Random Conjugated Polymer for Solar Cell Efficiency
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current polymer solar cells face challenges in achieving high photoelectric conversion efficiency, particularly with medium energy gap conjugated polymer materials when paired with non-fullerene acceptors, as they are scarce and difficult to develop.
Innovation Solution
A random conjugated polymer is introduced, incorporating N-alkylthieno[3,4-c]pyrrole-4,6-dione (TPD) units, which allows for adjustable light absorption ranges and improved solubility, carrier mobility, and compatibility with non-fullerene acceptors to enhance photoelectric conversion efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If medium energy gap conjugated polymer materials are used with non-fullerene acceptors, then photoelectric conversion efficiency can exceed 10%, but such materials are currently scarce and difficult to develop
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying the energy gap of conjugated polymer materials through chemical composition adjustments. Specifically, it develops medium energy gap polymers (1.85-2.5 eV) with controlled HOMO/LUMO levels to match non-fullerene acceptors, achieving over 10% photoelectric conversion efficiency while expanding material availability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by creating donor-acceptor heterojunctions combining medium energy gap conjugated polymers with non-fullerene acceptors. This composite approach enables synergistic effects that achieve high photoelectric conversion efficiency exceeding 10%, addressing both the efficiency goal and material scarcity issue
2Reliability
If alternating conjugated polymers are used as donor materials, then good performance is achieved, but the light absorption range and electron energy level cannot be easily adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from fixed-structure alternating polymers to tunable random copolymers where monomer composition and sequence can be dynamically adjusted. This enables continuous optimization of light absorption ranges and energy levels while maintaining reliable donor material performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by modifying the chemical composition ratios of different monomers in random copolymers. By varying the proportion of electron-rich and electron-deficient units, the light absorption range and HOMO/LUMO energy levels can be precisely tuned to match different non-fullerene acceptors, achieving over 10% efficiency
3Adaptability or versatility
If random conjugated polymer is used to improve solubility and carrier mobility, then compatibility with non-fullerene acceptors is enhanced, but material complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by introducing solubility-enhancing side chains and mobility-improving structural motifs at specific positions within the polymer backbone. This localized modification approach improves solubility and carrier mobility while maintaining the overall simplicity of the random copolymer structure, enhancing compatibility with non-fullerene acceptors
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 random conjugated polymer achieves photoelectric conversion efficiency exceeding 10% when used as a donor material with non-fullerene acceptors, addressing the scarcity of medium energy gap materials and improving the efficiency of polymer solar cells.
Implementation Method 1
photoelectric conversion efficiency exceeding 10% when used as a donor material with non-fullerene acceptors
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a conjugated polymer, which is a random copolymer, and with Formula I:Additionally, the present invention also discloses an organic photovoltaic device comprising the conjugated polymer.