Research Excellence Award
Adel Chihi — Higher Institute of Science and Technology in Gabes, Tunisia
| Adel Chihi |
| Affiliation |
Higher Institute of Science and Technology in Gabes |
| Country |
Tunisia |
| Scopus ID |
56630871100 |
| Documents |
26 |
| Citations |
214 |
| h-index |
10 |
| Subject Area |
Physics, Thin Films, Photocatalysis, Renewable Energy, Materials Science |
| Event |
Global Sensor Awards |
| ORCID |
0000-0001-6214-258X |
Adel Chihi is a Tunisian physicist and academic researcher recognized for his contributions to thin-film materials science, photoelectrochemical systems, semiconductor engineering, and renewable energy technologies. His research portfolio encompasses photocatalytic materials, photovoltaic structures, semiconductor thin films, and optoelectronic characterization techniques. Chihi has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications focused on sustainable energy materials and advanced thin-film engineering methodologies.[1]
Abstract
This academic article presents the scholarly achievements and scientific contributions of Adel Chihi in the fields of physics, semiconductor materials, renewable energy systems, and photocatalytic engineering. His work has focused primarily on the synthesis, characterization, and optimization of thin-film materials for photovoltaic and environmental applications. Chihi’s publications demonstrate interdisciplinary integration of quantum physics, optoelectronics, material characterization, and energy conversion technologies. His research has contributed to the advancement of sustainable photocatalytic degradation systems and photoelectrochemical water splitting technologies through innovative thin-film fabrication and doping strategies.[2]
Keywords
Thin films, semiconductor physics, photocatalysis, photovoltaic materials, CuSbS2, CIGS solar cells, renewable energy, photoelectrochemical water splitting, materials science, electrodeposition, quantum physics, optoelectronics, solar energy conversion, photocatalytic degradation, nanomaterials.
Introduction
The development of sustainable energy technologies and advanced semiconductor materials has become an important research priority in modern physics and materials engineering. Researchers in photovoltaic science and photocatalytic materials continue to investigate efficient approaches for energy conversion, environmental remediation, and semiconductor optimization. Adel Chihi has contributed significantly to these research domains through experimental and simulation-based studies involving thin-film semiconductors, heterojunction systems, and photocatalytic devices.[3]
His academic background includes advanced studies in quantum physics and physical sciences from the Faculty of Sciences of Tunis and the Faculty of Sciences of Tunisia. In addition to his research activities, Chihi has maintained a long-standing academic career in higher education, teaching core engineering physics disciplines including thermodynamics, optics, mechanics, electromagnetism, fluid mechanics, and quantum mechanics.
Research Profile
Adel Chihi’s research profile is centered on semiconductor thin films and their applications in energy harvesting and photocatalytic systems. His investigations involve advanced deposition methods such as electrodeposition and spin-coating for the fabrication of thin-film absorbers and catalytic materials. His scientific work integrates optical characterization, structural analysis, electrical measurements, and computational simulation methodologies.[4]
His expertise includes the application of SCAPS software for solar cell simulation, alongside laboratory-based synthesis and characterization techniques involving cobalt doping, ruthenium incorporation, gamma irradiation effects, and annealing optimization. Chihi has also explored the role of artificial defect engineering and heterojunction optimization in improving photovoltaic efficiency and photocatalytic performance.
- Thin-film semiconductor synthesis and optimization
- Photocatalytic degradation systems under visible-light irradiation
- Photoelectrochemical water splitting technologies
- Solar cell heterojunction simulation and characterization
- Renewable energy materials engineering
Research Contributions
Chihi’s research contributions span photocatalytic engineering, photovoltaic device optimization, and semiconductor material characterization. Several of his studies have focused on Cu-based sulfide and selenide compounds including Cu2NiSnS4, CuSbS2, Cu2BaSnS4, and CIGS absorbers. These materials have been investigated for applications in solar energy harvesting and environmental purification systems.[5]
His recent publications examine the effects of cobalt doping, ruthenium incorporation, gamma irradiation, and thermal annealing on thin-film performance. Through experimental characterization and optoelectronic analysis, these studies contribute to understanding structure-property relationships in advanced semiconductor materials. The work also supports the development of efficient visible-light photocatalysts for degradation of organic pollutants such as methylene blue and rhodamine B dyes.[5]
In addition, Chihi has investigated Schottky devices, heterojunction structures, and photoelectrochemical systems designed for sustainable hydrogen production and enhanced solar energy conversion. His research demonstrates the practical relevance of semiconductor physics in addressing environmental and renewable energy challenges.
Publications
- Enhanced UV-light Photocatalysis via cobalt-doped Cu2NiSnS4 thin films: Insights into structure-property relationships, Materials Science and Engineering: B (2026).
- Photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye under visible light irradiation by CBTS photoactive catalysts as a function of annealing temperature, Journal of the Australian Ceramic Society (2025).
- Synthesis of Sb2S3: Eu thin films as a catalyst for the efficient photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B dye under visible light, RSC Advances (2025).
- Effect of cobalt doping on the physicochemical and photocatalytic properties of Cu2BaSnS4 thin films, RSC Advances (2025).
- Effect of annealing temperature on the structural, morphological, optical, and electrical properties of ITO/p-CBTS/Ag Schottky devices, The European Physical Journal Plus (2025).
- Gamma-irradiated stibnite thin films set a remarkable benchmark performance for photoelectrochemical water splitting, RSC Advances (2024).
- Annealing effect on Sb2S3/c-Si structure for photovoltaic applications, Applied Physics A (2024).
- Effect of Gamma Radiation on the Physical and Photoelectrochemical Properties of CuSbS2 Thin Films Prepared via Spin-Coating Technique, Journal of Electronic Materials (2023).
- Tailoring the photoelectrochemical water splitting of CuSbS2 thin films by artificial defect engineering based on Bi doping, The European Physical Journal Plus (2023).
- Investigation on the Performance of CIGS/TiO2 Heterojunction Using SCAPS Software for Highly Efficient Solar Cells, Journal of Electronic Materials (2017).
- Synthesis and characterisation of Cu2SnSe3 thin films by the electrodeposition route, Superlattices and Microstructures (2016).
- Correlation of photoluminescence and optical absorption spectra of porous silicon, Journal of Porous Materials (2000).
Research Impact
The research activities conducted by Adel Chihi contribute to ongoing international efforts in sustainable energy development, environmental remediation, and semiconductor device engineering. His work on photocatalytic degradation under visible-light irradiation addresses environmental concerns associated with organic dye pollutants, while his investigations into photovoltaic absorbers and heterojunction systems support advancements in renewable energy technologies.[5]
Chihi’s publications in peer-reviewed journals including RSC Advances, Applied Physics A, Journal of Electronic Materials, and Materials Science and Engineering: B demonstrate sustained scholarly engagement in the fields of applied physics and materials science. His interdisciplinary methodology combining experimental physics, computational simulation, and engineering characterization contributes to both academic research and technological innovation.
Award Suitability
Adel Chihi is considered suitable for recognition within international academic award programs in physics, materials science, renewable energy, and semiconductor engineering. His publication record demonstrates sustained scientific productivity, interdisciplinary collaboration, and contributions to environmentally relevant technologies. His research aligns with contemporary global priorities including sustainable energy systems, clean hydrogen production, and advanced photocatalytic processes.[4]
In addition to his research output, his long-term educational service as an associate professor reflects a commitment to engineering education and scientific training. His combined expertise in teaching, simulation tools, laboratory experimentation, and semiconductor characterization further strengthens his profile within the international research community.
Conclusion
Adel Chihi has established a notable academic profile in the fields of thin-film physics, photocatalytic materials, and renewable energy engineering. His work contributes to the understanding and optimization of semiconductor systems for solar energy conversion and environmental applications. Through peer-reviewed publications, teaching activities, and interdisciplinary scientific investigations, he continues to support advancements in materials science and applied physics research.
External Links
References
- Elsevier. (n.d.). Scopus author details: Adel Chihi. Scopus.
https://www.scopus.com/
- Materials Science and Engineering: B. (2026). Enhanced UV-light Photocatalysis via cobalt-doped Cu2NiSnS4 thin films.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0921510725010359
- Journal of Electronic Materials. (2017). Investigation on the Performance of CIGS/TiO2 Heterojunction Using SCAPS Software for Highly Efficient Solar Cells.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11664-017-5547-0
- RSC Advances. (2023). Tailoring the photoelectrochemical water splitting of CuSbS2 thin films by artificial defect engineering. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1140/epjp/s13360-023-04418-y
- Applied Physics A. (2024). Annealing effect on Sb2S3/c-Si structure for photovoltaic applications. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00339-024-07692-4