Polyether Polymer Electrolyte for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell Ion Diffusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solid state electrolytes in dye sensitized solar cells face challenges such as difficulty in penetrating titanium oxide and slow ion diffusion rates, leading to low conductivity and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A solid electrolyte composition comprising polyethylene oxide, polyether polymer, and a redox pair, with a specific weight ratio and additives like nano-particles, is developed to enhance ion diffusion and conductivity, including the use of polyether urethane or phosphorous containing polyether polymers and nano-particles like silicon dioxide to disturb crystallinity and increase non-crystalline regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If solid state electrolyte is used, then stability is improved, but ion diffusion rate decreases and conductivity becomes low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite electrolyte system combining polyethylene oxide (PEO) with polyether polymer and redox pair. This composite structure integrates the stability of solid polymers with enhanced ion transport pathways, resolving the contradiction between stability and ion diffusion rate by creating a multi-component system where each component contributes specific properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of the electrolyte by controlling the molecular weight of PEO (500,000 to 8,000,000), adjusting the weight ratio of PEO to polyether polymer (0.2:1 to 3:1), and optimizing the crystallinity through additive selection. These parameter changes enable the electrolyte to maintain solid-state stability while achieving higher ion diffusion rates.
2Reliability
If polyethylene oxide is used as base material, then stability is improved, but ion diffusion rate becomes very low due to crystalline structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates local non-crystalline regions within the polyethylene oxide matrix by incorporating polyether polymer and additives. These local modifications provide specific pathways for ion diffusion without compromising the overall structural stability of the PEO base material, allowing ions to move through non-crystalline regions while the crystalline regions maintain structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The polyether polymer acts as an intermediary substance between the crystalline PEO regions, providing alternative pathways for ion transport. The polyether polymer molecules interfere with the crystallization of PEO and create amorphous regions that facilitate ion diffusion, mediating between the stability-providing crystalline structure and the diffusion-requiring amorphous structure.
3Productivity
If electrolyte penetrates into titanium oxide, then efficiency is improved, but penetration difficulty increases in solid state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs the flexible chain structure of polyether polymer to enhance penetration into the porous titanium oxide structure. The flexible polymer chains can adapt to the pore geometry and penetrate more easily into the semiconductor material, improving interfacial contact and efficiency without requiring high processing pressures or temperatures.
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 composition significantly increases ion diffusion rates and conductivity, improving the efficiency and mechanical strength of the solid electrolyte, thereby enhancing the performance of dye sensitized solar cells.
Implementation Method 1
Ions bond with the polymers by forming ionic bonding. Ionic bonding is a reversible, primary valance force. Therefore, ions can transfer with the movement of the polymer chain.
Implementation Method 2
the extent of the crystalline polyethylene oxide can be decreased and the ion diffusion rate can be higher (leading to an increase of the conductivity)
Implementation Method 3
an electrolyte for transferring electron holes
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an electrolyte composition, comprising a polyether polymer, a polyethylene oxide, and a redox pair and optionally nano-particles.