Borrowing from cell membranes, the protective barriers around cells in all living organisms, Penn State scientists have developed a new, cost-effective method for creating bio-inspired solar devices that could improve the performance of next-generation solar technology.
Systems in the Universe trend toward disorder, with only applied energy keeping the chaos at bay. The concept is called entropy, and examples can be found everywhere: ice melting, campfire burning, water boiling. Zentropy theory, however, adds another level to the mix.
Ceramics and glass are two materials that have been around since ancient times, yet many people outside of materials science are unaware of the impact they have on their lives beyond the obvious.
Researchers from the National Science Foundation-sponsored Two-Dimensional Crystal Consortium (2DCC-MIP) - Materials Innovation Platform may have come up with a solution for a bottleneck that has confounded researchers trying to develop high-quality 2D semiconductors for next generation electronics such as Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence.
There’s a barrier preventing the advent of truly elastic electronic systems, the kind needed for advanced human-machine interfaces, artificial skins, smart health care and more, but a Penn State-led research team may have found a way to stretch around it.
Next-generation electronics will feature smaller and more powerful components that require new solutions for cooling. A new thermoelectric cooler developed by Penn State scientists greatly improves the cooling power and efficiency compared to current commercial thermoelectric units and may help control heat in future high-power electronics, the researchers said.
Fifteen Penn State research labs have earned My Green Lab certifications at one of the three highest levels available: gold, platinum or green. The certification is recognized by the United Nations as a key measure toward the goal of a zero-carbon future. The Penn State Sustainable Labs Program, launched in 2022, piloted the international certification program at the University, and will welcome 25 new research labs from across the commonwealth to participate in the coming academic year. Applications are due on Aug. 10.
When President Joe Biden signed the CHIPS (Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors) and Science Act on Aug. 9, 2022, to accelerate U.S. manufacturing of semiconductors, Penn State took action. The University created the Mid-Atlantic Semiconductor Hub (MASH) with other academic partners, industry and state governments to lead and leverage the cumulative expertise in this area.
Through events, education and actions, the Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MatSE) at Penn State is committed to creating an environment that promotes diversity in the field so that the next generation of experts tasked with creating and improving materials incorporates all perspectives.
Penn State has been named one of 21 founding member institutions of Micron Technology’s newly formed Northeast University Semiconductor Network. The network, established in partnership with the National Science Foundation, will focus on enhancing curriculum and developing new research and learning opportunities to prepare the next generation of the U.S. semiconductor industry’s workforce.