Plasmonic Electrodes in Organic Optoelectronic Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Organic-based optoelectronic devices, such as OLEDs and OPVs, are less efficient and more prone to degradation compared to their inorganic counterparts, particularly when exposed to air, limiting their potential for efficient solar energy harvesting and light emission applications.

Innovation Solution

The development of organic optoelectronic devices incorporating plasmonic metal nanostructures or nanopores, with a native metal oxide coating, integrated into the electrode gaps, enhances efficiency by optimizing the organic photoactive layer and electrode configurations, including the use of conjugated organic polymers and fullerene derivatives.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If organic-based optoelectronic devices are used, then cost-effectiveness and flexibility are improved, but efficiency and stability deteriorate compared to inorganic counterparts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecost-effectivenessVSAvoidstability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite material structures by combining organic photoactive layers with inorganic plasmonic metal nanostructures (gold, silver, aluminum) and metal oxide coating layers. This hybrid approach allows the device to maintain the cost-effectiveness and flexibility of organic materials while incorporating the stability and optical enhancement properties of inorganic materials, directly resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by introducing metal oxide coating layers (such as Al2O3, SiO2, TiO2) specifically on the plasmonic metal nanostructures that are in contact with the organic photoactive layer. This localized treatment provides targeted protection and interface optimization without compromising the overall organic nature of the device, enabling improved stability while maintaining cost-effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If organic photoactive layers are used, then flexibility and cost are improved, but light harvesting efficiency and lifetime deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidlight harvesting efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes plasmonic metal nanostructures with curved geometries (nanospheres, nanocubes, nanorods) that exploit surface plasmon resonance effects to enhance light absorption. The curved surfaces of these nanostructures create localized electromagnetic field enhancements that improve light harvesting efficiency of the organic photoactive layer, directly addressing the productivity deterioration while maintaining material flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Ease of operation

If organic optoelectronic devices are exposed to air, then ease of operation is improved, but degradation rate increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of useVSAvoidlifetime

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates an inert protective environment by depositing metal oxide coating layers (Al2O3, SiO2, TiO2) on the plasmonic metal nanostructures. These coating layers act as barrier layers that prevent direct contact between the organic photoactive layer and oxygen/moisture in the air, effectively isolating the sensitive organic materials from degrading environmental factors while allowing the device to operate in ambient conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by pre-coating the plasmonic metal nanostructures with metal oxide layers before assembling the complete device. This preventive measure creates protective barriers in advance that cushion the organic photoactive layer against oxidative degradation and moisture ingress, extending device lifetime while maintaining ease of operation in air

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

This configuration significantly improves the efficiency and stability of organic optoelectronic devices, leading to enhanced light harvesting and emission capabilities, while maintaining cost-effectiveness and potential for long-term performance.

Implementation Method 1

one of the electrodes includes a plurality of plasmonic metal nanostructures, wherein the nanostructures project towards the electrode gap

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSurface plasmon resonance:

Implementation Method 2

the plurality of plasmonic metal nanostructures further includes a native metal oxide coating layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOxidation resistance: Oxidation

Data Source

PatentUS9263689B2Organic optoelectronic devices incorporating plasmonic electrodes

Publication Date: 2016.02.16 RUTGERS THE STATE UNIV

AI summary

An organic optoelectronic device that includes a substrate and a plurality of structures disposed thereon, the structures include: (a) a first electrode; vertically separated from (b) a second electrode by (c) an electrode gap that includes an organic photoactive layer disposed within the gap, wherein one of the electrodes includes a plurality of plasmonic nanopores or metal nanostructures, wherein the nanostructures project towards the electrode gap and the metal is selected from gold, aluminum, silver, calcium, copper, and nickel is presented.