Nanotechnology (Energy)

The ISESCO International Workshop and Conference on Nanotechnology 2007 (IWCN2007)

Abstract

• Energy plays an important role in development of any country. Energy usage has increased with time and the main usage contributor is from fossil sources. Unfortunately, known fossil fuel reserve has already peak in term of discovery. Solutions like using energy efficiently and promoting the usage of renewable energy are possible mitigation that has been put forward to be practiced. Nanotechnology or nanoscience, which is working within a physical dimension of a few to hundred nanometers, may provide another alternative to prolong the availability of energy commodities. Size dependence of material properties such as mechanical, ferroelectric and ferromagnetic can be utilized effectively. This paper is going to highlight key technologies and processes involving nanotechnology in energy sectors such as: solar cells; thermoelectricity; rechargeable batteries, fuel cells and supercapacitors; heat insulation and conductance. Issues to be discussed are catalysis by nanoscale materials, interfaces to manipulate energy carriers, linking structures and function at nanoscale, assembly and architecture of nanoscale structures, theory, modeling, and simulation for energy nanosciences and scalable synthesis methods. Various enabling nanotech energy revolution will be suggested as a guide for the way forward.

Transferring Research Output to Industry: Case Study Solar Cell

Abstract

Teaching and researching are two main pillars in a progressive university. Each pillar supports the other in ensuring high academic standard. Other than contributing toward human development, research do produce product that can be useful for the people. Research products from the university rarely commercialized. It may be the fault of the researchers themselves for not working toward commercialization. Nevertheless, in most cases, it is due to ignorant or mental block. A program for educating researchers to consider commercialization of their research outcome has been practice by various universities. Not only the university but also the researcher will benefit from this exercise. The benefit can be in the form of recognition or even monetary.

This paper will look into some of the predicament faced by researches who is interested to commercialize their research product. The product in this case is solar cell. A research work on solar cell has achieved 19 % conversion efficiency and cost of production at RM$3.80 per Watt peak in the year 2000. After sending a complete report of the finding to the relevant Ministry, the commercialization journey begins.

Three main obstacles hinder the commercialization process. They are market readiness, appropriate financial scheme and final ownership of the research products.

My Details

Name : Prof. Dr. Kamarulazizi Ibrahim
Sex : Male
Citizenship : Malaysian
Address : Nano Optoelectronic Research and Technology Laboratory (NOR Lab.)

School of Physics
Universiti Sains Malaysia
11800 Penang, Malaysia
E-mail : kamarulazizi@gmail.com

Marital Status : Married
Number of Children : Four
Present Position : Professor
Education : B.Sc (Physics), M.Sc. (Applied Science), Ph.D (Physics)

Research Interest:

Semiconductor material and device fabrication processes, Solar Energy

Technical Background:

1. Growth and characterisation of semiconductors, Continuing Education Program, Imperial College, 1992
2. Plasma processing for microelectronic fabrication: plasma deposition, etching, and sputtering of thin films for VLSI, Special Summer Program, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1994
3. Visiting Scientist at Research Center for Extreme Materials, Osaka University (Nanometer Lithography System) and Research Center for Integrated Systems, Hiroshima University ( fabrication of sub 0.01 um gate length MOS device) under JSPS/VCC cooperative program, 1994
4. Commonwealth Fellow on microelectronic at University of Southampton (fabrication of submicron devices) during Sabbatical Leave (1996-97)

Experience

1. Lecturer in charge of semiconductor fabrication processes laboratory which consists of 7 Ph.Ds and 5 technical staffs for more than 25 years.
2. Have conducted for undergraduate, graduate and industry for more than 15 years the following courses;
2.1. Semiconductor fabrication processess. The course contents cover theoretical and practical aspect where participants are required to fabricate transistors on silicon wafer.
2.2. Physics of semiconductor materials and devices
2.3. Clean room maintainance. ( up to Class 1 )
2.4. Example of participating companies: Altera, Hitachi, AMD, Fairchild, Applied Magnetic, KOMAG, etc.
3. Published more than 100 papers in local and international journals.
4. Provide consultancy services to various MNC in Malaysia for example INTEL, KOMAG, Hitachi, ALTERRA, Silterra, HP, Applied Magnetic etc.