JP2004165513A - Organic photoelectric conversion element and its sealing method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a long lifetime organic photoelectric conversion element exhibiting a high blocking effect of moisture and oxygen and a strong resistance against external force. <P>SOLUTION: The organic photoelectric conversion element comprises an organic layer 6 interposed between two electrodes 2 and 7, at least one of which is transparent, and generating electrons upon irradiation with light, and a surface protective layer 12. The surface protective layer 12 comprises a composite layer consisting of a film layer 9 and an insulating layer 10 formed on one side or both. At least one of the film layer 9 and the insulating layer 10 has gas barrier properties. The surface protective layer 12 can block moisture and oxygen not to reach the electrodes 2 and 7 or the organic layer 6. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an organic photoelectric conversion element and a sealing member for an organic photoelectric conversion element used as a solar cell or the like, and has advantages such as excellent durability and easy manufacturing.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Organic photoelectric conversion elements have not achieved full-scale practical research because of their low energy conversion efficiency and lack of stability as compared with inorganic elements such as silicon. However, recently, improvement in conversion efficiency has been reported for an organic thin-film organic photoelectric conversion device that uses a dye-sensitized system exhibiting a conversion efficiency of about 10% and is easily durable, mass-produced, and reduced in cost. Interest has been growing. In a dye-sensitized photoelectric conversion device, for example, a titanium oxide electrode is made porous with nanoparticles of 10 to 50 nm, and an N3 dye as a Ru complex is adsorbed on the surface thereof. And the open-circuit voltage (Voc) is 720 mV and the short-circuit photocurrent density (Jsc) is 18.3 mA / cm. ² And an energy conversion efficiency (η) of 10% has been reported (MK Nazeroudin, A. Kay, I. Rodicio, R. Humphry-Baker, E. Muller, P. Liska, N. Vlachopoulosand M. Gratzel: J. Chem. Soc., Chem. Commun., 1075 (1997)).
[0003]
In an organic thin film-based photoelectric conversion element, for example, methanofullerene PCBM is converted to poly (2-methoxy, 5- (2′-ethylhexyloxy) -1,4-phenylene-vinylene) which is a π-conjugated conductive polymer. , And (MEH-PPV), the open-ended voltage (Voc) is 820 mV and the short-circuit photocurrent density (Jsc) is 5.25 mA / cm with AM1.5 light irradiation. ² And an energy conversion efficiency (η) of 2.5% have been reported (SE Shaheen, CJ Brabec, NS Sariciffi, F. Padinger, T. Fromherz and J. C. Hummelen: Appl. Phys. Lett. 78, 841 (2001)).
[0004]
However, an organic photoelectric conversion element using an organic substance has a large problem in long-term life. It is considered that the cause of the short life of the organic photoelectric conversion element is that chemical deterioration due to adsorption of moisture or oxygen to the organic photoelectric conversion element has a great effect. Another factor is that the organic photoelectric conversion element itself has a low hardness, and is likely to be locally damaged when a mechanical load is applied. For this reason, it is necessary to seal and protect the organic photoelectric conversion element by some method, to cut off the action of moisture or oxygen, or to reduce damage due to external force from outside.
[0005]
Therefore, it has been proposed to protect the organic photoelectric conversion element by forming a sealing film containing carbon as a main component on the surface by a CVD method or the like (for example, see Patent Document 1).
[0006]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-7-066436 (Claims, etc.)
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, as shown in FIG. 4, foreign matter 21 easily adheres to the surface of the substrate 1 of the organic photoelectric conversion element. For example, when the substrate 1 is cut into a predetermined size, chips are generated. However, when a glass substrate is used as the substrate 1, foreign matter 21 such as glass powder is used. Are easily generated and adhere to the substrate 1. In addition, as shown in FIG. 5, the foreign matter 22 easily adheres to the surface of the organic photoelectric conversion laminated structure (laminated body composed of the anode 2, the cathode and the organic layer) 8 formed on the surface of the substrate 1. For example, when forming an electrode pattern of the anode 2, or when cleaning the substrate 1 before forming the organic photoelectric conversion multilayer structure 8 by vapor deposition or the like, or during vapor deposition, dust in the air or an organic resist material used when forming the electrode pattern. In addition, fragments of the material of the substrate 1 that are missing from the cut surface of the substrate 1 during cleaning are generated and easily adhere to the substrate 1 as foreign matter 22. Further, foreign substances present in the vapor deposition apparatus may be taken into the film when the vapor deposition film of the organic layer or the cathode is formed.
[0008]
When the foreign matter 21 as shown in FIG. 4 is present, a raised portion corresponding to the shape of the foreign matter 21 is formed on the surface of the substrate 1, and irregularities are generated on the surface of the organic photoelectric conversion laminated structure 8, and the organic photoelectric conversion The sealing film (sealing layer) 20 made of an inorganic material or the like formed on the surface of the laminated structure 8 does not become a smooth film, and the portion where the foreign matter 21 exists is raised. If the sealing film 20 has a partially raised shape, defects 23 such as pinholes and voids are likely to be formed in the raised portions and in the periphery thereof. Has penetrated, and the above-described organic photoelectric conversion element may be chemically deteriorated.
[0009]
In addition, as shown in FIG. 5, when a foreign substance 22 exists on the surface of the organic photoelectric conversion multilayer structure 8, a sealing film 20 made of an inorganic material or the like is formed on the surface of the organic photoelectric conversion multilayer structure 8 by plasma CVD, sputtering, or the like. At this time, an inorganic composition 25 that is discontinuous from the composition of the peripheral sealing film 20 with the foreign matter 22 as a nucleus is formed, and a notch-like discontinuous portion (a substantially U-shaped cut) 24 formed therebetween is formed. In some cases, moisture such as water vapor, oxygen, or the like invades from above, and the above-described organic photoelectric conversion element may be chemically degraded.
[0010]
As described above, in the case of a single-layer sealing film 20 as described in Patent Document 1, it is difficult to completely block the influence of moisture and oxygen, and at present, it is weak against external force.
[0011]
The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and provides a long-life organic photoelectric conversion element having a high effect of blocking moisture and oxygen and strong against external force, and a sealing member for an organic photoelectric conversion element used for the same. It is intended for that purpose.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The organic photoelectric conversion element according to claim 1 of the present invention includes an organic layer 6 that generates an electric charge when irradiated with light, between two electrodes 2 and 7 at least one of which has transparency. In the organic photoelectric conversion element having the surface protective layer 12 laminated thereon, the surface protective layer 12 comprises a film layer 9 and a composite layer having an insulating layer 10 formed on one or both sides thereof, and at least one of the film layer 9 and the insulating layer 10 is a gas barrier. It is a layer having properties.
[0013]
The organic photoelectric conversion element according to a second aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in addition to the first aspect, the film layer 9 is formed of at least one of a metal film and a plastic film.
[0014]
The organic photoelectric conversion element according to claim 3 of the present invention is characterized in that, in addition to claim 1 or 2, the insulating layer 10 is formed by at least one of an inorganic layer and a resin layer. .
[0015]
An organic photoelectric conversion element according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in addition to any one of the first to third aspects, a moisture and oxygen absorbent 13 is disposed on the insulating layer 10. Things.
[0016]
An organic photoelectric conversion element according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in addition to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the insulating layer 10 contains a moisture and oxygen absorbent 13. It is.
[0017]
The sealing member for an organic photoelectric conversion element according to claim 6 of the present invention is a sealing member for an organic photoelectric conversion element used as the surface protective layer 12 of the organic photoelectric conversion element according to any one of claims 1 to 5. And a composite layer comprising a film layer 9 and an insulating layer 10 formed on one or both sides thereof, wherein at least one of the film layer 9 and the insulating layer 10 is a layer having gas barrier properties. .
[0018]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described.
[0019]
FIG. 1 shows an example of the organic photoelectric conversion element of the present invention. The organic photoelectric conversion element has an organic layer 6 that generates an electric charge when irradiated with light. The organic photoelectric conversion element includes a substrate 1, an organic photoelectric conversion laminated structure 8 formed on the surface (one side) of the substrate 1, The surface protection layer 12 covers the entire surface of the substrate 1 and the organic photoelectric conversion multilayer structure 8.
[0020]
The organic photoelectric conversion laminated structure 8 is formed by providing the organic layer 6 between two electrodes 2 and 7 including the anode 2 and the cathode 7. The organic layer 6 is formed by laminating the hole transport layer 3, the electron transport layer 5, and the electron donor layer 4 containing an electron acceptor. Therefore, in the organic photoelectric conversion device of the present invention, the anode 2 is laminated on the surface of the substrate 1, and the electron donor layer 4 containing the electron acceptor is laminated on the surface of the anode 2 via the hole transport layer 3. The basic structure is such that the electron transport layer 5 is laminated on the surface of the electron donor layer 4 and the cathode 7 is laminated on the surface of the electron transport layer 5. The layer configuration in the present invention may be a conventionally known layer configuration other than the above. For example, the layer configuration may be such that the substrate 1 is provided on the cathode 7 side (the cathode 7 is laminated on the surface of the substrate 1). You may.
[0021]
The above-mentioned substrate 1 has a light transmitting property, and may be a colorless or transparent one, a slightly colored one, or a ground glass one. For example, a transparent glass plate such as soda lime glass or non-alkali glass, a resin film such as polyester, polyolefin, polyamide, or epoxy, or a plastic film or a plastic plate manufactured by any method from a fluororesin or the like can be used. Further, a material having a light diffusion effect by containing particles, powders, bubbles, or the like having a different refractive index from the substrate base material in the substrate 1 can also be used. The thickness of the substrate 1 is not particularly limited, but is preferably set, for example, in a range of 0.3 to 10 mm.
[0022]
The anode 2 is preferably formed of an electrode material made of a metal, an alloy, an electrically conductive compound, or a mixture thereof having a large work function. It is preferable to use an electrode material for the anode 2 having a work function of 4 eV or more. Specific examples of the electrode material of the anode 2 include metals such as gold, CuI, ITO (indium tin oxide), and SnO. ₂ , AZO (aluminum zinc oxide), IZO (indium zinc oxide), GZO (gallium zinc oxide) and the like. Then, the anode 2 is formed as a thin film on the surface of the substrate 1 by forming a film of the above electrode material on the surface of the substrate 1 (on the substrate 1) by a method such as a vacuum evaporation method, an ion plating method, and a sputtering method. Can be made. In order to allow the light to reach the organic layer 6 through the anode 2, the light transmittance of the anode 2 is preferably set to 70% or more. Further, the sheet resistance of the anode 2 is preferably several hundred Ω / □ or less, particularly preferably 100 Ω / □ or less. Here, the thickness of the anode 2 varies depending on the material and the like in order to control the characteristics of the anode 2 such as light transmittance and sheet resistance as described above, but is set to 500 nm or less, preferably 10 to 200 nm. Good to do.
[0023]
The cathode 7 is preferably formed of an electrode material made of a metal, an alloy, an electrically conductive compound, or a mixture thereof having a small work function. It is preferable to use an electrode material having a work function of 5 eV or less as an electrode material of the cathode 7. As the electrode material of such a cathode 7, specifically, sodium, sodium-potassium alloy, lithium, magnesium, aluminum, a magnesium-silver mixture, a magnesium-indium mixture, an aluminum-lithium alloy, Al / Al ₂ O ₃ Mixtures, Al / LiF mixtures and the like can be exemplified. Further, an oxide of an alkali metal, a halide of an alkali metal, or a metal oxide is used as a base of the cathode 7, and one or more layers of a material having the work function of 5 eV or less (or an alloy containing the same) are laminated. You may use it. For example, alkali metal / Al stack, alkali metal halide / alkaline earth metal / Al stack, Al ₂ O ₃ / Al lamination is given as an example. Further, a configuration may be employed in which a transparent electrode typified by ITO, IZO, or the like is used, and light is also incident from the cathode 7 side. The cathode 7 can be manufactured, for example, by forming the above-mentioned electrode material into a thin film on the organic layer 6 by a method such as a vacuum evaporation method or a sputtering method. The thickness of the cathode 7 is not particularly limited, but is preferably set, for example, in the range of 0.1 to 500 μm.
[0024]
In the present invention, both the anode 2 and the cathode 7 may have transparency, or only one of the anode 2 and the cathode 7 may have transparency.
[0025]
As the hole transporting material for forming the hole transporting layer 3, a compound having a capability of transporting holes, preventing the transfer of electrons to the hole transporting layer 3, and having excellent thin film formability is used. Can be mentioned. Specific examples of such a hole transport material include a phthalocyanine derivative, a naphthalocyanine derivative, a porphyrin derivative, N, N'-bis (3-methylphenyl)-(1,1'-biphenyl) -4,4 '. Aromatic diamine compounds such as diamine (TPD) and 4,4′-bis [N- (naphthyl) -N-phenyl-amino] biphenyl (α-NPD), oxazole, oxadiazole, triazole, imidazole, imidazolone, Stilbene derivative, pyrazoline derivative, tetrahydroimidazole, polyarylalkane, butadiene, 4,4 ', 4 "-tris (N- (3-methylphenyl) N-phenylamine) triphenylamine (m-MTDATA), polyvinylcarbazole , Polysilane, polyethylene dioxide thiophene ( It can be given a polymer material such as a conductive polymer EDOT), etc., but is not limited thereto.
[0026]
The above-mentioned electron donor layer 4 is formed in a layer form with an electron donor. Examples of the electron donor include phthalocyanine pigments, indigo, thioindigo pigments, quinacridone pigments, merocyanine compounds, cyanine compounds, and squarium compounds. Compounds, charge transfer agents used for organic electrophotographic photoreceptors, electrically conductive organic charge transfer complexes, and π-conjugated polymers can be used.
[0027]
Examples of the phthalocyanine-based pigment include those in which the central metal is divalent such as Cu, Zn, Co, Ni, Pb, Pt, Fe, and Mg, and metal-free phthalocyanine, aluminum chlorophthalocyanine, indium chlorophthalocyanine, and gallium chlorophthalocyanine. Examples include trivalent metal phthalocyanine to which a halogen atom is coordinated, other phthalocyanine to which oxygen is coordinated such as baanadyl phthalocyanine, titanyl phthalocyanine, and the like, but are not particularly limited thereto.
[0028]
Examples of the charge transfer agent include a hydrazone compound, a pyrazoline compound, a triphenylmethane compound, a triphenylamine compound, and the like, but are not particularly limited thereto.
[0029]
Examples of the electrically conductive organic charge transfer complex include tetrathiofulvalene and tetraphenyltetrathioflavalene, but are not particularly limited thereto.
[0030]
Examples of the π-conjugated polymer include polypyrrole, polythiophene, and polyaniline, but are not particularly limited thereto.
[0031]
As the above-mentioned electron acceptor contained in the electron donor layer 4, quinone-containing yellow pigments such as perylene pigments, perinone pigments, anthraquinone pigments, and flavanthrone can be used. In addition, a fullerene derivative such as C60 ([6,6] -phenyl C61 butyric acid methylester) can also be used. Furthermore, ZnO, SiO ₂ , TiO ₂ , Al ₂ O ₃ Oxide semiconductors such as InP, InAs, GaP, and GaAs; III-V compound semiconductors such as CdSe, CdS, CdTe, and ZnS; and CuInSe. ₂ , CuInS ₂ Etc. can also be used. The content of the electron acceptor with respect to the total amount of the electron donor layer 4 is not particularly limited, but is preferably set, for example, in a range of 5 to 99% by mass.
[0032]
The electron transporting material constituting the electron transporting layer 5 has a capability of transporting electrons, and examples thereof include bathocuproine, bathophenanthroline, and derivatives thereof, triazole compounds, and tris (8-hydroxyquinolinate). ) Aluminum complex, bis (4-methyl-8-quinolinato) aluminum complex, oxadiazole compound, distyryl arylene derivative, silole compound, TPBI (2,2 ′, 2 ″-(1,3,5-benzenetolyl) ) -Tris- [1-phenyl-1H-benzimidazole]) and the like, but are not particularly limited as long as it is an electron-transporting material. ^-6 cm ² / Vs or more, more preferably 10 ^-5 cm ² / Vs or more is good.
[0033]
The present invention is formed by providing an organic photoelectric conversion element sealing member A as a surface protection layer 12 on the surface of a laminate of the substrate 1 and the organic photoelectric conversion multilayer structure 8.
[0034]
The sealing member A for organic photoelectric conversion element (surface protective layer 12) shown in FIG. 1 is formed by integrally attaching an insulating layer 10 to one surface of a film layer 9 as shown in FIG. Alternatively, an insulating layer 10 may be integrally formed on both surfaces of the film layer 9 so as to be in close contact with each other. Here, one or both of the film layer 9 and the insulating layer 10 are formed of a layer having gas barrier properties, that is, a layer having low gas permeability such as water vapor or oxygen. Therefore, by covering the surface of the organic photoelectric conversion multilayer structure 8 with the surface protective layer 12, the effect of moisture and oxygen on the organic photoelectric conversion multilayer structure 8 can be reduced, and the organic photoelectric conversion structure caused by moisture and oxygen can be reduced. It is possible to prevent performance degradation of the conversion laminated structure 8.
[0035]
As the film layer 9, a high-strength film that does not easily break due to external force or the like can be used, and a metal film (metal foil) or a plastic film can be used. As the metal film, a film formed of aluminum, an aluminum alloy, copper, a copper alloy, or the like can be used. Further, as the plastic film, a film formed of PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PC (polycarbonate), nylon or the like can be used. The film layer 9 may be formed of one of the metal film and the plastic film alone, or may be a film layer 9 formed by laminating both the metal film and the plastic. The thickness of the film layer 9 is not particularly limited, but is preferably set, for example, in the range of 5 μm to 5 mm.
[0036]
The insulating layer 10 can be formed of an inorganic layer or a resin layer. This inorganic layer is preferably formed using an inorganic material having low moisture and oxygen permeability (gas permeability) and stable against moisture and oxygen. For example, silicon nitride, silicon oxide, silicon oxynitride , Silicon-based compounds such as silicon carbide, aluminum-based compounds such as aluminum oxide and aluminum nitride, aluminum silicate, zirconium oxide, tantalum oxide, titanium oxide, titanium nitride, and the like. Examples of a method for forming the film layer 9 on the insulating layer 10 made of an inorganic layer include a plasma CVD method, a sputtering method, and an ion plating method. Any method can be used as long as the method can be performed, and the method is not limited to the above method.
[0037]
Also, when the insulating layer 10 is formed of a resin layer, it is preferable that the insulating layer 10 be formed using a resin material which has low permeability to water and oxygen (gas permeability) and is stable against moisture and oxygen. As a suitable resin, a silicone resin, an epoxy resin, a fluorine-based resin, a urethane-based resin, or the like can be used. Examples of a method for forming the film layer 9 on the insulating layer 10 made of a resin layer include a spin coating method, a dipping method, a spray method, and a laminating method using a sheet-like molded product of the resin. However, the present invention is not limited to these methods.
[0038]
Before forming the insulating layer 10 on the film layer 9, it is preferable to perform a pretreatment such as a degreasing treatment, an acid / alkali washing treatment, or a plasma treatment on the surface of the film layer 9 as necessary. In addition, the adhesion of the insulating layer 10 to the film layer 9 can be improved. Although the thickness of the insulating layer 10 is not particularly limited, the thickness of the insulating layer 10 is set in the range of 0.5 to 100 μm in consideration of the balance between the insulating performance and the gas barrier performance of the insulating layer 10 and the film stress. Is preferred.
[0039]
The sealing member A for an organic photoelectric conversion element is provided on the surface side of the substrate 1 and the organic photoelectric conversion laminated structure 8 by bonding, and the surface protective layer 12 is formed. At this time, when the sealing member for the organic photoelectric conversion element has the insulating layer 10 on only one surface of the film layer 9, the insulating layer 10 side is provided facing the substrate 1 and the organic photoelectric conversion laminated structure 8. To do. As an adhesive for bonding the sealing member A for an organic photoelectric conversion element, for example, an epoxy resin or the like can be exemplified, but it is not limited thereto.
[0040]
In the organic photoelectric conversion element of the present invention as described above, when the organic layer 6 is irradiated with light through the substrate 1 and / or the surface protection layer 12, holes (holes) and electron charges are generated in the organic layer 6, Light energy is converted into electric energy by extracting the holes and electrons from the anode 2 and the cathode 7, respectively. In the organic photoelectric conversion element of the present invention, the surfaces of the substrate 1 and the organic photoelectric conversion laminated structure 8 are covered with the surface protective layer 12 composed of the film layer 9 having gas barrier properties and the insulating layer 10, so that the surface protection is achieved. The layer 12 blocks moisture and oxygen to prevent the organic photoelectric conversion multilayer structure 8 from reaching the organic photoelectric conversion multilayer structure 8, thereby reducing deterioration of the organic photoelectric conversion multilayer structure 8 due to moisture and oxygen and extending the life. Can be done. Further, the surface protective layer 12 is a composite layer composed of two layers of the film layer 9 and the insulating layer 10, and the film layer 9 is not easily damaged even if there is a foreign substance on the surface of the substrate 1 or an external force is applied. Since it is formed of a metal film or a resin film, defects such as pinholes, voids and cuts are unlikely to occur, and therefore, penetration of moisture or oxygen from the above defects is eliminated. Thereby, the deterioration of the organic photoelectric conversion laminated structure 8 can be reduced and the life can be prolonged.
[0041]
FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of the present invention. This organic photoelectric conversion element is formed by disposing a moisture and oxygen absorbent 13 on an insulating layer 10 of a surface protective layer 12, and the other configuration is the same as that of FIG. The moisture and oxygen absorbent 13 absorbs both moisture and oxygen such as water vapor by adsorption or the like, and examples thereof include calcium oxide and barium oxide. In this embodiment, the absorbent 13 is adhered to the surface of the insulating layer 10 and provided between the insulating layer 10 and the organic photoelectric conversion laminated structure 8, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, if the substrate 1 and the surface protective layer 12 are sealed, a space (gas layer) 15 is formed between the organic photoelectric conversion laminated structure 8 and the surface protective layer 12 as shown in FIG. It does not matter.
[0042]
Since the organic photoelectric conversion element as in the present invention is used as a solar cell or the like, it is often used in a very severe environment such as being exposed to wind and rain. Therefore, when used for a long time in such a harsh environment, a gap into which moisture or oxygen enters may be formed at the bonding interface between the surface protective layer 12 and the substrate 1. Thus, in this organic photoelectric conversion element, a gap is formed at the bonding interface between the surface protective layer 12 and the substrate 1 by disposing the moisture and oxygen absorbent 13 on the insulating layer 10, and moisture and oxygen are removed from this gap. Even if it has penetrated, it can be absorbed by the absorbent 13 and the influence of moisture and oxygen on the organic photoelectric conversion multilayer structure 8 can be reduced as much as possible. Thus, the performance can be maintained and the life can be extended.
[0043]
Further, as another embodiment of the present invention, the above-mentioned moisture and oxygen absorbent 13 can be contained in the insulating layer 10. In this case, the layer configuration of the organic photoelectric conversion element is the same as that of FIG. The content of the absorbent 13 in such an insulating layer 10 is not particularly limited. Then, even when the absorbent 13 is contained in the insulating layer 10, the same effect as that shown in FIG. 3 can be obtained. The absorbent 13 may be provided on the insulating layer 10 as shown in FIG. 3, and the insulating layer 10 may further contain the absorbent 13.
[0044]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the invention of claim 1 of the present invention includes an organic layer that generates an electric charge when irradiated with light between two electrodes at least one of which has transparency, and further includes a surface protective layer on the surface. In the laminated organic photoelectric conversion element, the surface protective layer is composed of a film layer and a composite layer having an insulating layer formed on one or both surfaces thereof, and at least one of the film layer and the insulating layer is a layer having a gas barrier property. The electrode and the organic layer can be covered with a surface protective layer composed of a film layer having an insulating layer and an insulating layer, and the surface protective layer can block moisture and oxygen so as not to reach the electrode and the organic layer. It is possible to reduce the deterioration of the electrode and the organic layer due to oxygen and extend the life. The surface protective layer is a composite layer composed of a film layer and an insulating layer. The surface protective layer is not easily damaged by foreign substances or an external force applied to the surface of the substrate, and is not easily damaged by pinholes, voids or cuts. Defects such as, for example, are unlikely to occur, and therefore, penetration of moisture and oxygen is eliminated, whereby deterioration of electrodes and organic layers can be reduced to extend the life.
[0045]
According to the invention of claim 2 of the present invention, since the film layer is formed of at least one of a metal film and a plastic film, the film layer can be easily formed even if there is a foreign substance on the surface of the substrate or external force is applied. It can be prevented from being damaged and defects such as pinholes, voids and cuts are unlikely to occur.Therefore, penetration of moisture and oxygen is eliminated, thereby reducing deterioration of electrodes and organic layers. Thus, the life can be extended.
[0046]
Further, according to the invention of claim 3 of the present invention, since the insulating layer is formed on at least one of the inorganic layer and the resin layer, the permeability (gas permeability) of moisture, oxygen and the like is low, and the element characteristics are stable. Insulation between the element and the film layer can be achieved.
[0047]
According to the invention of claim 4 of the present invention, since a moisture and oxygen absorbent is disposed on the insulating layer, a gap is formed at the bonding interface between the surface protective layer and the substrate, and moisture and oxygen enter through the gap. Even if this is done, it can be absorbed by the absorbent to minimize the effects of moisture and oxygen on the electrodes and the organic layer. It is possible to extend the life.
[0048]
According to the invention of claim 5 of the present invention, since the insulating layer contains a moisture and oxygen absorbent, a gap is formed at the bonding interface between the surface protective layer and the substrate, and moisture and oxygen enter from the gap. However, by absorbing this with an absorbent, the effects of moisture and oxygen on the electrodes and organic layers can be minimized, and the performance of the electrodes and organic layers can be reduced over a longer period of time, maintaining their performance and extending their service life. Can be achieved.
[0049]
The invention according to claim 6 of the present invention is an organic photoelectric conversion element sealing member used as a surface protective layer of the organic photoelectric conversion element according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein It is composed of a composite layer having an insulating layer formed on one or both sides, and at least one of the film layer and the insulating layer is a layer having a gas barrier property. The layer can be covered, and the surface protection layer can block moisture and oxygen so that it does not reach the electrodes and organic layers. It can be planned. The surface protective layer is a composite layer composed of a film layer and an insulating layer. The surface protective layer is not easily damaged by foreign substances or an external force applied to the surface of the substrate, and is not easily damaged by pinholes, voids or cuts. Defects such as, for example, are unlikely to occur, and therefore, penetration of moisture and oxygen is eliminated, whereby deterioration of electrodes and organic layers can be reduced to extend the life.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of another sealing member for an organic photoelectric conversion element according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing an example of another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing a conventional example.
FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing a conventional example.
[Explanation of symbols]
2 electrodes
6 Organic layer
7 electrodes
9 Film layer
10 Insulating layer
12 Surface protective layer
13 Absorbent
A sealing member for organic photoelectric conversion element

Claims (6)

At least one of the two electrodes having transparency, an organic photoelectric conversion element having an organic layer that generates a charge when irradiated with light, and further having a surface protective layer laminated on the surface, wherein the surface protective layer is a film layer And a composite layer having an insulating layer formed on one or both sides thereof, wherein at least one of the film layer and the insulating layer is a layer having gas barrier properties. The organic photoelectric conversion element according to claim 1, wherein the film layer is formed by at least one of a metal film and a plastic film. 3. The organic photoelectric conversion device according to claim 1, wherein the insulating layer is formed by at least one of an inorganic layer and a resin layer. 4. The organic photoelectric conversion device according to claim 1, wherein a moisture and oxygen absorbent is disposed on the insulating layer. 5. The organic photoelectric conversion device according to claim 1, wherein the insulating layer contains a moisture and oxygen absorbent. It is a sealing member for organic photoelectric conversion elements used as a surface protection layer of the organic photoelectric conversion element according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising a film layer and a composite layer having an insulating layer formed on one or both surfaces thereof. A sealing member for an organic photoelectric conversion element, wherein at least one of the film layer and the insulating layer is a layer having gas barrier properties.

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