Necmi Biyikli

Dr. Necmi Biyikli is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Connecticut (since 2017). He holds a Ph.D. (2004), M.S. (1996), and B.S. (1992) in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Bilkent University. His research focuses on nanomaterials and thin-film technologies, particularly atomic layer deposition (ALD) for semiconductor and energy materials. He has been affiliated with institutions including Utah State University, Bilkent University’s National Nanotechnology Research Center, and Virginia Commonwealth University.

Research Interests:

• III-Nitride semiconductors (AlN, GaN, InN) and their thin-film growth via ALD/MOCVD
• Metal-oxide materials (ZnO, TiO₂) for photocatalysis, sensors, and energy applications
• Low-temperature ALD of nitride and oxide nanostructures
• Applications in optoelectronics, renewable energy (solar cells), and nanoscale devices

Publications: Over 120 peer-reviewed articles, including breakthrough work on ALD-grown GaN thin films (lowest process temperature), hollow-cathode plasma ALD, and perovskite solar cell interfaces. Recent contributions focus on vanadium oxide films and β-Ga₂O₃ epitaxy.

Awards:

• 4 AVS-ALD Student Finalist Awards (2011–2017)
• METU Research Incentive Award (2013)
• Marie Curie Fellowship (2010)

Grants & Collaborations: Extensive funding from NSF, EU Marie Curie Actions, and industry partnerships. Active in international conferences (AVS, SPIE) and co-leads the ALD-enabled nanomaterials research group at UConn.

Labs/Teams: Directs the Advanced Materials & Nanotechnology Lab at UConn, focusing on ALD innovation for energy and sensor applications. Collaborates with global institutions on semiconductor material systems.