A new measuring for best performing organic solar cells

An electronic mismatch in the pairs of materials used to make organic solar cells can enhance cell operation, KAUST researchers have shown. The surprise finding — made following a comprehensive reanalysis of state-of-the-art organic solar materials — should enable researchers to predict new organic formulations with strong solar cell performance. The light-capturing layer of organic Read more about A new measuring for best performing organic solar cells[…]

A better understanding of charging road deployment in metropolitan cities

By applying statistical geometry to analyzing urban road networks, KAUST researchers have advanced understanding of how wireless charging roads might influence driver behavior and city planning in a future where electric vehicles (EVs) dominate the car market. “Our work is motivated by the global trend of moving towards green transportation and EVs,” says postdoc Mustafa Read more about A better understanding of charging road deployment in metropolitan cities[…]

Enabling a new technology for modern glass design

Curved glass façades can be stunningly beautiful, but traditional construction methods are extremely expensive. Panes are usually made with “hot bending”, where glass is heated and formed using a mold or specialized machines, an energy-intensive process that generates excess waste in the form of individual molds. Cold-bent glass is a cheaper alternative in which flat Read more about Enabling a new technology for modern glass design[…]

A next-generation and disruptive technology for more energy-efficient way

Molecular cages, in which guest molecules cling to the cages’ outer surfaces rather than enter an internal cavity, could cut the environmental impact of separating mixtures of industrial chemicals, research from KAUST suggests. Molecular separations performed at scale by the chemical industry collectively account for as much as 15 percent of global energy consumption. One Read more about A next-generation and disruptive technology for more energy-efficient way[…]

E-skins keeps shifting future at a spectacular pace

A material that mimics human skin in strength, stretchability and sensitivity could be used to collect biological data in real time. Electronic skin, or e-skin, may play an important role in next-generation prosthetics, personalized medicine, soft robotics and artificial intelligence. “The ideal e-skin will mimic the many natural functions of human skin, such as sensing Read more about E-skins keeps shifting future at a spectacular pace[…]

Inkjet printing thin, light and flexible solar cells to power novell electronic devices

Solar cells can now be made so thin, light and flexible that they can rest on a soap bubble. The new cells, which efficiently capture energy from light, could offer an alternative way to power novel electronic devices, such as medical skin patches, where conventional energy sources are unsuitable. “The tremendous developments in electronic skin Read more about Inkjet printing thin, light and flexible solar cells to power novell electronic devices[…]

Improving internet networks with use of tethered drones

The use of tethered unmanned aerial vehicles (TUAVs) has been modeled as a powerful new tool for improving cellular phone and internet networks. When employed as flying base stations with a cable connection, multirotor drones promise to quickly ramp up coverage, increase the efficiency of urban networks and provide much needed access in remote rural Read more about Improving internet networks with use of tethered drones[…]

Research opens path for new home solar technology

Solar cell researchers at the University of Sydney and University of New South Wales working with chemists at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the United States have created a highly efficient and long-lasting solar-flow battery, which is a way to generate, store, and redeliver renewable electricity from the sun in one device. The new device Read more about Research opens path for new home solar technology[…]

New computer chip enables un-hackable communication

A new uncrackable security system created by researchers at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), the University of St Andrews and the Center for Unconventional Processes of Sciences (CUP Sciences) is set to revolutionize communications privacy. The international team of scientists have created optical chips that enable information to be sent from user Read more about New computer chip enables un-hackable communication[…]

Record-breaking, high-efficiency single crystals bring perovskite solar cells closer to market

A synthetic approach developed by KAUST researchers generates homogeneous and defect-free crystals that could fast-track the commercialization of perovskite solar cells. “Perovskite solar cells are the fastest developing type of photovoltaic technology, with power-conversion efficiencies rising from 3.8 percent in 2009 to 24.2 percent in 2019 for single-junction devices,” says Osman Bakr, who led the Read more about Record-breaking, high-efficiency single crystals bring perovskite solar cells closer to market[…]

Smart skin for flexible monitoring

A thin smart patch called Marine Skin could make studying the behavior of marine animals easier and more informative. This system for electronic tagging of animals is based on stretchable silicone elastomers that can withstand twisting, shearing and stretching, even when exposed to high pressures in deep waters. “The integrated flexible electronics can track an Read more about Smart skin for flexible monitoring[…]

Innovative diode design uses ultrafast quantum tunneling to harvest infrared energy from the environment

Most sunlight striking the Earth is absorbed by its surfaces, oceans and atmosphere. As a result of this warming, infrared radiation is emitted constantly all around us—estimated to be millions of Gigawatts per second. A KAUST team has now developed a device that can tap into this energy, as well as waste heat from industrial Read more about Innovative diode design uses ultrafast quantum tunneling to harvest infrared energy from the environment[…]