Glass Research Group

Welcome to the YTU Glass Research Group 

The YTU Glass Research Group is a multidisciplinary research team within the Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering at Yıldız Technical University, led by Dr. Miray Çelikbilek Ersundu and Dr. Ali Erçin Ersundu. Our research combines fundamental glass science with engineering innovation to develop advanced glass materials and technologies for photonic, structural, energy, and environmental applications.

Our research encompasses a broad range of glass-forming systems, including silicate, borosilicate, phosphate, phospho-silicate, tellurite, and antimonite glasses. We integrate materials design, processing, characterization, and performance evaluation to understand composition–structure–property relationships and to develop functional glass materials with tailored optical, mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties.

Our activities are organized around four complementary research themes.

• Fundamental Glass Science

We investigate the fundamental principles governing glass formation, atomic structure, crystallization, ion transport, and composition–structure–property relationships across a wide variety of glass systems. Through advanced synthesis and state-of-the-art characterization techniques, we establish the scientific understanding required to design the next generation of high-performance glass materials.

• Functional and Photonic Glasses

We develop functional glass materials with tailored optical and photonic properties through compositional design and microstructural engineering. Our research includes rare-earth- and quantum dot-doped glasses, glass nanocomposites, transparent functional oxides, and other advanced photonic materials for applications in solid-state lighting, optical sensing, optical communications, anti-counterfeiting, and emerging photonic technologies.

• Sustainable Glass Technologies

We design innovative glass-based materials that contribute to sustainable energy production and environmental technologies. Current research includes luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs), Agrivoltaics (Agri-PV), building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), controlled-release glass fertilizers, circular glass technologies, and glass-based materials supporting carbon capture, resource efficiency, and sustainable manufacturing.

• Advanced Glass Processing and Performance

We investigate advanced processing routes and surface engineering approaches to enhance the performance, durability, and functionality of glass materials. Our research includes chemically strengthened ultra-thin glass, glass-ceramics, functional sol–gel coatings, thermochromic, anti-reflective and self-cleaning surfaces, radiation-shielding glasses, and multifunctional glass systems for demanding industrial and technological applications.

By bridging fundamental glass science with technological innovation, we develop advanced glass materials that address global challenges in photonics, sustainable energy, advanced manufacturing, and environmental sustainability while fostering strong collaborations with academia and industry.

We welcome opportunities for scientific collaboration, industrial partnerships, and student involvement. If you are interested in our research or would like to discuss potential collaborations, please feel free to contact Dr. Miray Çelikbilek Ersundu or Dr. Ali Erçin Ersundu.