Photoelectric Conversion Element UV Protection via Rare Earth Interlayer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Photoelectric conversion elements, such as solar cells, face challenges in maintaining stable characteristics due to the detrimental effects of ultraviolet rays, which can lead to deterioration of the photoelectric conversion layer and the base material, resulting in reduced conversion efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A photoelectric conversion element is designed with a first member comprising a first layer made of particles such as zinc oxide or zinc sulfide, and an intermediate region containing a rare earth element. This configuration is sandwiched between a second layer of metal fluoride, which helps absorb ultraviolet rays and maintain stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the photoelectric conversion element uses conventional structure without ultraviolet absorption layer, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability deteriorates due to ultraviolet ray damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of photoelectric conversion elementVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The first member is divided into multiple layers: a first layer containing particles (such as zinc oxide or zinc sulfide particles) and an intermediate region, and a second layer containing a metal fluoride. This segmentation allows each layer to perform specific functions in ultraviolet absorption, thereby improving reliability while maintaining manageable structural complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first member acts as an intermediary component positioned between the light incident direction and the photoelectric conversion layer. It absorbs ultraviolet rays before they reach the photoelectric conversion layer, protecting it from deterioration while allowing visible light to pass through for photoelectric conversion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If ultraviolet rays are allowed to reach the photoelectric conversion layer, then the conversion efficiency for visible light is maintained, but the photoelectric conversion layer deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedurability of photoelectric conversion layerVSAvoidultraviolet ray damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful ultraviolet rays into a beneficial effect by using them to excite the particles in the first layer, which then emit visible light through photoluminescence. This converted visible light can be utilized by the photoelectric conversion layer, while the harmful ultraviolet energy is eliminated

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The first member with particles and metal fluoride serves as a protective intermediary that filters out harmful ultraviolet wavelengths while transmitting beneficial visible light wavelengths to the photoelectric conversion layer, thereby protecting the layer from deterioration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If a simple base material is used, then the manufacturing cost is low, but the base material deteriorates under ultraviolet exposure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of base materialVSAvoidultraviolet ray effect on base

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The first member acts as a protective intermediary layer between the ultraviolet light source and the base material. It absorbs the harmful ultraviolet rays, preventing them from reaching and deteriorating the base material, thereby extending the lifespan and stability of the overall device

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 proposed configuration effectively absorbs ultraviolet rays, preventing the deterioration of the photoelectric conversion layer and the base, thereby achieving stable characteristics and high conversion efficiency for visible light.

Implementation Method 1

the first layer includes a plurality of particles and an intermediate region provided in at least a part of location between the plurality of particles. The plurality of particles include at least one selected from the group consisting of oxygen and sulfur and zinc

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoluminescence: Photoluminescence

Implementation Method 2

the second layer includes a metal fluoride

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption (EM radiation): Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS12310142B2Photoelectric conversion element and solar cell

Publication Date: 2025.05.20 KK TOSHIBA

AI summary

According to one embodiment, a photoelectric conversion element includes a photoelectric conversion layer, and a first member. The first member includes a first layer and a second layer. A direction from the second layer to the first layer is along a first direction from the photoelectric conversion layer to the first member. The first layer includes a plurality of particles and an intermediate region provided in at least a part of location between the plurality of particles. The plurality of particles include at least one selected from the group consisting of oxygen and sulfur and zinc. The intermediate region includes a rare earth element. The second layer includes a metal fluoride.