Defect-coupling’ across Quantum-material integrated 3D heterostructures for single photon coherence source (as part of the NSF Quantum Leap Challenge Institute): The research focus is in ‘defect-coupling’ between unique defects in 2D structure (such as TMD) monolayer with defects in 3D oxide or perovskite sub-structures. Through control of defect kinetics including agglomeration and diffusion, the end goal is to form heterostructures that can extend relaxation of quantum materials thereby enhancing coherence lifetimes. A successful execution of the proposed study would in fact represent the first experimental confirmation of the modulation of 2D materials’ optoelectronic properties mediated by defects in 3D bulk materials. By selectively modulating defect-coupling across 2D-3D heterostructures, the research will additionally investigate how materials properties can be controlled to give rise to beneficial functionalities, such as tunable optoelectrical spectral coverage for highly sensitive photodetectors.
This work is in collaboration with Brookhaven National Lab (BNL), where Dr. Ahmed is availing a Visiting Faculty Position (VFP).
Application of Machine Learning (ML) models to provide insight into relative strengths of solar device materials properties with a goal to make smart decisions in materials synthesis, processing and device fabrication methodologies and conditions: This project assigns 'weights' to each materials parameter (in the photoactive layer and surround transport layers) in terms of impact on ultimate device efficiency. The intent is to find correlations between the parameters, thereby shedding keen insight into fundamental physics of materials parameter-interaction. These ML models, utilizing Deep Learning and Neural Networks for larger data sets, will enable experimentalists in a very real way to be able to modulate (with quantitative validation) key parameters from a given set of intrinsic materials parameters in an effort to have the highest impact – or ‘biggest bang for their buck’ – on critical device outputs of efficiency and stability. One manuscript from this breakthrough work has just been accepted at ACS – Applied Materials and Interfaces, with one more under review and yet another in preparation.
Versatile drug administration using Smart Modular-Activated Response-based Targeted Drug Delivery: The efficacy of systemic drug administration can be limited by toxicity and bioavailability. The goal of this project is to develop a versatile drug delivery system for the controlled administration of multiple drugs locally through photoactive, electroactive, and radiation-active mechanisms, in situations where systemic therapy is inadequate. While the proposed project uses pancreatic cancer as a test model for this delivery system, successful completion of the project will establish the parameters needed for the optimized fabrication and utilization of these multifaceted devices in a broad range of drug delivery applications. The team consists of Dr. Ahmed (Lead), and collaborators at Buffalo Biolabs, SUNY Downstate, FIU and CSU. An NIH R21 Trailblazer application has just been submitted (10/2021).
Novel perovskite functionalization utilizing Goldschmidt tolerance factor in conjunction with optoelectronic behavior enhancement via quantum material integration: application in non-invasive biomedical wearable devices leveraging machine learning analytics: This work is a collaboration between Dr. Ahmed (executing the DFT and AIMD aspects of the work) with experimental processing and device fabrication colleagues at FIU and CSU (Fresno).
A Molecular Dynamics (MD) investigation of Li-ion Alternative Solid-state Battery Systems: To overcome key challenges in the Li-ion battery technology including safety, fast aging, and high cost, we are investigating the attractive magnesium ion in exotic systems such as 2D bilayer silicene, TiO2, MoS2, Prussian Blue (PB) and its analogues (PBA) as electrode materials in solid-state devices. MD is being utilized to probe these ions and systems to delineate and quantify impacts on interfacial lattice strain, volume change, Young’s Modulus, and charging/discharging battery capacity.
Probing Inorganic and Lead-Free Perovskite Solar Cells towards development of Tandem configurations: The group’s work involves first principle DFT calculations, design simulation and the experimental synthesis, fabrication, characterization of different configurations of Inorganic and Pb-free metal devices. The goal of these projects is to develop a configuration that is stable, non-toxic, and cost effective, in an effort towards commercial viability. Novel ways to probe, manipulate, and enhance nanoscale electric fields within the device are also being investigated.
Scholarship and Job Placement of Low-income students in STEM through a highly attractive and disruptive Clean Energy Program: The program includes a significant effort to create a holistic undergraduate curriculum integrating fundamental science of materials applied to Clean Energy and Advanced Manufacturing with Data Analytics, Economics and Policy, augmented with research internship, apprenticeship, and mentorship opportunities. The aim is to improve students’ fluency in a range of technical disciplines and enhance their versatility to change with labor demands.
Economic, technological, and behavioral barriers for adoption and diffusion of low-cost perovskite-on-silicon tandem solar panels for micro power generation in developing countries such as Bangladesh: This has been done through an international collaboration with Prof. Nicole Hunter (an economic policy expert at UB), and Prof. Sadat Reza (a microeconomics and econometrics expert at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore). With the perovskite-on-silicon tandem technology at the brink of commercialization, this project is attempting to utilize analytical models and empirical analyses to propose a data-driven methodology to extend the technology at a mass level to the very poorest and remotest members of a society.
Utilizing the art of storytelling, performance, theatrical tools to bring the motif of 'Clean Energy' with dimensions of science, technology, economics, and data science to the student body, administration, friends of college, local industry, and local political office: This effort has a broader aim in terms of educating and involving a diverse array of audience, but also specifically to encourage and attract students from underserved and underprivileged communities. Many of these students are first generation, from deep poverty-stricken backgrounds, with high expectations riding on them to provide a sustainable income upon graduation. This effort is to attract them to this interdisciplinary area, and to help increase awareness of a rapidly changing industrial landscape where Clean Energy workforce development is in flux. There exists an imperative for an institution like Buffalo State to produce a multifaceted, multidimensional graduating student body that is quick to adapt and pivot to changing workforce needs and demands.