Overview
Condensed Matter Physics, as branch of physics that deals with properties of matter, is notably the largest field of contemporary physics. It particularly deals with the "condensed" phases that occur when the number of constituents in a system is very large and the interactions between the constituents are strong. We are mostly familiar with solids and liquids as examples of condensed matter, where the bonding between the atoms of which is mainly electromagnetic in nature.
The diversity of materials studied in the field of Condensed matter physics makes this field a multi-disciplinary and even a trans-disciplinary one. For example, it embraces solid state physics, materials science, and it overlaps with chemistry, nanotechnology, and engineering.
The role played by this branch of physics in the basic understanding of nature, and in driving technology (technology herein defined as the application of science to achieve useful human goals) cannot be gainsaid. Condensed matter physicists study myriad materials, for example crystalline (e.g. metals, semiconductors, insulators, semimetals, etc) and non crystalline solids (e.g., amorphous solids, granular matter), soft matter (e.g., liquid crystals, polymers, foams and gels, etc), and nanomaterials.
The Condensed Matter Physics Group currently focuses its research in the following areas- with aim of solving typical problems facing the Kenya communities (and by extension humanity): (i) Development of cheaper solar cells (photovoltaic systems) - with major emphasis on the dye sensitised solar cells (DSSC) based on nanostructured titanium dioxide or other wide bandgap semiconductors (ii) ceramics for thermal insulation, and water purification. The Group is also running a series of two-week trainings on PV systems installations and maintenance – dubbed the Solar Academy
PUBLICATIONS FOR THE CONDENSED MATTER GROUP AND MSSEESA WEBSITES
2021
- Jorim Okoth Obila, Hongwei Lei, Elijah Omollo Ayieta, Alex Awuor Ogacho, Bernard O. Aduda, Feng Wang (2021), Improving Efficiency and Stability of Tin-Based Perovskite Solar Cells by Anilinium Hypophosphite Additive, January 2021, New Journal of Chemistry, January 2021, DOI: 10.1039/D1NJ00602A
2020
- Brian O. Owino, Francis W. Nyongesa, Alex A. Ogacho, Bernard O. Aduda and Benjamin V. Odari (2020). Effects of TiO2 Blocking Layer on Photovoltaic Characteristics of TiO2/Nb2O5 Dye Sensitized Solar Cells, MRS Advances © 2020 Materials Research Society, Vol.5(20), 1049 – 1058. DOI: 10.1557/adv.2020.16
- Charles Opiyo Ayieko, Robinson Juma Musembi, Bernard Odhiambo Aduda, Alex Ogacho, Pushpendra Jain (2020). Photo-thermal Conversion Efficiency of Textured and Untextured Aluminum Substrate Coated with Titanium Dioxide (TiO2)-bound CuFeMnO4 Absorber. American Journal of Modern Energy, 6(1): 9-15. http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/j/ajme. doi: 10.11648/j.ajme.20200601.12. ISSN: 2575-3908 (Print); ISSN: 2575-3797 (Online)
- Mary T. Simiyu, Francis W. Nyongesa, Bernard O. Aduda, Zephania Birech, and Godwin Mwebaze (2020). Application of An Organic Plant-Derived Binder in the Fabrication of Diatomaceous Earth Waste- Based Membranes for Water Purification Systems. MRS Advances © 2020 Materials Research Society, Vol. 5(26), 1339 -1348. DOI: 10.1557/adv.2020.123
2019
- Nduhiu Ndungu, Bernard O. Aduda, Francis W. Nyongesa, Alex Ogacho, Comparison of the effectiveness of various designs of ceramic filter membranes in domestic water purification, International Journal of Innovative Research and Advanced Studies (IJIRAS) Volume 6 Issue 1, January 2019
2018
- Francis W Nyongesa, Bernard O. Aduda and Wilson G Nyaga, Electrophoretic Deposition of TiO2 Thin Films for Photocatalytic Degradation of Organic Pollutants in Water, Tanz. J. Sci. Vol. 44(4), 65 – 76, 2018
- John Nguu, Francis Nyongesa, Robinson Musembi, Bernard Aduda. Electrophoretic Deposition and Characterization of TiO2/Nb2O5 Composite Thin Films for Dye Sensitized Solar Cells, Journal of Materials Physics and Chemistry, 2018, Vol. 6, No. 1, 1-8. DOI:10.12691/jmpc-6-1-1
2017
- Mulati DM, Nyang'onda TN, Aduda BO. "Raman Crystallinity and Hall Effect Studies of Microcrystalline Silicon Seed Layers." Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology. 2017; 16(1):106-118.
- Ignatius Nakhoywa Barasa, Justus Simiyu, Sebastian Waita, Denis Wekesa and Bernard Aduda, (2017), Automobile Battery Monitoring System using Arduino Uno R3 Microcontroller Board, The International Journal of Science & Technoledge, 5(6) 6, 24-36.