Mahmoud Farhat

Dr. Farhat’s current research focuses on slot-die coating, characterization, and upscaling of organic photovoltaics for low-intensity applications. As well, he is working on the ink formulation and large-area printing of organic light switches.

Since joining the University of Calgary’s Welch Research Group in 2019, Dr. Farhat has led two major research projects resulting in two high impact research papers, strengthened industry partnerships, two patent applications, and plans to launch his own start-up.

Working with industry partners has given Dr. Farhat the opportunity to advance projects from research applications into commercialization opportunities. Industry partner Diagon Lab B.V. (Diagon) is a technology company dedicated to reducing sun exposure by using filters. Diagon provided funding for the research group to develop large-area roll-to-roll compatible photochromic films for UV sensing applications. Dr. Farhat successfully slot-die (SD) coated large-area photochromic films and UV filters for a UV dosimeter proof-of-concept. This project was the first to demonstrate that highly uniform photochromic films showed rapid colour changes when exposed to external stimuli such as light and heat. Additionally, UV filters processed under these same conditions and comprised of small molecules showed excellent UV blockage. Dr. Farhat’s work demonstrated how the SD-coating method to make prototype organic devices in a lab environment could be translated to manufacturing of simple and low-cost UV active films for healthcare and electronic applications. Based on research outcomes, Dr. Farhat published a paper in Advanced Materials Technology and was issued an EU provisional patent for the technology. Collaboration with Diagon is ongoing and the company plans to release a new product in 2022 based on the proof-of-concept developed by the research team.

Dr. Farhat also led a highly collaborative research project with Brilliant Matters (BM). Brilliant Matters focuses on developing organic semiconductors for next generation electronics. The company was interested in using their materials to develop efficient organic photovoltaics (OPVs) for indoor light recycling by utilizing the research team’s expertise in device engineering and coating techniques. The team successfully introduced a roll-to-roll compatible approach to fabricate the OPV devices using cost-effective materials and processing equipment. BM translated these devices into flexible substrates and showed stability for >1500 hours. Outcomes from Dr. Farhat’s work included a peer-reviewed paper in ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces, and a provisional US patent issued to him for the technology. The team continues to collaborate with BM to improve device performance and to develop OPV modules for commercialization.

Working with Innovate Calgary, Dr. Farhat plans to launch a start-up by the end of 2021. It will be the first Canadian start-up to develop organic photovoltaics to power the indoor Internet of Things (IoT) devices. The main goal is to develop OPV mini modules with a performance >20% under 1000 lux. Commercializing and expanding this technology will have a positive impact on the environment by offering a clean and sustainable energy source that could replace batteries as well as reduce their use and recycling costs.

With his Innovation Fellowship, Dr. Farhat’s research will continue to improve the technology used in UV-light sensing applications and indoor light recycling devices.