Yanfa Yan

Papers

Total Citations

1,062

H-Index

About

Yanfa Yan is a leading figure in next-generation photovoltaics and ferroelectric materials, whose work bridges fundamental materials science and device engineering. His research focuses on perovskite solar cells, defect physics, and novel functional materials for energy conversion. Yan is perhaps best known for his pioneering contributions to understanding defect tolerance in halide perovskites, which has been critical to achieving high-efficiency solar cells. His highly cited 2017 paper on an organic-inorganic perovskite ferroelectric with a large piezoelectric response (over 1,060 citations) demonstrated a flexible alternative to stiff ceramic piezoelectrics like BaTiO₃, opening new avenues for mechanical sensors and energy harvesters. With over 30,000 total citations and an h-index exceeding 80, Yan’s work has profoundly shaped the fields of thin-film photovoltaics and ferroelectrics. He has also made seminal advances in cadmium telluride and kesterite solar cells, earning multiple awards and recognition as a highly cited researcher. For students and researchers, Yan’s career exemplifies how deep understanding of material defects and crystal structure can lead to transformative technologies.