Dr. Sami Ullah | Solar Cell | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Sami Ullah | Solar Cell | Best Researcher Award

Postdoc fellow, Institute of Physics, Slovak academy of sciences, Slovakia

Dr. Sami Ullah is a physicist specializing in photovoltaics, with over five years of research experience in perovskite solar cells. His expertise encompasses laser patterning, thin film preparation, materials characterization, device fabrication, and testing. His research focuses on scaling up perovskite technology, optimizing self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) deposition, vacuum deposition, charge transport layer engineering, and integrating 2D materials into optoelectronics, sensors, and energy harvesting applications.

Profile

Education

  • Ph.D. in Physics (Photovoltaics and Advanced Materials)
    University of Balochistan, Quetta, Pakistan (2019–2022)
    Thesis: Transport Layer Engineering of Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells

  • M.S. in Physics (Nanotechnology and Nanosciences)
    University of Balochistan, Quetta, Pakistan (2014–2016)
    Thesis: ZnO Nanostructure-Based Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Work Experience

  • Postdoctoral Researcher
    Institute of Physics, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia (May 2024–Present)
    Focus: Co-deposition of SAMs for stable inverted perovskite solar cells and fabrication of crystalline FAPbI₃-based p-i-n perovskite solar cells.

  • Lecturer
    Department of Physics, University of Balochistan, Quetta, Pakistan (2012–2024)
    Responsibilities: Teaching and conducting laboratory experiments.

  • Visiting Researcher
    Chimie ParisTech – PSL Research University, Paris, France (2021–2022)
    Achievements: Fabricated n-i-p perovskite solar cells with over 21% power conversion efficiency in a glove box environment.

  • Guest Researcher
    Institute of Physics, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia (2019–2020)
    Contributions: Engineered transport layers (SnO₂ and NiOₓ), fabricated n-i-p/p-i-n perovskite solar cells, and utilized 2D MXene (Ti₃C₂Tx) as an additive and interlayer.

Awards and Honors

  • Guest Researcher Scholarship
    Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan, 2021
    Awarded a one-year research stay at Chimie ParisTech, PSL-CNRS, Paris, France.

Research Focus

Dr. Ullah’s research aims to enhance the efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells. His work on SAMs deposition techniques addresses interfacial charge recombination, improving energy band alignment and surface morphology. Additionally, his exploration of 2D materials like MXene aims to optimize charge transport layers, contributing to the development of high-performance, stable photovoltaic devices.ResearchGate

Publication Top Notes

  1. “Simulation-based optimization of CdS/CdTe solar cells incorporating MXene-enhanced SnO₂ buffer layer: insights from experimentally validated material properties”
    Journal: Solar Energy (2025)
    This study investigates the incorporation of MXene-enhanced SnO₂ buffer layers in CdS/CdTe solar cells, offering insights into material properties and optimization strategies.

  2. “Self-powered TENG probe for scanning surface charge distribution”
    Journal: Nanotechnology (2024)
    The paper presents a self-powered triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) probe designed for scanning surface charge distributions, highlighting its potential applications in nanoscale measurements.

  3. “Tailoring the electronic properties of the SnO₂ nanoparticle layer for n-i-p perovskite solar cells by Ti₃C₂Tx MXene”
    Journal: Materials Today Communications (2023)
    This research explores the modification of SnO₂ nanoparticle layers with Ti₃C₂Tx MXene to enhance the electronic properties of n-i-p perovskite solar cells.

  4. “Mesoporous SnO₂ Nanoparticle-Based Electron Transport Layer for Perovskite Solar Cells”
    Journal: ACS Applied Nano Materials (2022)
    The article discusses the development of mesoporous SnO₂ nanoparticle-based electron transport layers, aiming to improve the performance of perovskite solar cells.

  5. “A synergistic effect of the ion beam sputtered NiOₓ hole transport layer and MXene doping on inverted perovskite solar cells”
    Journal: Nanotechnology (2022)
    This publication examines the combined effect of ion beam sputtered NiOₓ hole transport layers and MXene doping on the performance of inverted perovskite solar cells.

Conclusion

Dr. Sami Ullah demonstrates a robust and impactful research career characterized by:

  • Innovative contributions to perovskite and thin-film photovoltaics,
  • Cross-disciplinary work involving nanomaterials and sensors,
  • A consistent publication record in prestigious, peer-reviewed journals,
  • Valuable international research collaborations and national academic service.

 

 

Moataz Abdel-Aziz | Solar Energy | Engineering Award of Excellence

Assist. Prof. Dr. Moataz Abdel-Aziz | Solar Energy | Engineering Award of Excellence

Assistant Prof., Horus University – Faculty of Engineering, Egypt

Dr. Moataz Mostafa Abdel-Aziz is an Assistant Professor at the Mechanical Power Engineering Department of the Faculty of Engineering at Horus University, Egypt. He obtained his Ph.D. in 2019 from Tanta University, specializing in renewable energy and thermal systems. Dr. Abdel-Aziz has dedicated over a decade to academic work, focusing on educating the next generation of engineers while conducting cutting-edge research. His contributions in renewable energy technologies, particularly in solar desalination and thermal storage, have established him as a prominent figure in the field. With an extensive portfolio of research projects, academic publications, and collaborations, he actively shapes future innovations for sustainable energy solutions. In addition to his research, he also serves as the Manager of the Quality Assurance Unit, ensuring excellence within his institution. His leadership, teaching, and research align with global efforts to address energy and water scarcity challenges.

Profile

Education

Dr. Moataz Mostafa Abdel-Aziz holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Power Engineering from Tanta University, Egypt, where his dissertation focused on renewable energy and thermal systems. He also completed his undergraduate and Master’s degrees in the same field at Tanta University, graduating with honors. His academic journey has been marked by a deep interest in sustainable energy systems, specifically those harnessing solar energy. Dr. Abdel-Aziz’s educational background is not just limited to formal degrees; he has also pursued numerous certifications, workshops, and training programs in advanced renewable energy systems, energy efficiency, and thermal technologies. His educational foundation has equipped him to teach and mentor students in complex engineering concepts like thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics. This well-rounded academic expertise provides him with the necessary skills to engage in both theoretical and applied research, significantly contributing to the advancement of sustainable energy technologies.

Experience

Dr. Moataz Mostafa Abdel-Aziz has more than 10 years of academic and research experience in the field of mechanical power engineering, specializing in renewable energy and thermal systems. As an Assistant Professor at Horus University, he teaches courses on thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics to undergraduate and graduate students. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, he has served in various administrative roles, including Manager of the Quality Assurance Unit, where he helps ensure the continuous improvement and accreditation of academic programs. Dr. Abdel-Aziz has also been involved in numerous research projects, focusing on enhancing solar still productivity, thermal energy storage, and hybrid nanofluid applications. His extensive experience includes collaborations with top universities like Tanta University and El-Oued University. He has acted as an advisor on renewable energy integration in desalination projects, blending academic knowledge with practical industry applications. His leadership and research have earned him recognition as a key figure in his field.

Research Focus

Dr. Moataz Mostafa Abdel-Aziz’s research primarily focuses on renewable energy technologies, with particular emphasis on solar energy and its applications in desalination and thermal storage systems. He is deeply involved in the development of advanced solar still technologies using natural and waste materials like walnut shells and sunflower husks, aiming to improve water productivity and energy efficiency. His work on hybrid nanofluids and optimized basin liners has significantly enhanced the performance of solar desalination systems, with a broader goal of making these systems more viable for large-scale use. Additionally, Dr. Abdel-Aziz investigates innovative thermal energy storage solutions that integrate renewable energy systems for continuous, efficient operation. His research also extends to hybrid photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) systems, where he works to improve system performance using cooling technologies. By focusing on sustainability and green energy solutions, Dr. Abdel-Aziz aims to contribute to solving the global challenges of water scarcity and renewable energy adoption.

Publication Top Notes 

  1. “A Numerical Investigation on Improving the Thermal Efficiency of PV Panels through Integration with Solar Water Collectors” 🌞📊
  2. “Optimizing Conical Solar Still Performance: The Impact of Broken Glass Color on Distillate Yield” 💧🌿
  3. “A Comprehensive Review of Nanoparticles Coating as a Technique to Improve the Performance of Solar Distiller Productivity” 📝🔬
  4. “Performance Enhancement of Double Slope Solar Still Using Cylindrical Fins: Experimental and Numerical Analysis” 🔥🌞
  5. “Effect of Absorber Shape on Energy, Exergy Efficiency, and Environmental-Economic Analysis of Solar Air Collector: An Experimental Study” 💡📉
  6. “Thermal and Electrical Analysis of the Performance of Skeleton-Shaped Tubes via Hybrid PVT Cooling System” 🌞🔧
  7. “Experimental and Economic Evaluation on the Performance Improvement of a Solar Photovoltaic Thermal System with Skeleton-Shaped Fins” 📚💰
  8. “Performance Enhancement of Hemispherical Solar Stills Using Different Shapes of Basin Liners” 🏖️🌞
  9. “Optimal Design and Orientation of Cooling Technology for Photovoltaic Plants: A Comparative Simulation Study” 🌞🏗️
  10. “Correction to: Black Glass Balls as Thermal Enhancers in Conical Solar Distillation” 🔄🔵

 

 

Paulo Branco | Photovoltaic Systems | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Paulo Branco | Photovoltaic Systems | Best Researcher Award

Professor, Instituto Superior Técnico/University of Lisbon, Portugal

Paulo José da Costa Branco is a Professor Catedrático at the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (DEEC) of the Instituto Superior Técnico (IST), Universidade de Lisboa (UL). His research focuses on electromagnetism, power systems, and energy efficiency.

Profile

Education

Paulo Branco holds a degree in Electrical Engineering from the Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) (1988), a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from COPPE/UFRJ (1990), and a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from IST/UL (1998). He also obtained a Habilitation in Electrical and Computer Engineering from IST/UL (2013).

Experience

Paulo Branco has over 33 years of experience in teaching and research. He has been a Professor at IST since 1992 and has supervised several Ph.D. and Master’s theses. He has also participated in various national and international research projects.

Awards and Honors

Paulo Branco has received several awards and honors, including being ranked among the top 2% of scientists worldwide in the field of Electrical Engineering (2020 and 2021). He is also a member of the IEEE Council on Superconductivity and the IEEE Power and Energy Society.

Research Focus

Paulo Branco’s research focuses on electromagnetism, power systems, and energy efficiency. His current research interests include the application of superconducting materials, energy storage systems, and power electronics.

Publication Top Notes

1. Identifying Critical Failures in PV Systems Based on PV Inverters’ Monitoring Unit: A Techno-Economic Analysis 🌞
2. Electromechanical Analysis of HTS Cage Rotors for Induction-Synchronous Machines 🤖
3. Operational Analysis of an Axial and Solid Double-Pole Configuration in a Permanent Magnet Flux-Switching Generator 💡
4. Energy Efficiency and Stability of Micro-Hydropower PAT-SEIG Systems for DC Off-Grids 🌊
5. Energy Transition in Urban Water Infrastructures towards Sustainable Cities 🌆
6. A Distributed Equivalent-Permeability Model for the 3-D Design Optimization of Bulk Superconducting Electromechanical Systems ❄
7. Fuzzy-Based Failure Modes, Effects, and Criticality Analysis Applied to Cyber-Power Grids 💻
8. Large-Power Transformers: Time Now for Addressing Their Monitoring and Failure Investigation Techniques 🚨
9. Sensorless Switched Reluctance Machine and Speed Control: A Study to Remove the Position Encoder at High Speed of Operation 🚀
10. DISTRIBUTION TRANSFORMER WINDING FAULTS DETECTION AND MONITORING 🔍