Humaira Rafique is a motivated researcher, currently working as a Research Fellow at CENIMAT|i3N, NOVA School of Science and
Technology (FCT NOVA). She completed her Master’s in Physics (MS) from COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI), Lahore Campus,
Pakistan (08/2020–09/2022), graduating among the top 5% of her cohort. During her coursework, she specialized in advanced
topics such as nanotechnology, renewable energy systems, quantum physics, and computational methods, which ignited her passion
for sustainable optoelectronic materials. Her research journey began at the Clean Energy Research Lab (CERL) under the supervision
of Dr. Rizwan Raza, where she conducted her master’s thesis titled “Electronic Structure and Photocatalysis Properties of
Hetero Bilayered Materials”. She synthesized semiconductor photocatalysts and characterized them using XRD, Raman, FTIR, CV,
LSV, UV-PL spectroscopy. Post-master’s, she continued at CERL as a Lab Assistant, investigating layered carbide materials
for energy applications. In 2023, Humaira expanded her expertise by joining Shenzhen University (SZU), China, as a Junior
Researcher, focusing on halide perovskite quantum dots (QDs) for blue light-emitting diodes (LEDs). She systematically explored
ligand chemistry and concentrations to enhance optoelectronic properties, achieving high photoluminescence quantum yields
(PLQY) through surface passivation. Since June 2024, at CENIMAT|i3N, Humaira has synthesized colloidal perovskite QDs using
ligand-assisted reprecipitation (LARP) and hot-injection methods, targeting tunable bandgaps (visible to near-infrared) and
thermal stability (>150°C). Her work includes developing eco-friendly QDs for luminescent paints and light-emitting devices,
with applications in smart automotive laminates (dynamic luminescent graphics, light-responsive dashboards) and energy-efficient
smart wall coatings. She employs silica encapsulation to enhance moisture/oxygen resistance, ensuring stability in harsh
environments. In addition to QD fabrication, she has gained hands-on experience in LED fabrication, utilizing techniques such
as electron-beam evaporation, AJA sputtering, profilometry, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and tabletop SEM. Humaira’s innovations align
with the $51 billion global QD market (IMARC 2033 projection) and sustainability goals, leveraging lead-free perovskite QDs
and cadmium-free InP QDs. Her research supports next-gen QLEDs (>90% Rec. 2020 gamut coverage) and high efficiency photovoltaics.
She aims to pioneer QD-based electroluminescent paints and high-resolution displays through scalable synthesis. Her goal is
to bridge academia and industry, driving innovations that align with the EU Green Deal and global sustainability imperatives.