Research

• Semiconductors for high-performance photovoltaic cells

As a renewable energy resource, solar energy is particularly appealing because of its wide availability as well as facile transformation into electricity through photovoltaic (PV) cells. The performance of a PV cell depends on the semiconductor that absorbs photons to generate electron and hole carriers and deliver photogenerated carriers to the outer circuit. As such, it is highly desirable to develop efficient photoabsorbers for build high-performance PV cells. Our group perform research aiming to design novel and efficient semiconductors that can be utilized as PV absorbers. Using density functional theory calculations, we assess diverse materials properties like band gap, effective mass, and polarization, and suggest interesting candidate materials enabling innovation in PV technology.

• (Photo)electrocatalysts for water splitting and CO2 reduction reactions

(Photo)electrocatalyst is materials that help speed-up electrochemical reactions involving the transfer of electrons between two substances. First-principles calculations based on density functional theory allows us to explore what happens in an atomic level during electrochemical reactions. In our group, we conduct DFT calculations in order to reveal reaction mechanisms for various (photo)electrochemical reactions, particularly water splitting and CO2 reduction that are important to mitigate global warming. With the insights we obtain, we propose new catalysts as well as strategies to increase an efficiency of catalysts.

• Oxide semiconductors for future electronic devices

Wide bandgap oxide semiconductors consist of a unique class of materials that combine properties of electrical conductivity and optical transparency. They are being widely used as key materials in optoelectronic device applications, including flat-panel displays, solar cells, OLED, and emerging flexible and transparent electronics. To provide essential guiding principles for new material design and device optimization, it is essential to understand the electronic structures, defect and doping chemistry, optical and transport properties of oxide semiconductors. In our group, we study the fundamental properties of oxide semiconductors as well as new approaches for achieving cost-effective transparent (flexible) semiconductors and electrode based on oxide materials. We also investigate a way to develop new oxide semiconductors that can revolunize semiconductor technologies.