Tandem Organic Photovoltaic Devices That Include a Metallic Nanostructure Recombination Layer

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This patent describes a new structure for tandem organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices, using an intermediate layer that contains a metallic nanostructure—such as silver nanowires or nanodots—sandwiched between a hole transport layer and an electron transport layer. This metallic nanostructure layer acts as an efficient recombination center for charge carriers (electrons and holes) between two photoactive layers. The design allows for low-temperature, solution-based manufacturing processes and provides improved electrical and optical properties for the photovoltaic stack.

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• Flexible or lightweight solar panels for portable electronics or wearables
• Building-integrated photovoltaics, such as solar windows or facades
• High-efficiency solar cells for rooftop or utility-scale installations
• Solar-powered sensors and devices where flexibility and low weight are needed
• Organic solar modules in custom shapes for automotive, aerospace, or specialty applications
• Low-cost, scalable solar energy production via roll-to-roll manufacturing

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Enables higher power conversion efficiency in organic photovoltaic cells by optimizing charge recombination and broadening light absorption
• Facilitates use of tandem structures (multiple stacked cells) for improved device efficiency
• Manufacturing can be performed at low temperatures using solution-processed techniques, reducing costs and allowing compatibility with flexible substrates
• Use of metallic nanostructures (e.g., silver nanowires) offers excellent optical transparency and electrical conductivity
• Improves device robustness and operational stability
• Can be integrated into large-area, lightweight, and flexible solar modules
• Opens possibilities for new applications in areas where traditional silicon photovoltaics may not be suitable

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Patent Abstract

An intermediate layer (110) useful for coupling two individual organic photovoltaic devices (600) to provide a tandem organic photovoltaic device includes a first hole transport layer (114), a first electron transport layer (112), and a metallic nanostructure layer (116) interposed between the first hole transport layer (114) and the first electron transport layer (112). The metallic nanostructure layer (116) provides an efficient recombination point for electrons and holes. The metallic nanostructure layer (116) can include silver nanowires which providing outstanding optical properties and permit the formation of the metallic nanostructure layer (116) using a low temperature, solution based, process that does not adversely affect underlying layers.