IP Library Granted Patent US 8,237,048
Granted Patent B2
US 8,237,048 · App. 11/817,597 · Granted Aug 7, 2012

Multilayer organic solar cell

View Patent ↗
Loading inventors, assignments & file history…
Monitor This Case
Get email alerts when status or documents change.
Order Certified Copies
Most orders are placed with the USPTO same day — all within 24 business hours.
Order via The Patent Place →
Pre-filled with this patent's details
Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 8,237,048
App. No.
11/817,597
Granted
Aug 7, 2012
Kind
B2
Abstract

Disclosed is a multilayer organic solar cell having a structure wherein an inter-layer ( 3 ) is arranged between a first photoactive layer ( 1 ) and a second photoactive layer ( 2 ). This structure is obtained by forming the inter-layer ( 3 ) on the first photoactive layer ( 1 ) which is formed from an organic compound solution containing a donor material and an acceptor material, and then applying an organic compound solution containing a donor material and an acceptor material over the inter-layer ( 3 ) for forming the second photoactive layer ( 2 ). The inter-layer ( 3 ) is composed of at least either of a transparent oxide and a transparent nitride. By having such a structure, the inter-layer ( 3 ) prevents the solvent in the solution for the second photoactive layer ( 2 ) from permeating into the first photoactive layer ( 1 ) when the second photoactive layer ( 2 ) is formed over the first photoactive layer ( 1 ) by applying the solution. Consequently, the first photoactive layer ( 1 ) is prevented from destruction or deterioration in functions.

Claims (23)

1. A multilayer organic solar cell comprising:

a first photoactive layer containing a donor material and an acceptor material;

an inter-layer formed on the first photoactive layer; and

a second photoactive layer formed of a solution of an organic compound containing the donor material and the acceptor material of the same kind as the first photoactive layer on the inter-layer, wherein

a hole transport layer is formed between the inter-layer and the second photoactive layer, and

the inter-layer is composed of either of a transparent oxide or a transparent nitride and is within a single cell having the first photoactive layer and the second photoactive layer.

2. The multilayer organic solar cell as stated in claim 1 , wherein light transmittance of the inter-layer is 70% or higher.

3. The multilayer organic solar cell as stated in claim 1 , wherein the inter-layer is a layer formed by coating the first photoactive layer with a solution in which particles of at least either of a transparent oxide and a transparent nitride are dispersed in a solvent which does not dissolve the first photoactive layer.

4. The multilayer organic solar cell as stated in claim 1 , wherein the inter-layer is a layer formed according to a vapor growth method.

5. The multilayer organic solar cell as stated in claim 1 , wherein a thickness of the inter-layer falls within a range of 5 to 250 nm.

6. The multilayer organic solar cell as stated in claim 2 , wherein the inter-layer is a layer formed by coating the first photoactive layer with a solution in which particles of at least either of a transparent oxide and a transparent nitride are dispersed in a solvent which does not dissolve the first photoactive layer.

7. The multilayer organic solar cell as stated in claim 2 , wherein the inter-layer is a layer formed according to a vapor growth method.

8. The multilayer organic solar cell as stated in claim 2 , wherein a thickness of the inter-layer falls within a range of 5 to 250 nm.

9. The multilayer organic solar cell as stated in claim 3 , wherein a thickness of the inter-layer falls within a range of 5 to 250 nm.

10. The multilayer organic solar cell as stated in claim 4 , wherein a thickness of the inter-layer falls within a range of 5 to 250 nm.

11. The multilayer organic solar cell as stated in claim 6 , wherein a thickness of the inter-layer falls within a range of 5 to 250 nm.

12. The multilayer organic solar cell as stated in claim 7 , wherein a thickness of the inter-layer falls within a range of 5 to 250 nm.

13. A multilayer organic solar cell comprising, in a single cell:

a first photoactive layer containing a donor material and an acceptor material;

an inter-layer formed on the first photoactive layer; and

a second photoactive layer formed of a solution of an organic compound containing the donor material and the acceptor material of the same kind as the first photoactive layer on the inter-layer, wherein

a hole transport layer is formed between the inter-layer and the second photoactive layer, and

the inter-layer is composed of either of a transparent oxide or a transparent nitride.

Assignments (3)
MERGER Recorded Feb 13, 2012
From: PANASONIC ELECTRIC WORKS CO.,LTD.,
To: PANASONIC CORPORATION
Reel/Frame 027697/0525 →
CHANGE OF NAME Recorded Jan 28, 2009
From: MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC WORKS, LTD.
To: PANASONIC ELECTRIC WORKS CO., LTD.
Reel/Frame 022206/0574 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Aug 31, 2007
From: KAWANO, KENJI; ITO, NORIHIRO
To: MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC WORKS, LTD.
Reel/Frame 019775/0261 →