Research Projects
Research Projects
The theoretical efficiency limit of single-junction solar cells presents a fundamental barrier to the future of solar energy. To overcome this, our research focuses on developing tandem solar cells, a cutting-edge technology that stacks multiple cells to capture a broader spectrum of sunlight and achieve ultra-high conversion efficiencies.
In this pursuit, Cu(In,Ga)Se₂ (CIGS) emerges as an exceptionally versatile and powerful platform. Its key advantage lies in its widely tunable bandgap, which can be precisely engineered from a narrow 1.0 eV to a wide 1.7 eV. This unique characteristic allows CIGS to serve as an ideal component for virtually any tandem architecture. Our group actively leverages this tunability to develop CIGS-based materials as both:
High-bandgap top cells, which absorb visible light efficiently while allowing lower-energy photons to pass through.
Low-bandgap bottom cells, which are optimized to capture the infrared portion of the solar spectrum.
Our research explores a diverse portfolio of next-generation tandem structures, including Perovskite-on-CIGS, CIGS-on-Silicon, and all-chalcopyrite CIGS-on-CIGS devices. By pioneering novel materials and device engineering strategies, we aim to break through existing efficiency barriers and establish new paradigms for cost-effective, ultra-high-efficiency solar energy conversion.
RESEARCH TOPICS:
1. Perovskite/CIGS Thin-film Tandem Solar Cell
The future of photovoltaics lies not only in enhancing efficiency but also in seamlessly integrating power generation into our built environment, transportation, and portable electronics. Our research in multi-functional CIGS applications is dedicated to turning this vision into reality by moving solar technology beyond conventional, rigid panels.
We focus on the optimal CIGS bandgap of 1.1-1.2 eV, a range that has demonstrated world-record conversion efficiencies for single-junction devices. By combining this high performance with the inherent advantages of thin-film technology, we are developing CIGS solar cells with novel form factors and functionalities. Our primary research areas include:
Transparent Solar Cells: Engineering semi-transparent CIGS devices that can be integrated into windows and building facades (BIPV), transforming entire structures into power-generating assets without compromising aesthetics.
Flexible Solar Cells: Fabricating lightweight and durable flexible cells ideal for curved surfaces on electric vehicles (AIPV), aircraft, and portable power applications.
Space Photovoltaics: Evaluating and enhancing the suitability of our high-efficiency CIGS cells for space applications. We focus on maximizing their superior specific power (power-to-weight ratio) and inherent radiation hardness, which are critical for robust and long-lasting satellite and aerospace missions.
Through this research, we aim to pioneer versatile and resilient CIGS-based solutions that can provide clean energy anywhere and everywhere.
RESEARCH TOPICS:
1. Bifacial CIGS Thin-film Solar Cell and Transparent Solar Module
2. Flexible CIGS thin-film PV Module
3. Ultrafast Laser Process for Lithography and Material Engineering