Dr. Xiaofei Dong | Northwest Normal University | China
Xiaofei Dong is a dedicated researcher in the field of photovoltaic materials and neuromorphic electronics. He completed his Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees at the College of Physics and Electronic Engineering, Northwest Normal University, showcasing unwavering academic consistency and depth. In June 2024, he was appointed as an Associate Professor at the same institution, reflecting his rapid academic growth and research productivity. His research primarily focuses on copper-based thin-film solar cells and memristor devices, contributing to the development of high-performance, sustainable energy and intelligent electronic systems. Dong has led multiple university-level funded projects and published influential papers in prestigious journals such as The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters, Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells, and Materials Letters. His ability to integrate fundamental materials science with practical device engineering has gained recognition within the academic community. Dong continues to strive for breakthroughs in energy efficiency and bio-inspired electronic systems.
Author Profile
Education
Xiaofei Dong pursued all his higher education at Northwest Normal University, College of Physics and Electronic Engineering. He obtained his Bachelor’s degree from 2014 to 2018, followed by a Master’s degree between 2018 and 2021. His postgraduate research focused on thin-film solar cell development and was supervised by senior faculty, including Prof. Yan Li and Dr. Yun Zhao. Dong completed his Doctoral program, delving deeper into advanced optoelectronic materials and memristive devices. His consistent academic journey in a singular research environment has enabled him to build deep expertise and conduct long-term, coherent investigations in copper-based semiconductor systems, gaining both theoretical and experimental mastery over key challenges in solar cell efficiency and neuromorphic component design.
Professional Experience
Xiaofei Dong has served as an Associate Professor at the College of Physics and Electronic Engineering, Northwest Normal University. His career has been deeply rooted in the same institution, where he also completed his academic training. Prior to this role, Dong was extensively involved in research projects and academic publications throughout his Master’s and Ph.D. studies. As a graduate student, he led several funded research programs, focusing on novel optoelectronic materials, solar cells, and memristor-based artificial synapses. His current responsibilities include research leadership, teaching duties, and mentoring students in the areas of energy materials and electronic devices. Dong’s seamless transition from student researcher to faculty member reflects his scientific maturity, institutional trust, and commitment to research excellence.
Awards and Honors
Xiaofei Dong has received multiple academic honors and internal funding awards that reflect the quality and promise of his research. He was the recipient of the 2019 Graduate Research Grant Program, where he investigated Li-doped Cu₂ZnSn(S,Se)₄ solar cells. He later secured the 2021 Graduate Research Grant Program and the Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation Cultivation Grant Program, where he explored photosensitive films and memristor simulation respectively. These competitive programs not only provided research funding but also recognized Dong’s innovative work in energy conversion and neuromorphic electronics. His publications in high-impact journals have also contributed to his academic visibility, and he is considered a rising scholar within his department. These recognitions mark his research as both relevant and forward-looking in today’s energy and smart electronics sectors.
Research Focus
Xiaofei Dong’s research revolves around copper-based semiconductors, particularly Cu₂ZnSn(S,Se)₄ (CZTSSe) thin films used in solar cell applications. His work emphasizes improving the efficiency and stability of these devices through innovative treatments such as Li and Na doping and interface engineering. Additionally, he explores memristive behaviors in kesterite materials, aiming to simulate artificial synaptic functions for neuromorphic computing. Dong’s approach integrates both material synthesis and device fabrication, bridging the gap between fundamental material science and practical optoelectronic applications. He also investigates optoelectronic memristors embedded in polymers, contributing to the development of light-controlled memory and learning devices. His goal is to design energy-efficient, environmentally friendly components for next-generation electronics, making a tangible impact in sustainable technology and intelligent systems.
Notable Publication
Coexistence of Bipolar Resistive Switching and the Negative Differential Resistance Effect from a Kesterite Memristor
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Authors: Xiao-Fei Dong, Yun Zhao, Ting-Ting Zheng, Xue Li, Cheng-Wei Wang, Wei-Min Li, Yan Shao, Yan Li
Journal: The Journal of Physical Chemistry C
Year: 2021
An effective Li-containing interfacial-treating strategy for performance enhancement of air-processed CZTSSe solar cells
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Authors: Xiao-Fei Dong, Ting-Ting Zheng, Feng-Xia Yang, Xu-Dong Sun, Lei Yu, Jiang-Tao Chen, Cheng-Wei Wang, Yun Zhao, Yan Li
Journal: Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells
Year: 2021
Influence of Mo-pretreating on microstructure evolution of solution-processed absorbers for high efficient CZTSSe solar cells
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Authors: Xiaofei Dong, Siyuan Li, Hao Sun, Qian He, Yun Zhao, Yan Li
Journal: Materials Letters
Year: 2022
Optoelectronic Memristive Synapse Behavior for the Architecture of Cu₂ZnSnS₄@BiOBr Embedded in Poly(methyl methacrylate)
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Authors: Xiaofei Dong, Siyuan Li, Hao Sun, Lijuan Jian, Wenbin Wei, Jianbiao Chen, Yun Zhao, Jiangtao Chen, Xuqiang Zhang, Yan Li
Journal: The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters
Year: 2023
A new strategy for improving the efficiency of thin-film solar cells by regulating the gradient grain structure of CZTSSe absorbers: Na treatment induces uniform selenization
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Authors: Xiaofei Dong, Fengxia Yang, Siyuan Li, Hao Sun, Jiangtao Chen, Xuqiang Zhang, Yun Zhao, Yan Li
Journal: Ceramics International
Year: 2023
Conclusion
Xiaofei Dong has established himself as a promising young researcher in energy materials and neuromorphic electronics. His consistent academic path, project leadership, and impactful publications illustrate a strong foundation in both scientific rigor and practical innovation. As an early-career Associate Professor, Dong is well-positioned to contribute further to clean energy solutions and bio-inspired electronic devices. His work aligns with global research trends and societal needs, making him a fitting candidate for research recognition and academic advancement.