2025 NEWS AND ANNOUCEMENTS

We congratulate Gulzat Nuroldayeva on the publication of her second paper with the fmc² group, titled “Computational Analysis of Electron-Donating and Withdrawing Effects on Asymmetric Viologens for Enhanced Electrochromic Performance.” The study appears in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, a journal ranked in the top 10% of Scopus-indexed publications.

In this work, Gulzat presents a comprehensive DFT-based investigation of twelve asymmetric viologen derivatives. The study explores how the electronic nature and position of substituents significantly affect the molecules’ structural, electronic, and optical properties. Key findings reveal that electron-withdrawing groups—particularly Bn–COOH and Bn–PO₃H₂—enhance molecular planarity and stability, leading to improved electrochromic performance. These effects are attributed to broader HOMO–LUMO gaps and more efficient charge delocalization. In contrast, electron-donating groups like Bn–NH₂ and Bn–OH result in narrower energy gaps and reduced molecular stability.

The paper provides valuable insights into the rational design of viologen-based materials, showing that strategic placement of electron-withdrawing substituents, especially at the benzyl or phenyl termini, can significantly boost performance and durability in electrochromic applications.

Well done, Gulzat—this is a fantastic achievement and a meaningful contribution to the field!

#Viologen  #Electrochromic 

Read the full article here.

We are proud to celebrate another significant achievement from the fmc² family! Congratulations to Ayagoz Ibrayeva, Diana Suleimenova, Zulfiya Imanbekova, and Urker Abibulla on the publication of their innovative research in Materials Today Energy (Elsevier), a top 5% journal indexed by Scopus.

Their study, titled “Engineering Stable Electrolytes with Covalent Organic Frameworks to Boost Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell Efficiency,” presents a novel approach to improving the performance and longevity of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). In this work, the team developed an innovative hybrid electrolyte system by integrating covalent organic frameworks (COFs) into traditional iodide/triiodide liquid electrolytes (LEs). This strategy tackles several persistent challenges in DSSC technology, including electrolyte leakage, volatility, and poor long-term stability. By harnessing the unique properties of triazine-based COFs, such as high surface area, tailored porosity, and exceptional chemical stability, the researchers achieved notable enhancements in both the efficiency and durability of DSSCs.

This publication not only highlights the growing impact of fmc² researchers in the field of sustainable energy but also sets a strong foundation for future innovation in solar energy technologies.

Once again, congratulations to the team on this outstanding contribution!

#COF  #DSSC #Electrolyte #IndoorPhotovoltaics

Read the full article here.

The fmc² family proudly congratulates Hafiz Muhammad Waqar Abid on the publication of his first research article, titled "Next-generation Cu-MOF-based electrocatalysts for CO₂ reduction: Bridging mechanistic insights and rational design," in Carbon Capture Science & Technology (Elsevier). This journal ranks in the top 7% on both Scopus and Web of Science, making this achievement especially noteworthy.

Waqar’s work makes a significant contribution to the field of sustainable energy by exploring the potential of copper-based metal–organic frameworks (Cu-MOFs) as electrocatalysts for the conversion of CO₂ into valuable fuels and chemicals. Rather than offering a conventional literature review, the paper provides a thoughtful integration of fundamental mechanistic insights with the rational design of next-generation materials. It presents a clear classification of Cu-MOFs into pristine, derived, and composite types, and offers a detailed mechanistic analysis of how these frameworks influence product selectivity toward both C₁ and C₂ compounds. Additionally, the review introduces innovative design strategies such as π-conjugated linkers, heteroatom doping, and hydrophobic surface engineering. Importantly, the work also outlines a forward-looking roadmap for the development of scalable and efficient CO₂ reduction technologies.

Waqar’s publication sets a high standard for clarity, depth, and impact in the field of electrocatalysis. His dedication, curiosity, and scientific rigor have truly paid off, and this is only the beginning. We look forward with great excitement to seeing where his research journey leads next.

#CO2RR #CCUS #MOF 

Read the full article here.

The fmc² family proudly congratulates our dedicated and hard working researcher Diana Suleimenova on the publication of her latest research paper advancing the development of platinum free counter electrodes for dye sensitized solar cells. Her work continues to pave the way toward more cost effective and sustainable solar energy solutions.

In this study, the research team investigated the electrocatalytic performance of innovative composite materials, binary MnO/NiS and ternary MWCNT@MnO/NiS, designed to replace conventional platinum based electrodes in DSSCs. These multi phase metal composites demonstrated outstanding catalytic activity, reduced charge transfer resistance, and enhanced power conversion efficiencies (PCEs).

Most notably, the MWCNT@MnO/NiS composite achieved a PCE of 9.29%, outperforming the 8.54% efficiency of standard platinum based devices. This achievement marks a significant step forward in the quest for high performance, low cost alternatives to platinum in solar energy technology.

Congratulations again, Diana, your innovative work continues to inspire!

#DSSC #Pt-freeCounterElectrodes #RenewableEnergy #SolarInnovation #CleanEnergyFuture

Read the full article here.

Congratulations to Dias Mustazheb on his recent publication in Materials Chemistry and Physics (Elsevier), titled “Computational design of organic hole-transporting materials: A case study of indigoids for tin-based and mixed-metal perovskite solar cells.” This study introduces a straightforward yet effective computational approach for the design of novel hole-transporting materials (HTMs) specifically suited for tin-based and mixed-metal perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Through comprehensive density functional theory (DFT) calculations and methodical benchmarking, the research identifies indigoid derivatives—particularly those featuring electron-donating substituents at the 5,5’-positions—as promising candidates for use with perovskite materials such as CsSnI₃ and MASn₀.₅Pb₀.₅I₃. This work represents a meaningful advancement toward the development of more efficient, cost-effective, and stable solar energy technologies. We commend Dias on this impactful contribution to the fields of materials science and renewable energy and look forward to the future application of these theoretical designs in practical solar cell devices.

#PerovskiteSolarCells #HTMDesign #RenewableEnergy #DFT #SolarInnovation #CleanEnergyFuture

Read the full article here.

Congratulations once again to Ayagoz Ibrayeva, a graduating PhD student in Chemistry from ENU, along with senior B.Sc. Chemistry students Urker Abibulla and Zulfiya Imanbekova from NU, for their recent paper titled "Enhancing the stability and efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells with MIL-125 metal-organic framework as an electrolyte additive" published in the journal Scientific Reports.

They have made a significant breakthrough in dye-sensitized solar cells by incorporating the titanium-based metal-organic framework MIL-125 as an additive to the electrolyte. This innovative approach enhances both the stability and efficiency of DSSCs, potentially opening new avenues for sustainable energy solutions. The study focused on developing MIL-125 through the coordination of Ti4+ ions with benzene-1,4-dicarboxylic acid, resulting in a structure that effectively accommodates I−/I3− electrolytes and forms a MIL-125@electrolyte assembly. This assembly prevents electrolyte leakage while preserving liquid electrolyte properties, which is crucial for maintaining the efficiency of DSSCs. The inclusion of MIL-125 improves ionic conductivity, reduces charge transfer resistance, and stops leakage, resulting in a high-power conversion efficiency of 10.51%, with a peak value of 10.99%. It also maintains about 75% of its PCE after 1400 hours at approximately 23°C. Additionally, the study reports a record PCE of 27.6% under LED lighting at 6000 lx illumination, making the quasi-solid-state DSSC highly efficient for indoor applications. This research underscores the potential of MIL-125 as a significant additive in improving the performance of DSSCs, making them more stable and efficient for both outdoor and indoor applications. Further exploration of metal-organic frameworks could lead to more breakthroughs in photovoltaic technology. Congratulations to Ayagoz and the research team for this remarkable achievement! Your innovative work brings us closer to a sustainable and energy-efficient future. 

Read the full article here.

We are excited to officially welcome Kamshat, Igor, Javeria, and Muhammad to the fmc2 family! Each of them brings a unique set of skills and expertise that will greatly contribute to our ongoing research and innovations.

Kamshat and Igor will be joining us as research assistants. Kamshat will focus on the synthesis of polymeric materials for optoelectronic devices, while Igor, our in-house Organic Chemist, will bring his deep knowledge of organic chemistry to our team. 

Javeria joins us as a Ph.D. student in Chemistry, where she will work on the design and fabrication of microfluidic devices aimed at CO2 conversion—an exciting project with tremendous potential for sustainability. Muhammad, an M.Sc. student in Chemistry, will contribute to the development of multinary chalcogenides for H2O2  production, helping to drive forward our efforts in cutting-edge chemical research.

We are thrilled to have such a talented group of researchers on board and look forward to the exciting breakthroughs they will bring to fmc2!