Silicon solar cells exemplify a triumph of material purity and precise fabrication, striving to eliminate defects that could trap charge carriers and impede efficient current flow. Contrastingly, perovskites, with their abundant structural imperfections, operate under a seemingly hostile environment for charge transport. The ISTA research team, led by Assistant Professor Zhanybek Alpichshev and postdoctoral researcher Dmytro Rak, has revealed that these very imperfections are instrumental in facilitating efficient charge separation and long-distance transport within the perovskite crystal lattice. This insight heralds a paradigm shift in the understanding of photovoltaic mechanisms in next-generation materials.

Lead-halide perovskites, initially discovered and catalogued in the 1970s, remained largely overlooked until the past decade, when their exceptional optoelectronic properties came to light. Their hybrid organic-inorganic crystalline frameworks enable not only efficient solar energy conversion but also applications ranging from light-emitting diodes to advanced X-ray detectors. Remarkably, these materials sustain quantum coherence phenomena even at ambient temperatures, a feature that intrigues condensed matter physicists and elevates their technological appeal.

The fundamental challenge in solar cell performance lies in the generation, separation, and collection of charge carriers—electrons and holes—excited by incoming photons. In silicon, minimizing trap states and structural defects ensures that these charges traverse long distances, often hundreds of microns, without recombining prematurely. However, in solution-processed perovskites brimmed with defects, it remained unclear how charges maintain their separation and mobility to reach electrodes efficiently. The ISTA team hypothesized an internal force mechanism actively separating electron-hole pairs instead of the traditional paradigm of defect-free transport.

Employing innovative nonlinear optical techniques, the researchers delicately injected electron-hole pairs into the bulk of perovskite crystals and detected a persistent directional current flow without any external applied voltage. This observation unambiguously indicated intrinsic internal electric fields within the material, capable of charge separation and transport. Importantly, these fields contradicted prior assumptions about the uniform intrinsic crystal symmetry of perovskites, suggesting a more nuanced internal landscape.

To resolve this contradiction, Alpichshev and Rak proposed the involvement of “domain walls”—microscopic interfaces within the crystal where structural modifications yield localized electric fields. These subtly altered regions weave an interconnected network throughout the entire bulk of the perovskite, acting as conduits for charge transport. The challenge then turned to visualizing this elusive domain-wall network deep inside the material, a task complicated by conventional probes’ surface-limited reach and sensitivity.

Creatively leveraging the ionic conductivity of perovskites, the team developed a novel electrochemical staining method inspired by angiography techniques in biological tissues. By introducing silver ions into the material, which preferentially accumulate and subsequently reduce to metallic silver along domain walls, they produced high-contrast images capturing the dense, three-dimensional network extending through the crystal’s depth. This breakthrough imaging strategy provided the first direct visualization of the purported charge highways.

This domain-wall network operates as a system of internal “highways” for electrons and holes. When light generates an electron-hole pair near a domain wall, the localized electric field promptly spatially separates these charges onto opposite sides of the wall. This separation significantly suppresses their immediate recombination, allowing charge carriers to persist for remarkably long durations from the perspective of ultrafast processes. Subsequently, electrons and holes travel along these domain walls over macroscopic distances, reaching electrodes and generating usable current despite the material’s abundant imperfections.

By integrating this comprehensive physical model, the ISTA team has reconciled an array of seemingly contradictory experimental observations related to lead-halide perovskites. Their work demonstrates how flexoelectric domain walls imbue cubic perovskites with intrinsic charge separation and transport capabilities, underpinning the materials’ outstanding photovoltaic efficiency that has eluded full explanation until now.

Beyond theoretical advances, these insights provide a transformative platform for engineering perovskite solar cells. Historically, efforts to boost performance primarily targeted compositional tuning, often at the expense of production scalability or stability. However, recognizing the pivotal role of domain walls opens avenues to intentionally design and control these microscopic features, optimizing internal electric fields without compromising the low-cost solution-processing advantage that positions perovskites as promising candidates for widespread deployment.

This research exemplifies the synergy between sophisticated experimental techniques and incisive physical theories, illuminating the hidden functional architecture within complex quantum materials. As the quest for sustainable, efficient, and accessible solar energy continues, such breakthroughs in understanding fundamental charge dynamics promise to accelerate the transition of perovskite-based solar technologies from experimental prototypes into pervasive components of global energy infrastructure.

The legacy of this study extends beyond photovoltaics, inviting further exploration into how flexoelectric effects and domain-wall engineering could revolutionize a spectrum of optoelectronic applications. From next-generation LEDs to quantum information systems, the principles uncovered by Alpichshev, Rak, and colleagues underscore the richness and untapped potential residing within crystalline defects traditionally regarded as detrimental.

In essence, this pioneering work challenges long-held dogmas on purity and perfection in material science, illustrating that structural imperfections, when orchestrated appropriately at the nanoscale, can be harnessed to create intrinsic functionalities that supersede conventional engineering approaches. The technological horizon for perovskite solar cells appears brighter than ever, propelled by the discovery of internal microstructures acting as the unseen architects of solar energy conversion.

Subject of Research: Not applicable

Article Title: Flexoelectric domain walls enable charge separation and transport in cubic perovskites

News Publication Date: 16-Feb-2026

Web References:
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-026-68660-5

References:
Alpichshev, Z., Rak, D., et al. (2026). Flexoelectric domain walls enable charge separation and transport in cubic perovskites. Nature Communications.

Image Credits: © ISTA

Keywords

Photovoltaics, Perovskites, Mineralogy, Materials science, Physical sciences, Condensed matter physics, Energy harvesting, Electrical power generation, Electrical power, Sunlight

Nestled between France and Spain, the Pyrenees mountain range is renowned for its scenic landscapes, attracting hordes of tourists eager to experience its natural beauty. However, for the team from ISTA, the appeal lies in the vivid and fascinating snapdragons, scientifically classified as Antirrhinum. These stunning plants, known for their unique jaw-like flowers that resemble a dragon’s mouth when squeezed, present an invaluable opportunity to study evolution in action, particularly when two varieties of flowers bloom in close proximity.

For 17 years, the dedicated team has focused its efforts on the village of Planoles in Spain, a high-altitude location that historically hosts two varieties of Antirrhinum: one flaunting vibrant yellow flowers and the other adorned in striking magenta. Despite hybridization occurring between them, the colors remain distinct and vibrant. This study explores how these flower color genes dictate the survival and evolutionary trajectory of these varieties amidst a common environment, revealing the complex dynamics of plant species coexisting and distinguishing themselves within overlapping territories.

When collecting samples, the team members face both the breathtaking scenery and the challenges of mountainous terrain. Among brambles and nettles, they meticulously gather flowers and leaves while navigating the diverse ecosystems that these snapdragons inhabit. The seasonal fieldwork allows researchers to gather over 5,000 flower samples, creating an extensive genetic dataset that will contribute to our understanding of plant evolution, hybridization, and genetic diversity.

Delving deeper into the mechanics of speciation, Pal’s research highlights the concept of hybrid zones—areas where distinct species intermingle and hybridize. For the snapdragons, the hybridization facilitated by a shared environment led to visible variations in flower coloration across Planoles. This naturally occurring “laboratory” of evolution allows scientists to observe firsthand how species adapt and diverge over time. In this instance, the Hermeneutic value of studying these hybrid zones becomes apparent, providing insights into evolutionary processes without human interference.

The rigorous analysis of the snapdragons’ genomes reveals a complex genetic landscape that aids in understanding speciation. Although the hybridization occurs within the same environment, the research indicates that the genetic similarities between these varieties are less pronounced in their flower color genes. The study found that specific genes, including Rosea, Eluta, and Rubia, play a pivotal role in distinguishing the two varieties. By maintaining specific color genes that stay unique to each species, the snapdragons increase their chances of effective pollination, ensuring their survival.

The research team employed advanced genomic sequencing techniques that allowed them to analyze large quantities of genetic data effectively. This sophisticated approach unveiled fascinating distinctions between the genomes of snapdragons from hybrid zones, reinforcing the idea that certain traits—like flower color—are fundamental in natural selection processes. Interestingly, the findings of the analysis suggest that, contrary to the expectation that nearby plants would be genetically similar, the genes responsible for flower color showed parallels between the different hybrid zones across the Pyrenees, indicating shared evolutionary paths.

One of the critical takeaways from Pal’s research is the realization that flower color acts as a primary driver of pollinator behavior. The study emphasizes that while both snapdragon varieties share many genetic traits, subtle differences in color are consequential for pollination and mating strategies. Bees, as the primary pollinators, develop preferences based on their visual experiences, tending to favor flowers of a specific color. This essential relationship between plant coloration and pollinator habits highlights the interconnected nature of ecosystems and the hidden mechanisms that govern evolutionary trajectories.

The distinct genetic composition of the flower color genes leads to varied success rates in attracting pollinators. Both the yellow and magenta varieties flourish in their environments, yet hybrids emerge as less appealing because they lack the vivid contrast of their parent plants. This observation emphasizes the importance of visual cues in the natural world and their implications for species fitness and continuity.

Additionally, the study illustrates how flower color genes act as a genetic anchor, keeping the snapdragon varieties distinguishable, even within shared ecological niches. The findings underline that while hybridization contributes to genetic diversity, the essential traits tied to survival, specifically color preference for pollinators, remain steadfast despite geographical separation. This new understanding could have broader implications for conserving plant species and biodiversity in fluctuating ecosystems.

The research conducted by Pal and his team not only furthers the molecular catalog of snapdragons but also paves the way for future investigations into the mechanisms behind speciation and ecological adaptation. By comprehensively analyzing hybrid zones and their characteristics, scientists can glean insights into how environmental pressures can subtly shape the evolution of plant species over time.

As the Barton group continues its remarkable work in the field of plant genetics, the research endeavors highlighted in this study symbolize the confluence of curiosity, ecological guardianship, and technological advancement. The findings echo the breathtaking adaptability of the natural world, showcasing the dynamic interplay between evolution, genetics, and survival in the interconnected web of life.

Arka Pal’s research serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate, yet powerful, forces shaping our natural ecosystems. As researchers unravel the stories inscribed in the genome of snapdragons, they step closer to answering profound questions about biodiversity, evolution, and our responsibility to protect the intricate threads that bind life on our planet.

Subject of Research: Not applicable
Article Title: Genealogical Analysis of Replicate Flower Colour Hybrid Zones in Antirrhinum
News Publication Date: 11-Aug-2025
Web References: Not applicable
References: Not applicable
Image Credits: © Daria Shipilina / ISTA

Keywords

Eudicots, Angiosperms, Plants, Genetics, Genetic analysis, Plant evolution

Among the recipients, Amelia Douglass, a neuroscientist originally from Australia, is set to focus her research on the multifaceted ways in which animals respond to stress. By examining both behavioral and physiological adaptations, Douglass aims to elucidate the mechanisms that underlie survival in the face of environmental challenges, such as predation, extreme temperatures, and infectious threats. Her prior experience as a postdoctoral research fellow at Harvard Medical School, coupled with her recent appointment at ISTA, paints a picture of a researcher poised to make significant contributions in her field.

Douglass’s project, titled “The hypothalamic control of behavioral and physiological adaptations to stress,” succinctly dubbed “HypoAdapt,” seeks to peel back the layers of complexity surrounding the brain’s role in stress responses. Mice will serve as the primary model organism for this research, as they provide an excellent analog for studying the intricacies of stress management in biological systems. Douglass’s research team will investigate how the brain orchestrates quick responses to threats while also probing the lasting effects that chronic stress may have on behavior and physiologic functions.

In her own words, Douglass states, “We want to understand the brain-driven adaptations to these threats at two different levels: First, we want to know how these responses are so rapidly executed when a challenge is encountered.” This research is of paramount importance not only for understanding animal behavior but also for exploring the implications for human health, particularly in individuals grappling with anxiety and stress-related disorders. The potential translational impact of this work underscores the relevance of her research to the broader fields of clinical psychology and neuroscience.

Beyond her immediate research goals, Douglass hopes to use the funding to expand her team, bringing additional postdoctoral fellows and PhD students on board. The financial backing from the ERC will allow her to explore more ambitious questions than she could otherwise undertake, fostering an environment of innovation and depth in her laboratory. Coupled with ISTA’s robust scientific infrastructure, the potential for significant discoveries increases exponentially, promising to unlock new insights into the ways that living organisms manage stress.

Parallel to Douglass’s promising endeavors, Ylva Götberg, an astrophysicist from Sweden, is embarking on her own ambitious journey, equipped with an ERC Starting Grant to investigate the intriguing phenomenon of binary-stripped stars. Currently, Götberg’s work is poised to reshape our understanding of stellar evolution. Her project, “The Role of Binary-Stripped Stars: from Atomic Scales to Cosmic Dawn,” unravels the dynamics of these celestial bodies that, until recently, were relegated to theoretical discussions.

To clarify, binary-stripped stars refer to pairs of stars wherein one star siphons the hydrogen-rich envelope from its partner, ultimately exposing the helium core. Götberg’s research holds the potential to fill a notable gap in stellar astrophysics, as it is estimated that nearly one-third of all massive stars will undergo this transformation. Importantly, these stripped stars are believed to play critical roles in the genesis of hydrogen-poor supernovae and are fundamental to our understanding of phenomena such as gravitational waves, which result from neutron star mergers.

Götberg’s journey has been remarkable, having completed her PhD in the Netherlands before completing a NASA Hubble Postdoctoral Fellowship in the United States. Her recent appointment to ISTA in 2023 represents a pivotal moment in her career, and her recognition as one of TIME magazine’s 100 Emerging Leaders in 2024 underscores her promise in the competitive field of astrophysics. She reflects on the groundbreaking research ahead, asserting, “With us having recently confirmed their existence, theoretical models can now face reality and observational benchmarks.”

By leveraging upcoming data from major space missions, such as the ultraviolet space telescope UVEX and the laser interferometer LISA for gravitational waves, Götberg and her team will explore the properties and behaviors of stripped binaries in unprecedented detail. The intersection of theory and observation will allow them to pose critical questions about the evolution of binary star systems and to gather vital metrics related to stellar winds and mass transfer efficiencies.

The success of ISTA stands as a testament to its exemplary research environment; since its inception in 2009, it has grown to become a beacon of scientific excellence in Europe. With a striking 47% success rate in securing ERC frontier grants—substantially higher than the broader average—ISTA produces a remarkable workforce of researchers, with 82% of its professors achieving at least one ERC grant. Such achievements spotlight the institute as a critical player in both national and international scientific landscapes.

As the world enters a new era of scientific exploration, the research undertaken by Douglass and Götberg signifies a critical intersection of neuroscience and astrophysics, uniting seemingly disparate scientific disciplines under the universal quest for knowledge. Their findings may not only unravel the complexities of animal behavior and cosmic phenomena but also provide much-needed insights into the profound questions surrounding life, survival, and the universe’s grand design.

Science knows no bounds, and the stories of Douglass and Götberg represent just the tip of the iceberg in our understanding of both animal and cosmic realms. As they embark on their respective projects, the scientific community eagerly anticipates the revelations that lie ahead, which may well alter our perceptions about stress, survival, and the intricate dance of celestial bodies shaping our universe.

Subject of Research: Responses to Stress in Animals and Binary-Stripped Stars
Article Title: ISTA Scholars Awarded ERC Grants for Groundbreaking Research in Neuroscience and Astrophysics
News Publication Date: October 2023
Web References: Institute of Science and Technology Austria
References:
Image Credits: Wolf – TU Graz / Theresa Rienmüller from the Institute of Biomechanics and Robert Winkler from the Institute of Electron Microscopy and Nanoanalysis at TU

Static electricity is often reduced to mere party tricks or educational demonstrations, yet the underlying mechanics are far from trivial. Known scientifically as contact electrification, this phenomenon involves the transfer of charge between materials when they come into contact. Surprisingly, the act of charging is not simply a static event; it begins with movement as neutral entities interact. Scott Waitukaitis, an assistant professor at ISTA, emphasizes the universality of this experience, acknowledging that contact electrification is something everyone encounters. Yet its complexity has led to longstanding confusion within scientific circles, as traditional understanding has failed to provide a coherent explanation for its unpredictable behavior.

The research initiated by Waitukaitis and his team aims to unravel the chaotic nature of charge exchange. Historically, scientists have categorized insulating materials into a so-called "triboelectric series," which orders materials by the signs of charge they exchange. However, discrepancies in experimental outcomes have plagued researchers for ages. Different scientists yield varying orderings when testing the same materials. Even a single physicist may encounter inconsistencies when attempting to replicate their own experiments. Within this seemingly chaotic framework lies a challenge. Understanding the potential factors influencing these unexpected results had become paramount for the researchers dedicated to answering this pivotal question.

To delineate their findings, the research team adopted a novel approach by focusing on the contact history of identical materials. By narrowing down their variables, they chose polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) – a clear, silicone-based polymer. Through rigorous experimentation, the researchers uncovered that as identical PDMS samples underwent repeated contacts, they started exhibiting a predictable pattern of charge exchange. Initial trials led them to believe that surface property variations were at play, resulting in unpredictability. However, once they began tracking the samples’ contact history, a clearer picture emerged: repeated contact allowed the materials to ‘evolve,’ leading to observable ordering.

The breakthrough came when the team discovered that after a sufficient number of contacts—around 200—the experimental samples began to exhibit stability in their charge separation. This finding revealed that the material which had undergone more contacts consistently charged negatively compared to the one with less interaction, establishing a structured relationship once considered random. This new understanding highlighted the relationship between contact history and charge behavior, bringing to light the reasons behind the previously erratic results observed in the study of contact electrification.

Interestingly, the team also examined the changes that occurred on a material’s surface as a result of repeated contact. Employing various surface-sensitive techniques, they aimed to discern any alterations that occurred at the nanoscale. Among the findings, the researchers noted that repeated mechanical contact smoothed the roughest portions of the sample’s surface. Despite the lack of clarity on the exact mechanism linking these observations to charge exchange, it was a critical step toward demystifying contact electrification. The team contended that understanding the evolution of material surfaces could provide valuable insights into the fundamental workings of static electricity.

The implications of this research extend beyond the academic realm. By shedding light on how the contact history affects material interactions, the findings pave the way for advancements in materials science, electronics, and even triboelectric energy harvesting. The unpredictability of static charge has historically hindered technological applications. With this newfound comprehension, researchers may now look toward more precise applications in the fields of sensors, energy systems, and smart materials.

This exploration into the heart of contact electrification not only addresses long-standing scientific inquiries but also opens a multitude of avenues for innovation. Further studies are likely to delve into the practical applications of these concepts and explore how they could inform the design of new materials with desired electrical properties. The potential for engineered surfaces that can be tuned via contact history heralds exciting possibilities in various fields, including nanotechnology and polymer science.

In conclusion, the collaborative efforts of Waitukaitis and Sobarzo have breathed new life into the study of contact electrification. Their revelations regarding the role of contact history in charge transfer serve as a profound reminder of the mysteries that still linger in fundamental physics and materials science. The interaction between materials, as it turns out, is as dynamic and complex as the forces that govern our physical world.

Understanding static electricity may no longer seem like an insurmountable challenge, thanks to the pioneering work at ISTA. As researchers continue to build on these findings, the implications for science, technology, and everyday life may become increasingly profound. The journey of exploration in contact electrification has only just begun, and its potential seems boundless, reflecting the very essence of scientific inquiry.

Subject of Research: Contact electrification
Article Title: Spontaneous Self-Organization of Identical Materials into a Triboelectric Series
News Publication Date: February 19, 2025
Web References: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-08530-6
References: N/A
Image Credits: © ISTA

Keywords

Static electricity, contact electrification, triboelectric series, polydimethylsiloxane, electrical engineering, materials science, charge transfer, nanotechnology