Overview

The Center of Excellence for Green Nanotechnologies (CEGN) at King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), and University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) undertakes frontier research and development in the areas of nanotechnology and nanoscience for future electronics, photonics, and energy efficient devices. CEGN tackles major issues of scaling, energy, efficiency, speed, and emerging new materials. Researchers in the Center are innovating novel solutions through a number of complementary efforts that minimize power usage and cost without compromising electronic device performance. The approach is based on the integration of photonic devices, magnetic devices, and newly discovered high performance nanomaterials.

We currently live in an era where power generation and storage have become the main focus of our daily activities. Recent research and development advances have focused on clean energy extraction which includes solar cells for power generation. These approaches do not produce any greenhouse gases, which can pollute the environment.

CEGN was founded in 2008 where the center was initiated with high frequency carbon nanotube electronics, non-volatile memory devices, and organic photovoltaic devices. Since its inception, the center achieved remarkable progress in nanoscience and nanoelectronics. The first RF carbon nanotube electronic devices has been achieved which unlocked a new horizon for high speed microwave electronics at the nanoscale.

Mission

The center mission is:

  • Technology transfer in the field of electronics and solar energy harvesting. This includes thermal and optical solar energy.
  • Innovate new nanotechnology device designs such as nano electronic, that can be fabricated locally and has the ability to compete internationally.
  • Help the energy and electric sectors in consuming energy efficiently.
  • Help start up technology companies reach milestones in new technologies by providing technical services.
  • Encourage the local content by training new researchers and experts in the field of nanotechnology.
  • Create workshops and initiate local collaboration between academic researchers and technology market.
  • Explore new technologies that can help the energy sector and improve our lifestyle.

Vision

To be a leading research center in the field of nanotechnology with a variety of applications in biomedical, military, and semiconductor applications. With the international collaborative effort, and using state-of-the-art facilities, high quality applied research in energy and electronics can be foreseen in the near future. This applied research can enhance the growth of socio-economic environment.