Photoelectric conversion element and photoelectric conversion device including the photoelectric conversion element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar cells, including n-p diode type monocrystalline silicon-based and perovskite solar cells, have room for improvement in photoelectric conversion efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A photoelectric conversion element is designed with a reflection layer that maximizes reflectance within the visible region's wavelengths corresponding to the optical absorption coefficient of the photoelectric conversion layer, utilizing particles with specific size and materials to enhance light absorption and charge separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional solar cell structures (n-p diode type monocrystalline silicon or perovskite) are used, then manufacturing and basic functionality are achieved, but photoelectric conversion efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The solar cell is divided into multiple functional layers including a photoelectric conversion layer, an electron transport layer, and a hole transport layer. Each layer performs a specific function in the photoelectric conversion process, allowing optimization of each component's performance to achieve higher overall efficiency while maintaining manageable structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structures where organic and inorganic materials are combined in the photoelectric conversion layer and transport layers. This composite approach enables synergistic effects that improve charge separation and transport efficiency, directly addressing the photoelectric conversion efficiency limitation of conventional single-material structures
2Use of energy by moving object
If the active layer absorbs all visible light wavelengths, then energy conversion is maximized, but the material composition becomes limited
Solution Approach 1:
Different layers are assigned different material compositions optimized for their specific functions: the photoelectric conversion layer uses materials optimized for light absorption, while the electron and hole transport layers use materials optimized for charge transport. This local optimization allows each layer to perform its function efficiently without compromising overall material composition flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The electron transport layer and hole transport layer act as intermediaries between the photoelectric conversion layer and the electrodes. These intermediary layers enable the system to absorb a broad spectrum of light while maintaining flexibility in material selection, as each intermediary layer can be independently optimized for its specific transport function
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 configuration increases photoelectric conversion efficiency by optimizing light absorption and charge generation, particularly reflecting blue light effectively, leading to higher energy conversion rates.
Implementation Method 1
A solar cell refers to a cell that absorbs light energy from sunlight and generates current-voltage by the photovoltaic effect, which is a phenomenon generating electrons and holes
Implementation Method 2
a reflection layer disposed between the photoelectric conversion layer and one of the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein the wavelength at which the reflectance of the reflection layer is maximum in the visible region is within the range of wavelengths in which the optical absorption coefficient of the photoelectric conversion layer is 1/5 or more of the maximum optical absorption coefficient in the visible region
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a photoelectric conversion element including a first electrode 3, a second electrode 7, a photoelectric conversion layer 5 between the first electrode 3 and the second electrode 7, and a reflection layer 6 between one of the first electrode 3 and the second electrode 7 and the photoelectric conversion layer 5. The wavelength at which the reflectance of the reflection layer 6 is maximum in the visible region is within the range of wavelengths in which the optical absorption coefficient of the photoelectric conversion layer 5 is ⅕ or more of the maximum optical absorption coefficient in the visible region.