Developments

In the picture: Improving the efficiency of materials will help to further advancements in designing and optimising perovskite solar cells. Improving the efficiency of solar cells requires materials free from impurities and structural defects. Scientists across many disciplines at KAUST have shown that 2D organic-inorganic hybrid materials feature far fewer defects than thicker 3D versions. Modern-day electronics rely on technologies that can develop almost perfect crystals of silicon; flawless to the atomic level. This is crucial because defects and impurities scatter electrons as they flow, which adversely affects the material’s electronic properties. But hybrid perovskites, an exciting class of electronic material, cannot be constructed using the epitaxial or layer methods developed for silicon. Instead, they are produced using solution-based processes. While this makes them cheaper than silicon, it also makes purity much harder to achieve as defect population and species are sensitive to the processing conditions. Osman Bakr from the KAUST Solar Centre together with colleagues from multiple divisions across KAUST and the University of Toronto, demonstrate that two-dimensional layers of perovskite material can achieve levels of purity much higher than is possible than in their 3D counterpart. “Two-dimensional hybrid perovskites are a subgroup of the big hybrid perovskite family,” explains Wei Peng, lead author and doctoral degree recipient from Bakr’s lab. “They can be derived by inserting large organic cations in three-dimensional perovskite structures.” Hybrid perovskites are made up of lead and halide (such as iodine) atoms and an organic component. This class of materials in solar cells has already shown ground-breaking potential for energy conversion efficiency while having low production costs and the possibility for being integrated in flexible devices. This combination of qualities makes hybrid perovskites an exciting material for optoelectronic applications. Peng, Bakr and coworkers created a 2D material made of periodic layers of hybrid perovskites […]

Next month, Asia’s nutraceutical, functional food and beverages, and dietary supplement industries will gather in Singapore for Vitafoods Asia, the region’s only event dedicated to these markets. The organisers reached out to exhibitors and visitors[1] last month to get their thoughts on how the industry was doing, and some interesting insights were uncovered. Asian Nutraceutical Industry Still Going Strong Despite what crowd sentiment and ‘common sense’ say about the global economy, both exhibitors and visitors expressed positivity about the future of their companies. More than 80% of those surveyed said that they were optimistic about the sales performance and profitability of their businesses. And according to Allied Market Research[2], the global nutraceuticals market size is expected to reach $302,306 million by 2022, with a CAGR of 7.04% from 2016 to 2022, and Asia Pacific is expected to surpass the global growth average with a CAGR of 7.33%, making noteworthy contributions to the global market. Nutraceutical Product Categories of Most Interest The top 5 categories that were most important to exhibitors’ and visitors’ businesses were Cardiovascular Health, Digestive Health, General Wellbeing, Healthy Ageing, and Immunity. When asked about his opinion on what’s trending, Prof. Chin-Kun Wang, President of the International Society of Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods, shared, “The emphasis on microbiota is increasing – most people understand the link between health and gut microflore. Prebiotics and probiotics have become key ingredients in nutraceuticals and functional food. Gastrointestinal (GI) health has become an important issue in Asia as economic growth, social stresses and dietary behaviours continue to influence health. GI health products will continue to develop and we will see many innovative prebiotics and probiotics in 2018.” Prof. Wang will lead several discussions at the Life Stages Theatre, and speak in the Digestive Health and Microbiome Summit this year. Top 3 Trends […]

  Wiley, 288 pages Very few organisations manage their expenses for sustainable success. And when the time inevitably comes to cut their costs, many companies cut in a way that makes them weaker, not stronger. The experienced consultants with PwC’s Strategy team reveal the hidden problems of conventional cost management—and how your company can do better. Drawing on decades of research, observation, and experience helping clients, these experts have developed a unique approach to help CEOs and senior executives cut costs constructively. The Fit for Growth concept redirects an organisation’s resources and investments toward its few differentiating capabilities—the strengths that set it apart from competitors. When a company manages costs this way, it becomes fit for growth. Its cost structure, organisation, and culture are aligned with its strategy. In this book, the authors take you through every detail of the Fit for Growth approach. They walk you step by step through the nine most important levers to restructure costs, complete with case studies, and practical examples from leading companies around the world. From mobilizing to scaling to executing to culture change and leadership, this valuable hands-on reference stays with you throughout the entire process. It shows you how to: Galvanise the executive team and the organisation to embark on a transformation Apply cost reduction levers while avoiding common pitfalls Overcome the shortcomings of basic change management techniques by using the best of your existing corporate culture Confidently manage morale and keep the entire organisation engaged Avoid falling back into old, unproductive behaviours Apply proven tools and techniques for sustaining the benefits of the transformation. For the first time, senior thought leaders with Strategy& share in detail their leading practices and collective experiences to help you enable change and cultural evolution in your own organisation. Fit for Growth is your definitive game […]