I am currently employed as an undergraduate researcher at Abdullah Gül University where I am diligently pursuing my academic studies in the eminent Smart Nanophotonics Research Group. This research group is operated under the leadership of eminent Asst. Prof. Talha Erdem, who supervises my research activities. My primary area of activity in this research involves the innovative fabrication of flexible and highly efficient transparent conductive electrodes or TCEs. These electrodes are being fabricated through silver nanowire networks, or simply AgNW networks, which are a promising and advantageous alternative to traditional materials like Indium Tin Oxide, commonly referred to as ITO.
Transparent conductive electrodes are integral parts of modern optoelectronics and are being applied widely in a number of applications from solar cells and touchscreens to LEDs and flexible displays. Although ITO is being used widely, it is brittle, costly, and not ideal for flexible applications due to scarce resources of indium and aggressive processing conditions. Therefore, it is necessary to create alternatives like AgNWs for future flexible electronics.
Transparent conductive electrodes are integral parts of modern optoelectronics and are being applied widely in a number of applications from solar cells and touchscreens to LEDs and flexible displays. Although ITO is being used widely, it is brittle, costly, and not ideal for flexible applications due to scarce resources of indium and aggressive processing conditions. Therefore, it is necessary to create alternatives like AgNWs for future flexible electronics.
My present work involves the fabrication and optimization of AgNW-based transparent conductive films through Layer-by-Layer (LbL) electrostatic self-assembly techniques. Through sequential deposition of charged polymers such as poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA) and poly(sodium 4-styrene sulfonate) (PSS), we create stable and uniform charged surfaces that significantly improve AgNW adhesion, reduce junction resistance, and enhance overall conductivity and mechanical stability.
In addition to focusing on my primary project, I also regularly take advantage of the opportunity to lend a hand to my fellow researcher group members, thereby allowing myself to gain further familiarity with a variety of sophisticated laboratory techniques. These include quantum dot synthesis, carbon dot synthesis, and dialysis procedures, and various spectroscopy and microscopy techniques. Engaging in these various experiences considerably expands my overall familiarity with nanomaterials while helping to extend my hands-on skills, especially in nanophotonics and material science.
In addition to focusing on my primary project, I also regularly take advantage of the opportunity to lend a hand to my fellow researcher group members, thereby allowing myself to gain further familiarity with a variety of sophisticated laboratory techniques. These include quantum dot synthesis, carbon dot synthesis, and dialysis procedures, and various spectroscopy and microscopy techniques. Engaging in these various experiences considerably expands my overall familiarity with nanomaterials while helping to extend my hands-on skills, especially in nanophotonics and material science.