Organic Solar Cell

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This invention describes a novel structure for organic solar cells, where a multi-layer photoactive region is sandwiched between two electrodes. A key feature is a transparent cathode and specially designed interface layers on both sides of the active material. This design enables charge separation at two interfaces rather than just one, improving the conversion of solar energy into electricity. The overall arrangement aims to achieve significantly higher efficiency and better stability compared to standard organic solar cell architectures.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Rooftop solar panels for residential and commercial buildings
• Integration into portable electronic devices (e.g., smartphones, wearables) for self-charging capability
• Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) such as solar-powered windows or facades, using the transparent electrode feature
• Flexible and lightweight solar films for vehicles, tents, backpacks, or outdoor equipment
• Power sources for remote sensors and IoT devices
• Tandem solar cell systems for higher energy yield

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Higher efficiency due to effective charge separation at two interfaces
• Improved device stability, especially under UV exposure, due to specialized buffer layers
• Potential for lower production costs through the use of alternative transparent electrodes (e.g., ZnO:Al instead of ITO)
• Ability to create semi-transparent or fully transparent devices, enabling new applications like solar windows
• Enhanced current output (photocurrents) from thicker, more robust active layers
• Flexible choice of materials and device configurations for tailored performance in different applications

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to an arrangement for an organic solar cell comprising two electrodes, and disposed between the same a photoactive layer having at least two partial layers, of which at least one partial layer emits electrons (donator), and at least one other partial layer receives electrons (acceptor), wherein an intermediate layer is disposed between an electrode and the photoactive layer, wherein higher efficiency and improved stability are to be achieved using this arrangement compared to currently known solar cell arrangements. In the arrangement according to the invention, the cathode (Kath) facing the incident light is configured as a transparent window in a multi-layer arrangement, the photoactive layer is configured as a homo- or hetero-structure between the cathode (Kath) and the anode (An) such that a separation of the charge carriers occurs at two interfaces, the partial layer (LAkz) of the photoactive layer receiving the electrons is disposed adjacent to the cathode (Kath), und the partial layer (LDon) of the photoactive layer emitting the electrons is disposed adjacent to the anode (An). The energetic properties of the materials of such an arrangement are defined.