Our group is dedicated to leveraging solar energy for sustainable solutions in freshwater production and energy conversion applications. Our research extends to the development of advanced materials and devices for various technologies, including solar steam generation, solar cells, resistive switching memories, gas sensors, photodetectors, and other electronic devices.

Concise Overview of Our Research Endeavors

Solar Steam Generation: Solar steam generation (SSG) is a technique that harnesses solar light to convert it into heat, transforming water into vapor, which is then condensed to yield fresh water. Our group pioneers research into advanced materials for the photothermal layer, seeking to optimize this technique. Additionally, we investigate the feasibility of simultaneous electricity generation with steam generation. SSG has become a promising renewable energy technology for desalination and wastewater purification that could benefit off-grid and remote communities in need.

Solar Cells: Solar cells are devices that convert solar energy into electricity directly and are considered the most efficient technology for meeting the surging global energy demand. Generally,  the absorber material is sandwiched between electron and hole-transporting layers for a thin film solar cell architecture. Our research delves into the search for new materials for thin-film solar cells, unlocking new avenues for enhanced efficiency and sustainability in solar energy conversion.

Resistive Switching Memory: Resistive Switching Memory (RSM) is a nonvolatile memory characterized by its straightforward metal-insulator-metal structure that modulates its dielectric resistance under electric field influence. As the realm of information technology evolves and demands escalate, RSM emerges as a frontrunner for the next era of nonvolatile memory devices, distinguished by its outstanding scalability, minimal power consumption, rapid switching, uncomplicated design, exceptional endurance, and prolonged retention capabilities. Our research is dedicated to exploring novel advanced functional materials tailored explicitly for the development of cost-effective, solution-processed thin film-based RSM solutions.

Gas Sensing Devices: Gas sensing devices are instruments designed to detect and quantify the presence and concentration of diverse gases in the environment. These devices employ an array of sensing mechanisms, ranging from chemical reactions to alterations in electrical conductivity, to accurately quantify gas concentrations. Mainly, semiconductor-based thin film chemo-resistive materials exhibit the remarkable ability to modulate their resistance or conductivity upon exposure to target gases. Gas sensors are widely used in various applications, including environmental monitoring, industrial safety, medical diagnostics, and indoor air quality control. In our research, we embark on a quest to uncover novel materials that promise heightened efficiency, stability, and affordability in the realm of gas-sensing technology.