KAUST Ph.D. student Sara Abbas and SABIC researcher won a poster award at the Royal Society of Chemistry’s 13th International Conference on Materials Chemistry. The research focuses on smart window technology using electrochromism. The technology can change its appearance and transmittance in response to electrical voltage. Why it matters: This award highlights the importance of materials chemistry research at KAUST and SABIC, particularly for applications suited to warm climates.
KAUST researchers used electron tomography and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to study charge storage in manganese oxide electrodes for supercapacitors. They found that the electrolyte etches nanoscale openings in the manganese oxide sheets, increasing electrolyte permeability and energy density during cycling. 3D tomography revealed how the electrode's morphological evolution increases its surface area, enhancing energy densities. Why it matters: The research provides insights into improving the cycling stability of pseudocapacitive materials, which are crucial for developing high-performance supercapacitors.
KAUST researchers led by Andrea Fratalocchi are developing a nanomaterial, initially recognized as the "blackest black" by Guinness World Records, to enhance solar cell efficiency. The material, made from gold nanoparticles, absorbs over 99% of visible light and 98% of infrared. The team is working to create the material from less costly alternatives to gold for energy production applications. Why it matters: This research could lead to significant advancements in solar energy harvesting, addressing a critical need for efficient light absorption in renewable energy technologies within the region and globally.
KAUST Professor Derya Baran and her team at startup iyris have developed transparent solar panels that can turn windows into a source of renewable energy. The technology allows buildings to generate their own electricity, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030's goals for sustainable energy. iyris' first customer is the Red Sea Farm, another KAUST-based business, which aims to use the windows to improve plant growth and crop yield. Why it matters: This innovation could significantly reduce reliance on fossil fuels and promote sustainable urban development in the region, where cooling demands drive high electricity consumption.
Professor Jean-Luc Bredas, Director of KAUST’s Solar Center (SPERC), has been elected to the European Academy of Sciences (EURASC). Bredas is recognized for his theoretical research into organic materials for semiconductor devices like LEDs, transistors, and solar cells. His KAUST group focuses on understanding the electronic and optical properties of these materials. Why it matters: This recognition highlights KAUST's growing prominence in advanced materials research and its contributions to global scientific advancements in electronics and photonics.
KAUST researchers developed a crystallization process for organic molecules with potential applications in electronics, pharmaceuticals, and food. They produced "strained organic semiconductors," which can lead to high-performance, low-cost, flexible, and transparent electronic devices. The team combined X-ray beams with high-speed cameras to record the crystallization process, revealing that quick evaporation and nanoscale thinness play a role in producing ideal crystal lattices. Why it matters: This new method offers unprecedented control over crystal formation, potentially revolutionizing the production of plastic electronics and impacting other industries relying on specific crystal structures.
KAUST's Center of Excellence for Renewable Energy and Storage Technologies (CREST) hosted a seminar on rechargeable hydrogen gas batteries. Professor Wei Chen from the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) presented the seminar. The talk covered aqueous nickel-hydrogen gas, proton-hydrogen gas, halogen-hydrogen gas, and nonaqueous lithium-hydrogen gas batteries, along with applications like self-charging batteries. Why it matters: Hydrogen gas batteries represent a promising avenue for large-scale energy storage, particularly for integrating renewable energy sources into electric grids.
KAUST researchers have achieved a breakthrough by passing the damp-heat test for perovskite solar cells (PSCs), a rigorous assessment of their ability to withstand prolonged exposure to high humidity and temperatures. The team engineered 2D-perovskite passivation layers that block moisture and enhance power conversion efficiencies. The successful test, which requires maintaining 95% of initial performance after 1,000 hours at 85% humidity and 85 degrees Celsius, marks a significant step toward commercialization. Why it matters: This advancement addresses a critical weakness of PSCs and brings the technology closer to competing with silicon solar cells in terms of stability and longevity, crucial for widespread adoption of renewable energy.