Tolga Önen
Visiting PhD Researcher, 2026 – present
Tolga Önen is a PhD researcher in Physics at Yozgat Bozok University, Türkiye. He obtained his BSc in Physics from Çukurova University and his MSc in Physics from Yozgat Bozok University, Türkiye, where he is currently pursuing his doctoral studies.
His research interests span materials physics, renewable energy technologies, and advanced functional nanomaterials. His earlier research focused on dye-sensitised solar cells (DSSCs), particularly the development of gel electrolytes to improve photovoltaic performance and long-term stability. This work resulted in a peer-reviewed publication in the Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology A: Chemistry (2019). He has also contributed to research on nanocellulose-based hydrogels for photovoltaic applications.
His current doctoral research focuses on the synthesis, modification, and characterisation of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄)-based nanomaterials, including metal-doped structures and quantum dots. His work investigates the effects of metal doping and surface functionalisation on the structural, optical, photoluminescent, and electrochemical properties of these materials, with potential applications in fluorescence sensing, electrochemical detection, and photocatalysis.
In October 2026, he joined Professor John T. S. Irvine’s research group at the School of Chemistry, University of St Andrews, United Kingdom, as a visiting PhD researcher, supported by the TÜBİTAK 2214-A International Research Fellowship Programme.
During his research visit, he is investigating barium- and strontium-doped g-C₃N₄-based nanomaterials and quantum dots, focusing on their photoluminescence behaviour, surface engineering, and structure–property relationships. His research aims to contribute to the development of advanced functional nanomaterials for highly sensitive fluorescence-based chemical sensing and environmental applications.
Research Interests
Advanced functional nanomaterials and materials physics
Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) and quantum dots
Metal doping and surface functionalisation
Photoluminescence and fluorescence-based chemical sensors
Electrochemical sensing and photocatalysis
Dye-sensitised solar cells and renewable energy materials
Nanocellulose, hydrogels, and gel electrolytes
Selected Publication
Önen, T., Özbay Karakuş, M., Coşkun, R., & Çetin, H. (2019). Reaching stability at DSSCs with new type gel electrolytes. Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology A: Chemistry, 385, 112082.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jphotochem.2019.112082
Research Projects and Fellowship
- TÜBİTAK 2214-A – International Research Fellowship Programme for PhD Students (2026–2027)
University of St Andrews, School of Chemistry, United Kingdom.
Host Researcher: Professor John T. S. Irvine.
Research focus: Development and investigation of Ba/Sr-doped g-C₃N₄-based nanomaterials and quantum dots for fluorescence sensing applications.
- Yozgat Bozok University – Scientific Research Project (2026)
Project No: FOA-2026-2339
Photocatalytic and Electrochemical Sensor Applications of Ba/Sr Co-Doped and Surface-Functionalised g-C₃N₄ Nanomaterials.
This recently approved project focuses on developing Ba/Sr co-doped and surface-functionalised g-C₃N₄-based nanomaterials and investigating their structural, optical, and electrochemical properties for photocatalytic and electrochemical sensing applications.
- TÜBİTAK 1002-B – Research Project (2025)
Project No: 125F026
Production and Characterisation of Graphitic Carbon Nitride.
Research focused on the synthesis, modification, and characterisation of g-C₃N₄-based functional nanomaterials.
- Yozgat Bozok University – Scientific Research Project (2021)
Project No: 6608-FEN/21-476
Production of Nanocellulose from Hemp and Application of Nanocellulose-Containing Hydrogels in Solar Cells.
Research investigating bio-based nanocellulose and hydrogel materials for photovoltaic applications.
Education
PhD in Physics (ongoing)
Yozgat Bozok University, Türkiye
MSc in Physics
Yozgat Bozok University, Türkiye
BSc in Physics
Çukurova University, Türkiye
Academic Profiles
Google Scholar:
https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=Z_wDrZwAAAAJ
ORCID:
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9568-6866