Transparent Photovoltaic Devices Using Vapor-Deposited DPP Complexes

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Solution Overview

Problem

The limited mechanical flexibility and high module cost of inorganic semiconductors, along with their band-like absorption, hinder the development of transparent solar cells, while existing organic semiconductors with strong visible spectrum absorption are not optimal for window glass-based photovoltaics.

Innovation Solution

Development of diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) compounds with specific modifications for use as electron donors or acceptors in organic photovoltaic devices, suitable for vapor deposition, allowing for high-efficiency transparent and opaque photovoltaic devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If inorganic semiconductors are used in photovoltaic devices, then high efficiency energy conversion is achieved, but mechanical flexibility is limited and module cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy conversion efficiencyVSAvoidmechanical flexibility and module cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter from inorganic to organic semiconductors, fundamentally altering the chemical composition and molecular structure. This enables solution-based processing methods instead of vacuum deposition, improving mechanical flexibility and reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining photovoltaic functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical vacuum deposition processes with solution-based fabrication methods. This substitution eliminates the need for complex vacuum equipment and enables simpler, more cost-effective manufacturing processes that are compatible with flexible substrates

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Use of energy by moving object

If inorganic semiconductors are used in photovoltaic devices, then high efficiency energy conversion is achieved, but transparency in visible spectrum is compromised due to band-like absorption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy conversion efficiencyVSAvoidvisible spectrum transparency

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the absorption mechanism parameter from band-like (inorganic) to discrete molecular transitions (organic). This fundamental parameter change enables tailored absorption spectra with sharp peaks in specific regions, allowing the material to absorb in UV or near-infrared while remaining transparent in the visible spectrum

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by designing organic semiconductors with specific molecular structures that exhibit targeted absorption characteristics. Different molecular classes can be selected to absorb in specific wavelength regions, creating local optimization of transparency in the visible spectrum while maintaining energy conversion efficiency in non-visible regions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Illumination intensity

If organic semiconductors with strong visible spectrum absorption are used, then transparency is improved, but energy conversion efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisible spectrum transparencyVSAvoidenergy conversion efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the spectral absorption parameter by selecting organic semiconductor molecular classes with absorption maxima in UV or near-infrared regions rather than visible spectrum. This parameter optimization allows the material to maintain visible transparency while achieving high energy conversion efficiency through absorption in non-visible regions where the solar spectrum still contains significant energy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 DPP compounds enable high-efficiency organic photovoltaic devices with tunable optoelectronic properties, suitable for large-scale manufacturing and integration into transparent or partially transparent window applications.

Implementation Method 1

These compounds exhibit strong absorption, allowing for use in organic photovoltaic devices. In some cases, such compounds exhibit strong absorption in the ultraviolet and/or near-infrared regions and minimal absorption in the visible region, permitting their use in visibly transparent photovoltaic devices.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

photovoltaic devices incorporating the disclosed photoactive compounds as photoactive materials

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20250280731A1Transparent photovoltaic devices including vacuum deposited photoactive metal and metalloid complexes derived from diketopyrrolopyrrole

Publication Date: 2025.09.04 UBIQUITOUS ENERGY INC

AI summary

Photoactive compounds are disclosed. The disclosed compounds include a metal-complexed diketopyrrolopyrrole derived core with fused and/or pendant heterocyclic, heteroaromatic, or aromatic groups. The disclosed compounds exhibit relatively high vapor pressures to allow for purification and deposition of the compounds through thermal evaporation processes. The disclosed photoactive compounds can be used in organic photovoltaic devices, such as visibly transparent or opaque photovoltaic devices.