Ridvan Ergun

Experience

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  Istanbul Technical University

  Jun 2014 - Jun 2016

  Project Assistant

  In the CZTS thin film solar cell project, I was responsible for the synthesis, deposition, characterization, and performance evaluation of CZTS (Cu₂ZnSnS₄) and CdS materials for solar cell applications. Using solution-based methods, such as sol-gel and chemical bath deposition, I synthesized high-purity materials and deposited them as thin films on substrates through optimized spray coating and spin coating techniques. I ensured uniform thin-film coverage by refining deposition parameters, including temperature, solution concentration, and coating speeds. I performed detailed material characterization using XRD, SEM, and AFM to analyze structural, morphological, and surface properties, while UV-Vis spectroscopy was employed to confirm the optical absorption efficiency. Additionally, I fabricated complete thin-film solar cell devices, incorporating CZTS as the absorber layer and CdS as the buffer layer, and evaluated their performance through electrical I-V measurements. This comprehensive role involved managing the full project lifecycle, from material synthesis to device testing, while proposing performance enhancements. The results of this work were successfully published, demonstrating the potential of solution-processed CZTS thin films for efficient solar cell applications. Свернуть

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  Sabanci University

  Jan 2016 - Jun 2018

  Research Assistant

  At Sabanci University, I served as a Research and Teaching Assistant, where I conducted research on silicon-decorated reduced graphene oxide (rGO) as anode materials for Li-ion battery applications. My responsibilities included synthesizing rGO using CVD methods, decorating it with silicon nanoparticles through solution-based techniques, and employing spray coating for thin-film deposition. I performed material characterization to evaluate structural and electronic properties, followed by device fabrication and testing to assess performance, contributing to publications in peer-reviewed journals. In addition to research, I assisted in delivering undergraduate and graduate courses in materials science and nanotechnology, supervising students during laboratory experiments, guiding course projects, and grading assignments. I mentored students through experimental design, data analysis, and interpretation, ensuring a strong understanding of lab protocols and safety procedures. This role strengthened my expertise in material development and device testing while enhancing my teaching, mentorship, and academic support skills. Свернуть

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  Durham University

  Jul 2018 - Aug 2021

  Research Assistant

  Traditionally, one device performs one unique function. This project will investigate the feasibility devices that can perform multiple functions. In particular, it will focus on the fabrication and characterisation of multi-function devices based on networks of semiconductor nanowires and nanomaterials (NWs) within a host matrix. Understanding the relevance of percolation in random NW networks is essential to correlate the device functions to the physical properties of NW network. Using a sensing membrane platform, the research will investigate how materials may be prepared (evolved) to perform computation, i.e. known as evolution-in-materio. It the core objective is to correlate material physical properties to device performance and to their computational response. This, in turn, will enable the user to select and tune the functions to be performed by the device produced. Process scalability and device integration are equally important to underpin the transition of NWs from laboratory to industry. Свернуть

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  Durham University

  Oct 2021 - Nov 2024

  Demonstrator and Marker