolution by effectively absorbing light across the desired wavelength range while preventing degradation, enhancing image formation in electrophotographic devices.
Implementation Method 1
the photosensitive material is capable of generating electron-hole pairs by absorbing the light
Implementation Method 2
the charge transport layer is capable of transferring either holes or electrons generated by the charge generation layer to the surface of the photoconductor system
Data Source
AI summary
An electrophotographic photoconductor system for use in an electrophotographic device and method of using the same. The electrophotoconductor system comprises an electroconductive support, a charge generation layer disposed on the electroconductive support, and a charge transport layer disposed on the charge generation layer. The charge generation layer includes a photosensitive material comprising titanyl phthalocyanine, and at least one oligomeric phenylene additive. The electrophotographic photoconductor system is capable of absorbing light having a wavelength of about 350 nm to about 850 nm.