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Mohammad Houkan

Research

My research explores how we can design and understand soft, functional materials for devices that interact with the human body and the environment. I focus on nanomaterials for bioelectronic interfaces and organic photovoltaic devices, and I use advanced microscopy techniques to connect nanoscale structure with device performance.

Themes

Organic Photovoltaics

Donor–acceptor nanoparticles, blend morphology, and charge separation to improve OPV efficiency and stability.

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Bioelectronics

Soft, low-voltage nanomaterials interfacing with neural tissues and artificial retina systems.

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Microscopy & Imaging

Cryo-TEM, STEM-EDX, and synchrotron X-ray microscopy to connect nanoscale structure to device behavior.

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Organic Photovoltaics

I investigate donor–acceptor nanoparticles and how their blend morphology affects charge separation and energy transfer in organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices. This includes tuning particle size, interface quality, and processing conditions to improve efficiency and stability.

Bioelectronics

In bioelectronics, I work on soft, low-voltage nanomaterials that can interface with neural tissues. Current efforts focus on materials and device structures for artificial retina interfaces and related neural systems, with an emphasis on biocompatibility and long-term performance.

Microscopy & Imaging

To understand these systems, I use Cryo-TEM, STEM-EDX, and synchrotron X-ray microscopy. These techniques allow me to visualise morphology, composition, and interfaces at the nanoscale and relate those features directly to optical and electrical behaviour.

Cryo-TEM sampleSTEM-EDX overlay

Methods & Techniques

Cryo-TEMSTEM-EDXSynchrotron X-ray microscopyOptoelectronic measurementsBlend morphology tuning

Open Questions

  • How does nanoparticle morphology change when processed from different solvents (e.g. water vs organic solvents)?
  • What role does crystallinity at donor–acceptor interfaces play in charge transport and recombination?
  • Can symmetry and patterning at the material or device level influence how cells interact with bioelectronic interfaces?

Publications (preview)

  • Embedded 3D-printed CO2 sensors for indoor monitoringPDF
  • Biometric sensor system for contactless interfacesPDF
See the full list of publications →

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