TPT Derivative Photovoltaic Polymer for Narrow Band Gap and High Hole Mobility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current photovoltaic polymer materials for organic solar cells have limitations such as low hole mobility, wide band gap, and poor absorption in the visible region, which hinder their energy conversion efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A photovoltaic polymer material with a thiophene-phenylene-thiophene (TPT) derivative structure is developed, incorporating specific monomers and reaction conditions to enhance hole mobility, narrow the band gap, and broaden the absorption region, achieved through a Stille reaction process in an oxygen-free environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If photovoltaic polymer material with narrow band gap is developed to improve absorption in longwave range, then absorption capability is improved, but hole mobility and solubility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material design by combining TPT derivative units with specific monomers (monomer 1 containing electron-donating groups and monomer 2 containing electron-withdrawing groups) to create a copolymer structure. This composite approach allows the material to simultaneously achieve narrow band gap (improved absorption) while maintaining adequate hole mobility through the balanced electronic properties of the constituent units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying the molecular structure parameters of the polymer, including the choice of monomers, their molar ratios, and the degree of polymerization. By adjusting these parameters, the material achieves optimal balance between band gap narrowing (for better absorption) and maintaining hole mobility, resolving the contradiction between these two properties.
2Use of energy by moving object
If photovoltaic polymer material with narrow band gap is developed to improve absorption in longwave range, then absorption capability is improved, but solubility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality principle by introducing specific functional groups and side chains at particular positions within the polymer structure. The TPT derivative units provide the core chromophore for absorption, while localized modifications with appropriate side chains enhance solubility without significantly altering the overall band gap, thus resolving the contradiction between absorption capability and solubility.
3Reliability
If TPT derivative structure is used to improve hole mobility and absorption range, then hole mobility and absorption coefficient are improved, but band gap and absorption range are not superior enough
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a multi-functional copolymer structure where the TPT derivative units serve multiple purposes: they provide the chromophore for light absorption, facilitate charge transport for hole mobility, and enable tunable band gap through combination with different monomers. This multi-functional design allows simultaneous optimization of hole mobility and absorption range beyond what single-function TPT materials achieve.
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 resulting polymer material exhibits improved hole mobility, a narrower band gap, and broader absorption, leading to enhanced energy conversion efficiency and performance in various optoelectronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
The researches on organic solar cell began in 1959... Dr. Deng Qingyun reported a solar cell with double-layered structure in 1986... introduced the concept of electron donor (p-type)/electron acceptor (n-type) organic double-layered heterojunction into solar cell, and explained the reason for high efficiency of cell is that induced dissociation efficiency of light-induced excitons at the double-layered heterojunction interface is relatively high
Implementation Method 2
induced dissociation efficiency of light-induced excitons at the double-layered heterojunction interface is relatively high
Implementation Method 3
Heeger. A J and Yoshino K. found that under the light-induced conditions, rapid charge transfer occurred in the blended system taking conjugated photovoltaic polymer material as electron donor (Donor, abbr. D) and taking C60 as electron acceptor (Acceptor, abbr. A), and the rate of this process was far greater than the reverse process
Implementation Method 4
carrying out Stille reaction for from 20 minutes to 2 hours at a temperature in the range of from 90° C. to 110° C. and in the presence of catalyst
Data Source
AI summary
A photovoltaic polymer material, preparation method and use thereof are provided. Said photovoltaic polymer material has the following formula (I). The photovoltaic polymer material has the thiophene-phenylene-thiophene (TPT) derivative as the basic structure unit, and by the introduction of D1 and D2 structures to modify the TPT, and the photovoltaic polymer material has the characters of higher hole mobility, narrower band gap and broader absorption region.