Semiconductors | adiunct at University of Warsaw, Poland
Dr. Krzysztof Bieńkowski is an accomplished chemist specializing in photo- and electrochemistry, semiconductor materials, and energy conversion technologies. He obtained his Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Warsaw in 2019, focusing on multi-oxide semiconductors for solar energy applications. Currently, he serves as an Adjunct and Laboratory Manager at the Centre for New Technologies, University of Warsaw, where he leads research on hydrogen energy systems. With expertise in spectroscopy, surface analysis, and advanced material synthesis, Dr. Bieńkowski has played a pivotal role in international projects, including the HERA Project for hydrogen storage. He has co-authored two European patents and contributed significantly to semiconductor research. He also completed a fellowship at Oslo, Norway, optimizing photoanodes for hydrogen production. His passion for science, coupled with strong leadership skills, has positioned him as a key figure in renewable energy research.
Professional Profile :
Orcid
Summary of Suitability for Award:
Dr. Krzysztof Bieńkowski’s research aligns well with the criteria for the “Physical Chemistry Award” due to his extensive contributions to photo electrochemistry, semiconductor materials, and surface characterization techniques. His work on photo electrochemical hydrogen generation, charge transfer mechanisms, and electrode synthesis demonstrates a strong foundation in physical chemistry principles, particularly in thermodynamics, kinetics, and interfacial phenomena. His expertise in using advanced spectroscopic and electrochemical methods (XPS, SIMS, AFM, Kelvin Probe, and transient absorption spectroscopy) has provided novel insights into energy conversion and storage. Additionally, his leadership in projects like “HERA”—focused on hydrogen storage and renewable energy applications—further supports his suitability for this prestigious recognition. Given his pioneering research in material surface interactions, semiconductor-based catalysis, and electrochemical energy conversion, Dr. Krzysztof Bieńkowski is a strong candidate for the Physical Chemistry Award. His contributions bridge the gap between fundamental physical chemistry and applied energy solutions, making him an excellent nominee.
🎓Education:
Krzysztof Bieńkowski earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Warsaw in 2019 under the supervision of Professor Paweł Kulesza. His doctoral research focused on the preparation and characterization of mixed metal oxides for photo electrochemical devices, emphasizing renewable energy conversion. Prior to this, he obtained his Master of Science in Chemistry from the same institution in 2016, conducting multidisciplinary research on conductive polymer films under Professor Marek Szklarczyk . His master’s work involved extensive studies using electron microscopy, UV-Vis spectroscopy, electrochemical techniques, AFM, and STM. Additionally, in 2013, he earned a diploma in Project Management from the University of Economics and Innovation in Lublin, where he gained expertise in managing research and development projects. His academic journey has equipped him with deep knowledge in materials science, nanotechnology, and electrochemistry, providing a strong foundation for his subsequent research in semiconductor synthesis and advanced energy conversion technologies.
🏢Work Experience:
Dr. Krzysztof Bieńkowski is an Adjunct and Laboratory Manager at the Centre for New Technologies, University of Warsaw, where he has worked since 2019. He manages research teams and specializes in spectroscopic, electrochemical, and surface characterization techniques. He leads the NCBiR-funded project “HERA,” overseeing a 6.5M PLN budget. Previously, he worked in Professor Jan Augustyński’s group (2012–2019) as a Lab Manager, coordinating research on semiconductor materials. He also served as an Assistant at the Faculty of Chemistry (2014–2017), leading an NCN-funded project on non-stoichiometric titanium oxides for fuel cells. Earlier roles include Assistant at the Institute of Electronic Materials (2009–2013), where he co-developed new electrode preparation methods, and Assistant at the Institute of High-Pressure Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences (2007–2009), focusing on solvothermal synthesis. He has conducted international research at Oslo’s Department of Technology Systems, optimizing PEC photoanodes for hydrogen sorption.
🏅Awards:
Dr. Krzysztof Bieńkowski has received multiple awards and recognitions for his contributions to chemistry and materials science. He was awarded the prestigious TEAM Programme Fellowship under Professor Dorota Pawlak for his pioneering work in semiconductor electrode preparation. His research led to two European patents on novel electrode materials, reflecting his innovative contributions to the field. He has also secured competitive research grants, including NCN and NCBiR funding, demonstrating his leadership in high-impact projects. His work on photoelectrochemical devices earned him an international research fellowship at the Department of Technology Systems, Oslo, Norway. Additionally, he has been invited as a speaker at international conferences on electrochemistry and materials science, further solidifying his reputation in the research community. His contributions to renewable energy conversion and material synthesis continue to gain recognition, positioning him as a leading scientist in photo- and electrochemistry.
🔬Research Focus:
Dr. Krzysztof Bieńkowski’s research revolves around the development of advanced materials for energy conversion applications. His primary focus is on photo- and electrochemical processes, particularly in hydrogen generation, fuel cells, and solar energy conversion. He specializes in synthesizing semiconductors through techniques such as electrodeposition, spin coating, sol-gel, solvothermal synthesis, and micro-pulling-down methods. His expertise in surface characterization, including XPS, SIMS, AFM, STM, and Kelvin probe techniques, enables a deeper understanding of material properties. He also applies transient absorption spectroscopy and impedance analysis to study charge transfer mechanisms in energy devices. As the technical lead of the “HERA” project, he is pioneering innovations in hydrogen storage and on-demand energy systems. His multidisciplinary approach combines chemistry, nanotechnology, and artificial intelligence for optimizing material properties. Through his work, he aims to develop sustainable solutions for energy storage and conversion, addressing global challenges in renewable energy.
Publication Top Notes:
Influence of Electrolyte Composition on the Semiconductor–Electrolyte Interface (SEI) Built-In for Enhanced Photoelectrochemical (PEC) Processes
Efficient Photoelectrochemical Reduction of CO2 in Seawater with Cheap and Abundant Cu2O/Al2O3/TiO2 Electrode
3D-Printed Reactor for Coupling Photoelectrochemical (Sea)Water Splitting with Solid-State H2 Storage
Plasmonic Electrochemical Cells
Electrochemical Asymmetric Diacetoxylation of Styrenes Mediated by Chiral Iodoarene Catalyst
The Battle for the Future of SERS – TiN vs Au Thin Films with the Same Morphology