Yanfa Yan

Dr. Yanfa Yan is a Distinguished University Professor and Ohio Research Scholar Chair in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Toledo, part of the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. He holds a Ph.D. from Wuhan University (1993). His research focuses on energy materials, particularly photovoltaics, including perovskite solar cells, hydrogen production, and thin-film solar cell technologies. He employs density functional theory (DFT), material synthesis, and device fabrication to advance sustainable energy solutions. Notably, his work on perovskite-based tandem solar cells has achieved record efficiency and voltage outputs. Dr. Yan has earned prestigious awards such as the R&D 100 Award and recognition as an American Physical Society Fellow. His contributions to the field include groundbreaking studies on perovskite stability, bifacial solar cell performance, and novel materials for photovoltaic applications. He leads a research team focused on scalable production, radiation tolerance, and environmental impact of solar technologies.