RESEARCH
Overview
Functional hybrid materials integrate semiconductors of diverse functionalities, presenting a solution to overcome the limitations of single-material systems; They could synergize favorable optical, electronic, and structural properties, and have the potential to create novel photophysical phenomena for optoelectronic applications.
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We develop new hybrid materials with precisely engineered photophysical properties for the future of optoelectronic technologies. Specifically, my team focuses on 1) broadening the scope of hybrid materials by systematically designing material combinations and employing advanced interface engineering, 2) gaining deeper insights into molecular and nanoscale material interactions through cutting-edge spectroscopic techniques, and 3) leveraging these advancements to produce efficient energy-conversion devices, contributing to the global energy transition.
Heterostructure Discovery
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Heterostructures have been a core concept in the semiconductor industry, recognized by the 2000 Nobel Prize in Physics. Historically, the growth of heterostructures was constrained by the need for lattice matching and covalent bonding of compound semiconductors. The emergence of solution-processed semiconductors offer exciting opportunities to expand the family of heterostructures; They enable the use of ionic bonding and Van der Waals interactions between dissimilar materials, and allow for molecular design freedom in diverse integration. The potential chemistry space is vast; yet, a rational selection approach is warranted to address practical challenges facing optoelectronic devices. Here we leverage the concept of heterostructures to control material growth, energy transfer, and carrier recombination in emerging semiconductors for next-generation optoelectronics.
Optical Spectroscopy
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Spectroscopy techniques are powerful tools for understanding heterostructure properties in a non-invasive, quantified, and in-situ manner. For example, measurements of absolute photoluminescence intensity leads to quantitative analysis of carrier recombination within semiconductor materials and across interfaces. In-situ methods allow one to understand materials growth with unprecedented time resolution and sensitivity in a cost-effective manner. My group develop multiple techniques that enable analysis from initial crystallization to the final film properties, combining these with scalable material synthesis to develop high-throughput screening for accelerated materials discovery.
Optoelectronic Devices
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Solar cells, light-emitting diodes, and photodetectors could be key components in a low-carbon society; however, their production is energy-intensive using incumbent materials such as Si and GaAs. Several solution-processed counterparts are racing toward commercialization. Yet, their key concerns, such as stability, scalability, and environmental impact, remain elusive. These are often linked to intrinsic material properties. We focus on challenges in next-generation optoelectronics for immediate impact, using advances in heterostructure engineering that overcome limitations of single-material systems. We also develop novel photonic devices utilizing quantum phenomena, which could provide potential in emerging topics.
Contact
Dr. Mingyang Wei
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Department of Materials Science and Engineering
National University of Singapore
Singapore 117575
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Email: weimingy@nus.edu.sg
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Openings
Multiple graduate positions are available in our group. Candidates with backgrounds in synthetic or physical chemistry, semiconductor physics, materials science, and electrical engineering are encouraged to apply. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
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