Advent calendar - December 15th - Xuwen Yang

In the Zernike Institute Advent Calendar, we are presenting 24 short spotlights in December. In these specials, we highlight PhD students, postdocs, support staff, and technicians of our research groups and team - providing a glimpse in their typical day at work. In Episode 15 meet Xuwen Yang, PhD student in the physics of novel semiconductors and devices group of Prof. Jan Anton Koster.

I'm a PhD candidate in the group of Jan Anton Koster at the Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials. My research is about n-type thermoelectrics based on organic semiconductors. Recently, we have been focusing on the impact of the oligo(ethylene glycol) (OEG) side chain in semiconducting polymers. My cooperator and I attempt to provide a unique insight into the fundamental understanding of the relationship between molecular packing and thermoelectric properties, meanwhile, a rational design for the high-performance n-type thermoelectric polymers.

Lab work is not always lucky, and it can be a little dull, I have to admit, but it is interesting to challenge myself. Moreover, sometimes failures can inspire fascinating projects, especially when I shared my frustrations with Jan Anton and group members. I appreciate these Prometheus's flames.

Collaboration is welcomed!

Contact: Xuwen Yang