Kangmin Lee
Transparent solar cells
Transparent solar cells are an attractive energy conversion device because it can be used in various applications in our daily life such as building-integrated photovoltaics. However, the transparent solar cells developed so far have limitations in efficiency, stability. Crystalline silicon (c-Si) would be one of the best candidates to develop transparent solar cells with high efficiency and stability because conventional c-Si solar cells are known to exhibit high efficiency and long-term stability compared to other solar cells. However, the opaque characteristic of the c-Si wafer hinders the development of transparent solar cells using c-Si. In this project, we present a novel approach to develop the world's first neutral-colour transparent c-Si solar cells which show the highest efficiency achieved among neutral-colour transparent solar cells to date.
Selected Publication
- Joule 2020, 4, 235
- Cell Rep. Phys. Sci. 2020, 1, 100143
- Cell Rep. Phys. Sci. 2022, 3, 100715


Press release on our work on neutral-colored transparent crystalline silicon solar cells
(Selected press and media resources)
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The Economist : Transparent solar cells could be used to glaze office blocks
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c&en (Chemical & Engineering News) : Researchers make transparent solar cells from hole-riddled silicon
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NewScientist : Punching holes in solar cells turns them into transparent windows
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PV magazine : New transparent solar cell for window applications
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Science Daily : Punching holes in opaque solar cells turns them transparent
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Chemistry World (RSC) : Tiny holes turn silicon solar cells transparent
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EurekAlert (AAAS) : Punching holes in opaque solar cells turns them transparent
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YonhapnewsTV : 투명 태양전지 세계 최초 개발…건물 유리창으로 발전
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YTN Science : 투명한 태양전지 개발…"유리창에서 전기 생산"
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한국경제 TV: "선루프에서 충전이"...투명 태양전지 최초 개발
 
Transparent electronics
Transparent electronics are emerging technology, particularly, invisible electronics and optoelectronic devices. Important factors in the development of transparent electronics are light transmission properties and the performance of electronic devices. However, the transparent electronics that have been developed so far do not satisfy enough performances for commercialization and light transmission properties. In this project, we develop various transparent electronic devices with excellent performances via light transmission technology.
* Light transmission technology: Selective light transmission technology is the world's first technology reported by this research team. It is an innovative technology that makes opaque materials into colorless transparent materials by applying a novel microstructure that cannot be recognized by the human eye.

Selected Publication
- Joule 2020, 4, 235
- J. Mater. Chem. A, 2018, 6, 11790
- Adv. Mater. Technol. 2018, 3, 1700213
- Adv Mater, 2017, 1701479
Solar to chemical conversion
Solar to chemical conversion is a process that converts solar energy into stored chemical potential energy in the form of fuels or chemical products. In this project, we present crystalline silicon-based solar to conversion systems. As a representative example, we develop solar-driven reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation system for cell death and water disinfection. In addition, we also develop various solar to chemical conversion systems such as hydrogen generation, artificial photosynthesis, and hydrogen peroxide generation.

Selected Publication
- Nano Lett. 2021, 21, 16, 6998–7004
- Applied Catalysis B in revision
Nano/Micro structures
Nano/Micro-structures exhibit novel and astonishing properties that are entirely different from that of bulk material status. In this project, we present various nano/microstructures using crystalline silicon to develop novel energy conversion or storage devices. As a representative example, we develop transparent solar cells (using microhole arrays), high-efficiency solar cells (using microwire arrays), and Li-Si batteries (using nanowires).

Selected Publication
- Joule 2020, 4, 235
- Nano Lett. 2021, 21, 16, 6998–7004
- Adv. Mater., 2017, 1701479
- J. Electrochem. Soc, 2017, 164 (7), A1564-A1568