Neslihan Akçay

Neslihan Akçay is an Assistant Professor in the Electronic Technology Program at Başkent University, specializing in advanced materials for renewable energy applications. Her work bridges fundamental physics with practical photovoltaic technologies through rigorous thin-film research.

Her academic foundation includes a PhD in Physics (2017), MSc in Physics (2011), and BSc in Physics Education (2007), all from Gazi University. This robust educational background underpins her expertise in semiconductor physics and materials engineering.

Dr. Akçay's research centers on Condensed Matter Physics and Materials Physics with direct applications in Renewable Energy. She pioneers innovations in Semiconductors and Nanotechnology for solar energy conversion, focusing on kesterite materials (CZTS, Cu₂SnS₃), buffer layers (In₂S₃), and novel deposition techniques like RF sputtering. Her experimental approach systematically optimizes structural, optical, and electrical properties of thin films through thermal annealing, barrier layers, and elemental doping.

Analysis of her 11 publications reveals a cohesive research trajectory in thin-film photovoltaics, with 80% focused on CZTS-family absorbers and buffer layers. Key trends include sodium diffusion engineering (27% of publications), RF sputtering optimization (64%), and sulfurization/selenization processes (45%). Her work demonstrates consistent progression from fundamental material characterization (2017-2019) toward device integration (2020-2023).

Dr. Akçay secured a 2023 research project developing CIGS solar cells on textile substrates and completed postdoctoral research at the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory on Cu-doped Sb₂Se₃ thin films. While no formal advisees are documented, her H-index of 7 and 128 citations reflect growing scholarly impact in photovoltaic materials science.