Serdang, 7 November 2025 — Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), through the Functional Nanotechnology Device Laboratory (FNDL) at the Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ION2), successfully conducted the Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell (DSSC) Workshop 2025 from 27 October to 7 November 2025. The specialised programme, held in collaboration with Kyushu Institute of Technology (Kyutech), Japan, involved seven students as part of efforts to strengthen academic and research ties between the two institutions.

The workshop was led by Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Suhaidi Shafie, who has overseen the development of the training modules and coordinated the programme since its introduction in 2017. He was supported by researchers from FNDL throughout the workshop’s implementation.

The two-week programme began with an ice-breaking session, a safety briefing, and basic training on preparing Fluorine-doped Tin Oxide (FTO) glass substrates. Participants then continued with practical activities such as synthesising TiOâ‚‚ paste, depositing the paste using the Doctor Blade method, applying a platinum layer with a spin coater, and heating the samples at high temperature.

In the second week, students dyed the electrodes using both the N719 dye solution and a natural dye extracted from butterfly pea flowers to compare the performance of each. They then assembled the complete DSSC, carried out electrolyte injection and performance testing, analysed the results, and prepared formal presentations delivered on 7 November 2025. The programme concluded with a closing ceremony and certificate presentation to recognise the participants’ commitment throughout the workshop.

The DSSC Workshop 2025 continues to reinforce the long-standing partnership between UPM and Kyutech, supporting knowledge exchange in renewable energy technologies and contributing to the development of globally competitive young researchers. The sustained implementation of this collaborative programme further reflects the shared commitment of both institutions to expanding international academic networks and advancing scientific training in emerging.

Reported by:
Mohd Ali Mat Nong
Researcher, FNDL

Date of Input: 19/11/2025 | Updated: 19/11/2025 | roslina_ar