Our team is dedicated to cutting-edge fundamental research and impactful technological innovation in the field of key materials for solar energy utilization. With a legacy dating back to the Solar Energy Utilization Laboratory established in 1978, we stand as one of China's earliest and most prestigious national research institutions dedicated to solar thermal energy. Our pioneering work has earned us the distinguished title of "China’s Best".

We focus our research on three core areas: thermochromic smart glass, next-generation solar cells, and biomimetic functional coatings.

In intelligent energy materials, we overcome the passive nature of conventional energy-saving glass. By combining magnetron sputtering physical deposition with solution coating chemical synthesis, we have developed large-area thermochromic smart glass and flexible films. These materials dynamically adjust light transmittance and thermal insulation in response to ambient temperature, enabling integrated energy conservation and intelligent climate control in buildings, significantly reducing carbon footprints.

For photovoltaic technologies, we address the critical stability issue hindering emerging solar cell adoption. Through integrated interface engineering, surface modification, and doping strategies, we systematically optimize device architecture and material composition. Our work leads to substantial improvements in the operational stability and reliability of flexible perovskite solar cells, laying a robust foundation for their scalable application in portable electronics and building-integrated photovoltaics.

In biomimetic materials, inspired by the lotus leaf effect, we have engineered superhydrophobic coatings with exceptional adhesion and wear resistance. This breakthrough overcomes key mechanical durability barriers, unlocking vast application potential in self-cleaning surfaces, marine anti-corrosion, industrial anti-icing, and seawater desalination.

Comprising 7 research faculty, 14 PhD candidates (including 7 international scholars), and 8 master’s students, our team fosters a dynamic, collaborative, and global research culture. We are committed to advancing innovative solutions to drive the sustainable development of the global new energy and green building industries.

Key Research Areas

· thermochromic smart glass

·new-type solar cells

·superhydrophobic coatings

Colorful Large-Size Thermochromic Smart Glass and Thermochromic Film

Perovskite Solar Cells

Superhydrophobic Materials

Core Researchers

·XU Gang

·XU Xueqing

Signature Achievements

To address heating challenges in Tibet’s alpine and high-altitude areas, the team built a large-scale solar central heating demonstration project using large flat-plate collectors, underground water tank heat storage, and pipe network-radiator heating. It supplies 5,000 people in Langkazi County with stable heating (82,600㎡), achieves 100% solar guarantee rate in the heating season, and breaks through clean heating in such regions. As the world’s highest-altitude, China’s largest and first practical solar central heating project, it won the 2021 Second Prize of Tibet Autonomous Region Science and Technology Award for its remarkable innovation and practical value.

International Collaboration

The team has carried out extensive cooperative research in the field of new-type solar cells with international research institutions from Russia, Spain, Pakistan and Hong Kong.

Team Leader: XU Gang

Contact Name: XU Gang，XU Xueqing

Contact Number: +86 20-87059393,+86 20-87057782

Contact Email: xugang@ms.giec.ac.cn, xuxq@ms.giec.ac.cn