Photoelectric Conversion Element Solid Compound Layer

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Solution Overview

Problem

The energy-storable dye-sensitized photovoltaic cell suffers from a low discharge rate due to the cation exchange membrane impeding ion movement between electrolyte solutions, limiting its electrical storage function.

Innovation Solution

A photoelectric conversion element with a solid compound layer containing a polymer gel layer in direct contact with the photoanode and counter electrode, eliminating the need for a cation exchange membrane, and incorporating a conductivity aid and stable radicals to enhance ion transport and retention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a cation exchange membrane is used to partition the cell portion and battery portion, then the electrical storage function is provided, but the discharge rate becomes low due to impeded ion movement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical storage functionVSAvoiddischarge rate
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention removes the cation exchange membrane from the system entirely. Instead of using a membrane to partition the cell portion and battery portion, the patent employs a gel polymer electrolyte that directly contacts both the photoelectrode and charge storage electrode, eliminating the membrane-induced ion transport barrier while maintaining the electrical storage function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention combines the electrolyte medium into a unified gel polymer electrolyte that serves both the photoelectric conversion cell and the energy storage battery functions. This merged electrolyte system allows direct ion transport between the photoelectrode and charge storage electrode without membrane barriers, improving discharge rate while maintaining storage capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Quantity of substance

If the electrolyte solution contains a high concentration of oxidation-reduction substance, then the electrical storage capacity increases, but the ion transport becomes impeded

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoxidation-reduction substance concentrationVSAvoidion transport speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The invention optimizes the concentration of oxidation-reduction substances in the gel polymer electrolyte to achieve a balance between electrical storage capacity and ion transport speed. By controlling the concentration parameters within specific ranges and using the gel matrix structure, the system maintains high ion conductivity while providing sufficient redox capacity for energy storage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a composite gel polymer electrolyte system that combines the electrolyte solution with a gel matrix structure. This composite material provides both the oxidation-reduction substances for electrical storage and the gel network for efficient ion transport, resolving the contradiction between concentration and transport speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 solution improves the discharge rate and stability of the electrical storage function, allowing for efficient energy storage and release, even in low illuminance environments.

Implementation Method 1

a solid compound layer containing a polymer gel layer in direct contact with the photoanode and counter electrode... incorporating a conductivity aid and stable radicals to enhance ion transport

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIonic conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

photoelectric conversion element... photosensitized photoelectric conversion elements... dye-sensitized photovoltaic cells

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric conversion: Photovoltaic Effect

Implementation Method 3

an electrolyte medium containing a polymer having an oxidation-reduction site capable of repetitive oxidation-reduction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRedox reactions: Redox Reactions

Data Source

PatentEP2863472B1Photoelectric conversion element
Publication Date: 2017.03.08 PANASONIC HOLDINGS CORP
  • EP2863472B1 patent drawingFigure 1(a)~1(b)
  • EP2863472B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2863472B1 patent drawingFigure 4(a)~5

AI summary

A photoelectric conversion element (100) according to the present disclosure includes: a photoanode (15); a counter electrode (32); a solid compound layer (22) disposed between the photoanode (15) and the counter electrode (32); a charge storage electrode (55) disposed at an interspace from the counter electrode (32); and an electrolyte medium (24) being contained in the solid compound layer (22) and filling the interspace.