Transparent Intermediary Layer for Organic Solar Cell Quantum Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Organic solar cell devices have lower quantum efficiency compared to inorganic devices, and there is a need to improve this while maintaining the ability for mass production in a printing process.
Innovation Solution
A solar cell device comprising a transparent first and second electrode layer, a photocurrent generating layer, a diffusively reflective substrate, and a transparent intermediary layer, where the intermediary layer is attached to the substrate via lamination or adhesion, using a transparent adhesive like polydimethylsiloxane or a transparent polymer layer, which facilitates diffusive reflection and smooths the surface for printing, allowing for improved light absorption and increased quantum efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a reflective surface is arranged on one of the electrode layers to reflect transmitted light back through the solar cell device, then the quantum efficiency is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A transparent intermediary layer with diffusive reflective properties is introduced between the transparent electrode layer and the photocurrent generating layer. This intermediary layer mediates light by diffusively reflecting transmitted light back into the photocurrent generating layer, improving quantum efficiency while maintaining compatibility with roll-to-roll manufacturing processes through simple lamination or adhesion attachment.
2Reliability
If multiple solar cell devices are positioned at an angle to reflect unabsorbed light between them, then the quantum efficiency is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of positioning multiple solar cell devices at angles to each other, a single transparent intermediary layer with diffusive reflective properties is placed within one device to achieve similar light recycling effects. This simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining improved quantum efficiency through enhanced light absorption.
3Reliability
If a transparent intermediary layer with diffusive reflective properties is attached to the transparent electrode layer, then the quantum efficiency is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent intermediary layer is designed with specific optical parameters (diffusive reflective properties) and physical parameters (thickness, refractive index) that can be controlled during manufacturing. By optimizing these parameters, the layer achieves effective light diffusion and reflection while being compatible with existing roll-to-roll manufacturing processes through simple lamination or adhesion attachment methods.
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 quantum efficiency of organic solar cell devices by ensuring that reflected light is re-entered into the photocurrent generating layer, increasing the absorption of photons and conversion to electricity, thereby improving the overall efficiency while enabling mass production through roll-to-roll printing processes.
Implementation Method 1
the transparent intermediary layer mediate light between the diffusively reflective substrate and the transparent first electrode layer such that part of the light incident on the diffusively reflective substrate is reflected into the photocurrent generating layer
Implementation Method 2
The transparent intermediary layer is attached to the diffusively reflective substrate by means of lamination and arranged adjacent to the transparent first electrode layer
Implementation Method 3
In the photo current generating layer, incident light is converted into electrical current
Implementation Method 4
charge carriers are generated by the absorption of photons
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to solar cell devices and methods of manufacture. In particular, the present disclosure relates to mass producible solar cell devices having improved quantum efficiency. A solar cell device 10a comprises a transparent first electrode layer 101, a transparent second electrode layer 102 and a photocurrent generating layer 103. The transparent first 101 and second 102 electrode layers and the photocurrent generating layer 103 are arranged in a layer stack such that they overlap and the photocurrent generating layer 103 is arranged between the transparent first 101 and second 102 electrode layers. The solar cell device 10a further comprises a diffusively reflective substrate 105 and a transparent intermediary layer 104a, wherein the transparent intermediary layer 104a is attached to the diffusively reflective substrate 105 by means of lamination and arranged adjacent to the transparent first electrode layer 101 to mediate light between the diffusively reflective substrate 105 and the transparent first electrode layer 101 such that part of the light incident on the diffusively reflective substrate 105 is reflected into the photocurrent generating layer 103. The present disclosure also relates to methods for manufacturing said solar cell devices.