Dr. Xiong Gong
Associate Professor
Department of Polymer Engineering, The University of Akron

“High Performance Solution-Processed Photovoltaics via Device Engineering and Novel Materials”

Part of the Fall 2017 Graduate Seminar Series

Abstract
Solution-processed solar cells for efficiently and economically harnessing the solar energy, and solution-processed uncooled broadband photodetectors for applications in remote sensing, fiber-optic communication, day/night-time surveillance, and emerging medical imaging modalities, have invoked extraordinary attentions in both academic and industrial sectors in the past years. In this presentation, I would like to share with you how we approach high-performance solution-processed photovoltaics (solar cells and photodetectors).

• In order to facilitate electron extraction efficiency and make it comparable to the hole extraction efficiency in the solution-processed perovskite solar cells, we, for the first time, have demonstrated bulk heterojuncion perovskite solar cells with enhanced efficiency and less photo-hysteresis;
• In order to balance charge transporting properties, eliminate toxic lead and enhance efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells, we have developed novel perovskite materials incorporated with transition metals for tune its physical properties. As a result, efficient and stable perovskite solar cells fabricated by these novel perovskite materials are realized.
• By utilization of the trap-assisted hole injection effects into solution-processed perovskite devices, we are able to develop solution-processed photodetectors with over 3000 % external quantum efficiency.
• By utilization of newly developed low bandgap conjugated polymers incorporated with either high electrical conductivity inorganic quantum dots or single-wall carbon tubes, we are able to develop solution-processed photodetectors with a spectral response up to middle infrared region.  

Biography
Currently, Dr. Gong is an Associate Professor in the Department of Polymer Engineering of the College of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering at the University of Akron. He also holds a chief scientist position in Heeger Beijing R & D center. Prior that, he was a manager of CBRITE Inc. and senior research scientist in the Center of Polymers and Organic Solids at University of California Santa Barbara. Dr. Gong received B. Sc. major in Chemistry, M. Sc. Major in Chemistry and Ph. D. major in Physics from China. He did post-doc with Professor Alan Heeger, a Nobel Prize Laureate, in the Center of Polymers and Organic Solids at University of California Santa Barbara. Gong received many international and national awards and honors including named the top 1% mostly cited researchers in the years of 2014, 2015 and 2016, the world's most influential scientific minds 2014, National Science Foundation (NSF) Career award (2014) and NSF of China oversea outstanding Chinese youngest scientist award (2008). He has accomplished over 180 articles published in the peer reviewed journals, with a peer citation over 18,000 times. He earned an H-index of 52. He also contributed 35 granted/pending patents and 9 book chapters.