Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell Electrode Using Porous Titanium Oxide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dye-sensitized solar cells with plastic substrates face challenges in achieving high charge transport efficiency and photovoltaic performance due to difficulties in forming a porous structure and maintaining a large specific surface area, as well as issues with metal oxide layers peeling off during high-temperature processing.
Innovation Solution
A laminated film comprising a porous semiconductor layer with crystalline titanium oxide fibers and fine particles, primarily composed of anatase and rutile phases, is used in conjunction with a transparent conductive layer on a plastic substrate, enhancing adhesion and charge transport efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If high-temperature heat treatment is carried out to form a porous structure on glass substrate, then photoelectric conversion efficiency is improved, but the process cannot be applied to plastic substrate due to temperature limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter from high-temperature (400°C or higher) to low-temperature (300°C or lower) heat treatment, enabling the process to be applied to plastic substrates while still forming a porous structure that achieves satisfactory photoelectric conversion efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the heat treatment process into two stages: first forming the porous structure at low temperature, then performing secondary treatment to enhance photoelectric conversion efficiency, allowing adaptation to temperature-sensitive plastic substrates
2Manufacturing precision
If metal oxide layer is formed on plastic substrate, then photoelectric conversion is enabled, but the metal oxide layer peels off during handling and processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a preliminary porous structure formation step on the plastic substrate before depositing the metal oxide layer, creating surface features that mechanically interlock with the metal oxide to prevent peeling during handling and processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure combining plastic substrate with porous semiconductor layer and metal oxide layer, where the porous structure acts as an intermediate bonding layer that enhances adhesion between the metal oxide and the plastic substrate
3Manufacturing precision
If specific surface area is increased to improve dye adsorption, then photoelectric conversion efficiency is enhanced, but the metal oxide particles fall off in powdery form
Solution Approach 1:
The patent forms a porous semiconductor layer with controlled pore structure that provides large specific surface area for dye adsorption while the porous network structure mechanically binds the metal oxide particles, preventing them from falling off in powdery form
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates local porous structures with optimized pore size and distribution that provide sufficient surface area for dye adsorption in specific regions while maintaining overall structural integrity and particle stability
4Manufacturing precision
If needle-like crystal structure is formed to improve charge transport efficiency, then photoelectric conversion is enhanced, but the crystal phase control is difficult and manufacturing is complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes heat treatment temperature parameters (300°C or lower) and atmosphere conditions to control crystal phase formation, achieving satisfactory charge transport efficiency without requiring complex high-temperature phase control processes
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 achieves high charge transport efficiency and photovoltaic performance by maintaining a sufficient specific surface area and preventing peeling of the metal oxide layer, enabling efficient dye adsorption and electricity generation.
Implementation Method 1
adsorbing a sufficient amount of a dye
Implementation Method 2
improve charge transport efficiency
Implementation Method 3
comprises a porous oxide film formed on a substrate with high adhesion without peeling off from the substrate
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A laminated film comprising a porous semiconductor layer, a transparent conductive layer and a transparent plastic film, wherein the porous semiconductor layer comprises crystalline titanium oxide fibers and crystalline titanium oxide fine particles, the crystalline titanium oxide fibers and the crystalline titanium oxide fine particles are substantially composed of an anatase phase and a rutile phase, the anatase phase content ratio calculated from the integral intensity ratio of X-ray diffraction is between 1.00 and 0.32, and the laminated film is used in an electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells, and the electrode and a dye-sensitized solar cell comprising the same.