29 April 2024

Dr Nakul Jain, a postdoctoral researcher working on organic solar cells (OSC) at Linköping University, has been granted a scholarship from King Carl XVI Gustaf´s 50-year fund for his work to improve the efficiency and stability of OSCs.

Nakul Jain Photographer: Olov Planthaber

Postdoc Nakul Jain is set to receive a 100 000 SEK scholarship from the 50-year fund of the Swedish king, for his efforts in organic solar cells.
“It is basically about converting light into electricity, and I work on the fundamental mechanism by which the efficiency and stability of the organic solar cells can be improved”, says Nakul Jain.

King Carl XVI Gustaf´s 50-year fund gives scholarships to researchers that need further support to extend and further explore their current results.
“For example you might want to go abroad to collaborate. I plan to go to Switzerland”.

Key role in environmental innovation

One of the main criteria for this scholarship is environmental relevance, and Nakul's research fits seamlessly into the goal of carbon neutrality. For example, organic solar cells are flexible, cost effective and transparent and can be used on windows, significantly reducing the carbon footprint of buildings.
“Sweden has an ambitious target of becoming a carbon neutral country by 2045. Organic solar cells will play a key role in fulfilling this criteria”, he says.

Increasing stability

Five years ago, organic solar cells were not efficient enough compared to silicon based solar cells. “Now we are very close to 20% efficiency, and thus provide an alternate to silicon solar cells. However, stability of OSCs is still a big issue”, says Nakul Jain.

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