Exploring the Future with Perovskite: A Journey in Semiconductor Innovation
We are likely familiar with solar cells—a groundbreaking energy technology that transforms sunlight into electricity. This innovation has revolutionized renewable energy use, presenting a cleaner, sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. Similarly, OLED screen technology, known for its vivid visuals and energy efficiency, has become a staple in modern smartphones. Both these advancements, among many others, depend on one essential component: semiconductor materials.
Among the next-generation semiconductors, perovskite has emerged as a highly promising material with broad potential applications. Its versatility covers a range of optoelectronic technologies, including solar cells, LEDs, photodetectors, and gas sensors. Perovskite’s appeal lies in its outstanding characteristics—high light absorption, adjustable bandgap, and compatibility with current tech infrastructures. Additionally, it offers significant advantages over traditional materials: it's more cost-effective, can be produced through simple, scalable methods, and boasts enhanced durability. These features make perovskite a strong contender in the future of electronics and optoelectronics.
My name is Ade Kurniawan, a physics lecturer at Sunan Kalijaga State Islamic University. My research delves into the application of perovskites, particularly in LED technology, gas sensors, and Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS). I completed my PhD at National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (NTUST) in just four years, producing six papers in SCI/SSCI-indexed journals and speaking at two international conferences.
However, the path was not without obstacles. Studying in East Asia brought intense academic demands and the need to adjust to a different cultural environment. On top of that, my personal life posed its own challenges—my wife was also pursuing her PhD, and we were preparing for the arrival of our first child. Balancing parenthood and academic responsibilities tested our resilience, but through discipline, time management, and teamwork, we successfully earned our degrees together.
My professor say: "Life should be fun. If it's not fun, then something is wrong." With this mindset, we embraced the journey, learning not only about science but also about resilience, perseverance, and the importance of balance in life. As I continue my research and academic career, I remain committed to exploring the potential of perovskite materials, inspiring the next generation of scientists to innovate and push technological boundaries, and contributing to the development of my country, Indonesia