KAUST researchers found that inserting a magnesium fluoride layer in perovskite–silicon tandem solar cells can stall charge recombination and enhance performance. The magnesium fluoride interlayer effectively promoted electron extraction from the perovskite active layer and reduced charge recombination at the interface. The resulting tandem solar cell achieved a stabilized power conversion efficiency of 29.1%. Why it matters: Improving the efficiency of solar cells is critical for expanding renewable energy capacity in Saudi Arabia and worldwide.
KAUST Professor Mohamed Eddaoudi is researching MOFs (metal-organic frameworks). MOFs have applications for clean energy. Why it matters: This research contributes to KAUST's and Saudi Arabia's broader clean energy and sustainability initiatives.
KAUST has established the KAUST Quantum Foundry to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s ability to fabricate commercial quantum hardware. It will provide shared access to KAUST quantum cleanrooms, supporting device prototyping and process development. The Foundry will focus on process standardization and the development of Process Design Kits (PDKs) to enable researchers to design and fabricate devices. Why it matters: This initiative reinforces KAUST's role as a national hub for advanced research infrastructure and supports Saudi Arabia’s long-term innovation priorities in quantum technologies.
A KAUST research team led by Prof. Osman Bakr developed a novel antisolvent vapor-assisted crystallization (AVC) method to grow high-quality, crack-free MAPbX3 perovskite single crystals at room temperature. The resulting crystals exceeded 100 mm3 in volume and exhibited exceptionally low trap-state density (approximately 10^9 – 10^10 cm-3). The crystal quality is comparable to high-quality single crystal silicon, but grown at much lower temperatures. Why it matters: This breakthrough allows for more accurate characterization of perovskite photovoltaic properties and can accelerate improvements in solar cell efficiency.
A conference at KAUST covered topics related to hydrophobic interfaces. The event brought together researchers and experts in the field. King Abdullah University of Science and Technology hosted the conference. Why it matters: Events like this foster collaboration and knowledge sharing in materials science and engineering.
Researchers at KAUST, USTC, and SUSTech have developed a method for carbon capture and storage using guanidinium sulfate salt to create clathrate structures that trap CO2 molecules. This salt-based structure mimics methane hydrate activity and captures CO2 through physisorption, without water or nitrogen interference. The method allows CO2 to be carried as a solid powder at ambient temperature and pressure, offering a less energy-intensive alternative to traditional methods. Why it matters: This innovation introduces a new, energy-efficient way to store and transport CO2 as a solid, potentially revolutionizing carbon capture and storage technologies in the region and beyond.
KAUST researchers, led by Mohamed Eddaoudi, developed a metal-organic framework (MOF) capable of selectively adsorbing water, challenging the conventional view of MOF instability in water. They also advanced MOF understanding by adapting high-resolution transmission electron microscopy to observe their atomic structure. KAUST hosted the Innovation to Impact Roundtable, fostering collaboration between academics and industry leaders from the U.S. and Saudi Arabia. Why it matters: These activities highlight KAUST's role in materials science innovation and fostering international research collaborations to advance technological development in Saudi Arabia.
Jean M. J. Fréchet, retired KAUST senior vice president, has been awarded the King Faisal Prize in Chemistry for his pioneering work in dendrimers, photoresists, and organic photovoltaics. His work has contributed to advancements in biotherapeutics, organic electronics, materials, and microfluidics. Fréchet is the 10th most cited chemist globally, with over 900 publications and 200 patents. Why it matters: The recognition highlights KAUST's impact on global scientific advancement and underscores the importance of investing in basic research with broad applications.