Vertically-aligned nanocomposite epitaxial thin films

Over the past two decades, new discoveries and major advances have been made in the synthesis of metal-oxide thin films and understanding their physical properties. Epitaxial vertically aligned nanocomposites (VANs) and their related architectures have shown many intriguing features that are not available from conventional two-dimensional planar multilayers and heterostructures. The February, 2021 issue of MRS Bulletin will discuss the ways in which VANs have become a unique platform to host different types of materials, such as oxide:oxide, oxide:metal, metal:nitride, and nitride:nitride, for achieving various functional and mechanical properties.

This webinar will present three talks with authors from the MRS Bulletin issue. An interactive Q&A will be held with each of the speakers following their talks.

Talk presentations:

  • Tailoring Physical Functionalities of Complex Oxides by Vertically Aligned Nanocomposite Thin-Film Design
    Jijie Huang, Sun Yat-sen University
    Talk begins at 9:33
      
  • Nanopillar Composite Electrodes for Solar-Driven Water Splitting
    Mikk Lippmaa, University of Tokyo
    Talk begins at 40:30 
      
  • Lithium-based Vertically Aligned Nanocomposites for 3D Solid-State Batteries
    Mark Huijben, University of Twente
    Talk begins at 1:07:48
      

Solar Energy and the Circular Economy

The significance of energy to social and economic well-being has been increasing all around the world. Most of the energy demand is supplied by using fossil fuels, which are dominant contributors to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions resulting in global warming and further climate change. The circular economy (CE) is defined as a systems-level approach to economic development designed to benefit businesses, society, and the environment. To tackle the climate crisis, the Circular Economy (CE) offers an approach that is not only powered by renewable energy, but also transforms the way products are designed and used.

In other words, the main aim of the CE is to scale up low-carbon and efficiency solutions that will fulfill the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Struggling climate change and energy transformation are main challenges for a sustainable future. Thus, the policy makers take into accounts both ambitious plans about climate and enable business-led solutions in order to spread out and accelerate the implementation of the Paris Agreement.

The talks presented in this webinar represent work that was presented in a special section of MRS Energy & Sustainability. The talks include (i) renewable methods to produce hydrogen, which is touted as the future’s fuel and is an important feedstock for chemical industry, (ii) technologies to assist in the energy transition to the next century, (iii) renewable energy technologies particularly solar photovoltaics (PVs), which are expected to become the primary source for electricity in the next 10-15 years.

Each talk is followed by a Question and Answer session with that speaker.

TALK PRESENTATIONS

  • Renewable methods to produce hydrogen, which is touted as the future's fuel and is an important feedstock for chemical industry
    Kondo-Francois Aguey-Zinsou, University of New South Wales - Sydney
    Talk begins at 10:10
      
  • Technologies to assist in the energy transition to the next century
    Volodymyr Krasnoholovets, Institute of Physics, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine
    Talk begins at 24:33
     
  • How to avoid the perfect storm: the role of energy and photovoltaics
    Maurizio Fermeglia, University of Trieste
    Talk begins at 52:09
      

Recent Advances in FTIR Spectroscopy: Multi-range, Fast-Scan, Evolved Gas Analysis, and More

In this webinar, we discuss the fundamentals of FTIR spectroscopy and touch upon key application areas in the field of polymer chemistry, as well as learn about recent technological advances and platform modularity introduced with the new generation of FTIR instruments. This includes the fast-scanning capability and how this technique can provide valuable insights into reaction kinetics, mechanisms, and intermediate species. In addition, we will discuss new sampling accessories, such as an in-compartment, fully integrated thermogravimetric analysis module that allows for simultaneous analysis of weight-loss events and evolved gases due to thermal decomposition, making the FTIR more powerful than ever before. An interactive Q&A session follows the presentation.

Presented by PerkinElmer, Inc.

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Electromagnetic/Electric Fields in Ceramics Synthesis and Processing: Far from Equilibrium Effects

Electric and electromagnetic fields can promote far-from-equilibrium chemical reactions, phase transformations, and microstructural evolution. From an industrial standpoint, processing advanced materials using externally applied fields can have a smaller energy footprint compared to conventional methods, and as such will have a profound impact on society. The January, 2021 issue of MRS Bulletin visits some of the scientific questions that remain about the fundamental mechanisms underlying interactions of external fields with matter. More opportunities can present themselves as we expand our studies to various material systems.

This webinar will present three talks with authors from the MRS Bulletin issue. An interactive Q&A will be held with each of the speakers following their talks.

Talk presentations:

  • Flash sintering: A new frontier in defect physics and materials science
    Rishi Raj, University of Colorado
    Talk begins at 5:24

  • From Flash Sintering to Electric Field Effects on Grain Growth: Mechanisms Learnt from Studies of ZnO
    Jian Luo, University of California, San Diego
    Talk begins at 32:25
     
  • Modeling of flash sintering of ionic ceramics
    R. Edwin Garcia, Purdue University
    Talk begins at 1:04:28
       

Engineered Proteins as Multifunctional Materials

Living organisms have engineered remarkable protein-based materials through billions of years of evolution. These multifunctional materials have unparalleled mechanical, optical, and electronic properties that have served as inspiration for scientists to study and mimic. The December, 2020 issue of MRS Bulletin covers the mechanical and rheological properties of structural protein materials and nanocomposites; advancements in the synthesis and assembly of optical, electronic, and nanoscale protein materials; and recent developments in the processing of protein materials using liquid-liquid phase separation and 3D printing.

This webinar will present three talks with authors from the MRS Bulletin issue. An interactive Q&A will be held with each of the speakers following their talks.

Talk Presentations:

  • Proteins for Bio-Inspired Optical and Electronic Materials
    Sarah Glaven, Naval Research Lab
    Talk begins at 6:22
       
  • Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation of Protein and Peptides Derived from Biological Materials: Discovery, Protein Engineering, and Emerging Applications
    Ali Miserez, Nanyang Technological University
    Talk begins at 31:58
      
  • Engineered Proteins and Three-Dimensional Printing of Living Materials
    Anne Meyer, University of Rochester
    Talk begins at 1:00:41
       

Sponsored by American Elements and Anton Paar USA

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Anton Paar USA logo, clicking this takes you to the Anton Paar USA website


Processing Metallic Materials Far from Equilibrium

The field of solidification has evolved from a metallurgical alchemy to a predictive science in the past century. Rapid advances in modeling efforts and real-time experiments have yielded a wealth of new and quantitative information across relevant length- and timescales, therefore expanding our understanding of the liquid-to-solid phase transition. The articles in the November, 2020 issue of MRS Bulletin highlight recent developments in the field, including solidification at extreme rates, as well as state-of-the-art computational and experimental techniques.

This webinar will present two talks with authors from the MRS Bulletin issue. An interactive Q&A will be held with each of the speakers following their talks.

Talk Presentations:

  • Solute Trapping in Rapid Solidification
    Nikolas Provatas, McGill University
    (Q&A with) Tatu Pinomaa, TT Technical Research Centre of Finland
    Talk begins at 12:01
       
  • Imaging Transient Solidification Behavior
    Amy Clarke, Colorado School of Mines
    Talk begins at 49:02

Sponsored by American Elements

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Industrial Research & Development in 2020 - an MRS Communications 10th Anniversary Event Featuring David Morse of Corning, Inc.

For nearly 170 years, Corning Incorporated – a leading innovator in materials science – has applied its deep expertise in glass and ceramic sciences and in optical physics to develop innovative products that transform industries and enhance people’s lives. Corning succeeds through sustained investment in research and development, a unique combination of material and process innovation, and close collaboration with leading, global customers to solve tough materials technology challenges.

In this talk, invited guest speaker, Dr. David Morse will speak on the state of industrial R&D at Corning in 2020 and share some of the exciting new materials and process innovations that are enabling the company’s newest technologies – from air filtration technologies for pollution abatement to ubiquitous displays protected by new strengthened glass compositions; from pharmaceutical glass packaging that enhances the storage and delivery of drugs to glass and ceramic continuous flow reactors that enable inherently safer, efficient chemical manufacturing.

Following his talk, a panel of Corning researchers will discuss the current state of materials research in industry.

This event is presented in conjunction with the MRS Communications 10th Anniversary celebration.

Talk Presentation:

  • Industrial R&D at Corning in 2020
    David Morse, Corning Incorporated
    Talk begins at 5:56


COVID-19 Impacts on Energy and Sustainability Aspects of Materials Supply Chains

This interactive event will address how the pandemic has impacted sustainability aspects of material supply chains, including energy, environmental, and human health impacts of products such as personal protective equipment and batteries. Discussion to include such topics as:

· How has the pandemic impacted energy and sustainability aspects of material supply chains, including PPE, batteries, and commodities?

· What opportunities are there for materials innovation to drive sustainable solutions in the midst of a pandemic?

· What role do factors such as government policies, market factors, and customer priorities play?

· What long-lasting sustainability-related supply chain impacts (positive and negative) might we expect?

This program is organized by MRS’ Focus on Sustainability Subcommittee, The MRS Energy & Sustainability journal, and the F2020/S2020 Meeting Symposium GI01.

Funding provided by the National Science Foundation.

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Sponsored by Goodfellow

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A New Method for Multi-Carrier Hall Analysis of Low-Mobility Materials

The Hall effect is the primary method to measure carrier density, mobility, and carrier type of materials. In some materials, more than one carrier can exist in the sample. This webinar will explore the application of a novel Hall measurement protocol, one based on the reverse-field reciprocity theorem, AC current, and variable field for obtaining Hall data for multi-carrier analysis of such materials, including those with low mobilities. It will detail how this method allows for more precise characterization of certain multi-carrier semiconductor devices and at faster speeds when compared with traditional AC and DC field Hall techniques.

Talk begins at 2:48

   

Presented by Lake Shore Cryotronics

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Materials Science for COVID-19: A Global Discussion Between Scientists

COVID-19 has clearly affected all aspects of life, from schools and universities shutting down to full scale government implemented quarantines to an alarming number of deaths. While the world is struggling to get back to some sort of normalcy and waiting for a vaccine, scientists all over the world have been designing new SARS-Cov-2 diagnostic kits, methods to inhibit spreading, and therapeutic treatments despite lab closures and other research resrictions. This webinar will bring together researchers from all around the world to discuss novel material science approaches for stopping the COVID-19 pandemic and to how we can be better prepared for the next one.

Talk Presentations:

  • COVID-19: A Global Discussion Between Scientists
    Thomas Webster
    Talk begins at 5:18
       
  • Summary of Clinical Efficacy of Convalescent Plasma for Treatment of COVID-19
    Loganathan Rangasamy, Vellore Institute of Technology
    Talk begins at 35:40
       
  • Physiological polyanions interacting with the SARS-CoV-2 virus-cell-docking machinery: A successful approach to block binding of the virus to the target cells
    Werner Muller, Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz
    Talk begins at 1:03:59