Transparent Electrode Laminate Structure for Flexible Solar Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current transparent electrodes in solar cells and other photoelectric devices face challenges such as high production costs, limited flexibility, and durability issues, particularly due to the use of indium-doped tin oxide (ITO) which is sensitive to high temperatures and prone to degradation from external acids or halogens, and silver migration leading to performance loss.
Innovation Solution
A laminate structure of amorphous metal oxide layers with a metallic layer containing silver or copper, where a third amorphous metal oxide layer is formed by coating a metal alkoxide solution and heating at 150°C or less, providing continuity and preventing silver migration, and optionally incorporating a graphene layer for enhanced shielding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ITO films are formed by sputtering at high temperature and annealed at high temperature to achieve high electroconductivity, then electroconductivity is improved, but organic materials cannot be subjected to those procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the formation temperature parameter from high temperature (conventional sputtering) to low temperature (100-150°C by spin-coating), making the process compatible with organic materials while maintaining electroconductivity through alternative processing methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical sputtering process with a chemical solution-based spin-coating method, substituting physical vapor deposition with solution processing to achieve low-temperature film formation
2Reliability
If ITO/Ag/ITO composite material is used to achieve low electronic resistance and high transparency, then electroconductivity and transparency are improved, but silver migrates into other layers and reacts to produce silver oxide
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an organic-inorganic hybrid intermediate layer between the metal oxide and silver layers that acts as a barrier to prevent silver migration while maintaining electroconductivity, thus resolving the harmful effect of silver diffusion
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite ITO/Ag/ITO structure with organic-inorganic hybrid intermediate layers, combining multiple materials with complementary properties to achieve both high electroconductivity and prevention of silver migration
3Reliability
If a-ITO and silver are used in composite material electrode, then low electronic resistance is achieved, but they are deteriorated by acids or halogens diffusing from outside or from other layers
Solution Approach 1:
The organic-inorganic hybrid intermediate layer serves as a protective intermediary that blocks acid and halogen diffusion pathways while allowing electroconductivity to pass through, protecting the sensitive a-ITO and silver layers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies protective intermediate layers in advance before exposure to harsh environments, creating a barrier that cushions against future acid and halogen attacks on the electrode materials
4Reliability
If single crystal silicon solar cells are used, then high efficiency is achieved, but they are expensive and difficult to produce flexible ones
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material structure from rigid single crystal silicon to flexible organic and organic-inorganic hybrid materials, enabling flexibility while maintaining photoelectric conversion efficiency through low-temperature processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive organic materials and solution-based processing methods that reduce manufacturing costs compared to expensive single crystal silicon, accepting shorter operational lifespan in exchange for lower cost and flexibility
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 enhances the durability and flexibility of transparent electrodes, prevents silver migration and acid/halogen diffusion, maintaining electroconductivity and transparency while reducing production costs and improving long-term stability.
Implementation Method 1
coating a metal alkoxide solution and heating at 150°C or less
Implementation Method 2
coating a metal alkoxide solution and heating at 150°C or less
Implementation Method 3
The ITO films are normally formed by sputtering or the like
Data Source
AI summary
The present embodiments provide a transparent electrode having a laminate structure of:a first metal oxide layer having an amorphous structure and electroconductivity,a metal layer made of a metallic material containing silver or copper,a second metal oxide layer having an amorphous structure and electroconductivity, anda third metal oxide layer having an amorphous structure and continuity, stacked in this order.