Research

Materials for Clean and Renewable Energy

Perovskite Nanocrystals

Perovskite nanocrystals have gained significant attention in research due to their exceptional optoelectronic properties, including high photoluminescence efficiency, adjustable bandgap, and excellent charge carrier mobility. These characteristics make them highly promising for a wide range of applications, including LEDs, solar cells, and displays. However, in order to realize their full potential and facilitate broader adoption, researchers are actively addressing stability and toxicity concerns.

Within our group, our primary focus revolves around gaining a fundamental understanding of the growth mechanism and establishing correlations between structure and properties of perovskite nanocrystals. Additionally, we employ post-synthesis procedures to enhance their stability and optimize device performance. By exploring these post-synthetic approaches, we aim to uncover valuable insights into the structure-property relationships of perovskite nanocrystals.

Moreover, our research extends beyond fundamental understanding and stability enhancement. We employ various advanced spectroscopies, hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HAXPES), Extended X-Ray Absorption Fine Structure spectroscopy (EXAFS) etc., to probe these materials. We are actively exploring novel applications of perovskite nanocrystals, such as their use as anticounterfeiting tags. These endeavors showcase the versatility and potential of perovskite nanocrystals in various practical applications.

2D Perovskite

Our research group is actively engaged in the exploration of two-dimensional (2D) metal halide perovskites. The primary objective of this research area is to synthesize novel low-dimensional perovskite materials and investigate their optical and structural properties. To achieve this, we specialize in the growth of both single crystals and thin films of 2D perovskites.

Currently, our investigations are focused on understanding cation migration phenomena within various 2D perovskites. Furthermore, we leverage these unique materials to fabricate self-powered photoreceptors, showcasing their potential for practical applications.

Ternary Metal Chalcogenides 

Ternary metal chalcogenides (TMCs) represent a highly promising class of materials with diverse applications, including solar cells, thermoelectrics, gas sensors, batteries, and more. However, growing TMC nanocrystals with specific phases or compositions poses a significant challenge influenced by factors such as precursor selection, precursor ratios, ligands, and reaction temperature. Another complexity arises from the presence of defects such as vacancies, interstitials, and dislocations in TMCs, which can either benefit or impair their performance in specific applications.

Our research aims to unravel the growth mechanisms of TMCs, enabling us to tailor their structural and electronic properties to meet specific requirements. As our understanding of TMCs advances, we anticipate further advancements in the development of these materials with tailored properties.

Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD)

Atomic layer deposition (ALD) is an advanced bottom-up nanofabrication technique that enables the precise deposition of thin, uniform, and defect-free films, offering precise control over their properties. In our group, we specialize in growing various ultra-thin metal oxides and oxysulfides to be utilized as buffer layers in optoelectronic devices.

Our research primarily focuses on investigating the influence of these buffer layers on charge transport facilitation and ion migration inhibition within these devices. By harnessing the capabilities of ALD, we aim to optimize the performance and functionality of optoelectronic devices through careful design and engineering of these buffer layers.