LKC FES academics secure MOSTI Strategic Research Fund for Rare-Earth Incorporated Advanced Photovoltaic Device

UTAR’s commitment to sustainable innovation and cutting-edge research continues to shine with the recent success of Prof Dr Chong Kok Keong and his team, who secured a RM2,695,000.00 Strategic Research Fund – Request For Proposal (SRF-RFP) grant from the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI).

The project, titled “Rare-Earth Incorporated Perovskite-Organic Photovoltaic Device (POPV)”, aims to develop next-generation photovoltaic modules that are efficient, aesthetically pleasing, and suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. This breakthrough could redefine clean energy generation and contribute to Malaysia’s goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 under the National Energy Policy 2022–2040.

Leading a multidisciplinary team, Prof Chong’s collaborators include UTAR researchers Mr Liew Son Qian, Dr Ng Chai Yan, Assoc Prof Ir Dr Lim Boon Han, and Ir Dr Kuan Seng How, alongside national and international experts from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), HELP University, Eco Research Sdn Bhd, and global consultants from Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS) Canada, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST) China, and South Korea.

The research seeks to revolutionise photovoltaic device harvesting by incorporating rare-earth elements such as Yb, Er, Ho, and Tm. These materials are expected to significantly improve the power conversion efficiency, making the photovoltaic device suitable for both indoor and outdoor environments. The team plans to synthesise rare-earth nanoparticles between 20 to 30 nanometres in size, tailor their optical properties to match varied light conditions, and upscale the prototype to a commercially viable format. Additionally, the devices will undergo rigorous testing to ensure performance stability and reliability.

This initiative is not only a technological leap but also a strategic alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG). The project is expected to produce high-impact publications, intellectual property, and skilled talents who will drive Malaysia’s green technology sector forward.

Expressing his gratitude, Prof Chong said, “The success of this competition has shown that our research output has high potential for future commercialisation on an international platform and is relevant to UNSDG goals.” He also thanked UTAR’s leadership and management team for their strong encouragement and continuous support.

This achievement is a testament to UTAR’s robust research ecosystem and its dedication to impactful, real-world applications in science and engineering.