Water-Soluble Aromatic Monomers for Polymer Solar Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current photovoltaic devices rely on toxic organic solvents for producing polymer solar cells, which pose toxicity and safety hazards, and existing polymers are not soluble in water or aqueous mixtures, limiting their industrial application.
Innovation Solution
Development of functionalized aromatic monomers that can generate conjugated polymers/copolymers soluble in water or aqueous mixtures, using reactions like Suzuki, Stille, Heck, or Yamamoto, allowing for the creation of thin layers for solar cells without toxic solvents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional organic solvents are used for producing polymer solar cells, then the polymers can be processed effectively, but toxicity and safety hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the solvent parameter from organic to water-based, transforming the processing medium while maintaining polymer solubility through molecular design. The polymers are synthesized with hydrophilic groups that enable dissolution in water or aqueous mixtures, fundamentally altering the solvent parameter to eliminate toxicity while preserving manufacturability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates composite polymer structures combining conjugated backbones for photovoltaic function with hydrophilic side chains for water solubility. This composite approach integrates two seemingly contradictory properties - organic-like electronic properties and aqueous solubility - into a single material system that can be processed with safe solvents
2Reliability
If existing polymers are used, then photovoltaic function is achieved, but water solubility is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the polymer structure into distinct functional domains: a conjugated backbone segment for photovoltaic activity and separate hydrophilic side-chain segments for water solubility. This segmentation allows each segment to independently fulfill its function without compromising the other, enabling both photovoltaic performance and aqueous processability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality by concentrating hydrophilic groups specifically in the side chains while maintaining the conjugated backbone intact for electronic function. This localized modification ensures that water solubility is achieved without disrupting the photovoltaic properties of the core polymer structure
Data Source
AI summary
Monomers having formula (I) and process for their synthesis which comprises the etherification reaction of a halogen-derivative (Z═Cl, Br, I) having formula (III) with the hydroxyl group of the glycerol derivative (IV), according to the following scheme:(Formula III, IV & I) (III) (IV) (I)