Meng Tao

Professor Meng Tao is a full Professor in the School of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering at Arizona State University (ASU), Tempe campus. He also holds the concurrent appointment of Senior Global Futures Scientist within ASU’s Global Futures Scientists and Scholars initiative. Since joining ASU in 2011, he has led the Laboratory for Terawatt Photovoltaics and played a pivotal role in founding the U.S. Photovoltaic Manufacturing Consortium under SEMATECH.

Education:

• Ph.D. Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1998
• M.S. Semiconductor Materials, Zhejiang University, China, 1986
• B.S. Ferrous Metallurgy, Jiangxi Institute of Metallurgy, China, 1982

Research Focus: Professor Tao’s research is broadly centered on the science and engineering challenges of scaling photovoltaics to the terawatt level while ensuring sustainability and cost-effectiveness. His group investigates earth-abundant chalcogenide semiconductors and transparent conducting oxides for thin-film devices, substitutes silver with low-cost aluminum in Si solar cell metallization, develops energy-efficient electro-refining routes to upgrade metallurgical-grade silicon to solar-grade purity, pioneers value-added recycling technologies for end-of-life Si modules, and explores solar-powered electrolysis using metal/metal-oxide loops for long-term electricity storage.

Grant Portfolio & Trends: Recent funding from NSF and DOE has supported projects on high-efficiency Schottky-barrier silicon cells, theoretical/experimental studies of iron oxysulfide absorbers, doping of cuprous oxide in electrolytes, and CVD-based valence-mending passivation for crystalline silicon. These grants underscore a consistent emphasis on materials innovation, process intensification, and circular-economy solutions for PV.

Teaching & Mentoring: Professor Tao teaches and mentors across the EEE, MSE and CHE programs, offering courses ranging from introductory circuits to advanced photovoltaic energy conversion and doctoral dissertation supervision. While specific advisee names are not disclosed, the extensive thesis and research course listings indicate a large, active graduate group.

Laboratory & Collaborative Networks: The Laboratory for Terawatt Photovoltaics under his direction serves as the central hub for experimental work on solar cell fabrication, electroplating, electrochemical recycling, and materials characterization. The lab collaborates closely with national consortia such as SEMATECH and leverages ASU’s advanced clean-room and analytical facilities.