Skip to main content
Integrating robotics, materials science to capture solar energy

materials science and engineering

image shows an orderly array of blue cubes, with a network of silver spheres descending from it

May 30, 2024

Researchers create materials with unique combo of stiffness, thermal insulation

This combination of properties is extremely unusual and holds promise for applications such as thermal insulation coatings for electronics. 
NC State gateway at sunset

Oct 23, 2023

Yang named Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Dr. Ge Yang, Professor of Nuclear Engineering at North Carolina State University, has been named Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC). This prestigious designation is presented to senior scientists/professionals whose invaluable experience, expertise and commitment promote the value of chemical science. 
From the left, an array of dots becomes ball-and-stick molecular models. Next are electron microscope images of nanostructured particles and on the right, a lifelike network of filaments. A wavy surface traced out by a grid overlays the sequence of images.

Sep 8, 2023

Largest U.S. investment in particle self-assembly seeks to deliver on nanotechnology’s promise

Media Contact: Katherine McAlpine, 734-647-7087, kmca@umich.edu With applications in transportation, energy, health care and more, the center includes African universities and creates opportunities for overlooked… 
NC State metal gateway sculpture silhouetted against the sky

Jul 31, 2023

Researchers grow high quality superconductor, find resilience against magnetic fields

Researchers have demonstrated the ability to grow high-quality thin films of a recently discovered superconductor called potassium tantalate. 
NC State Memorial Belltower

Mar 14, 2023

Technique offers new insight into how materials respond to stresses

The work can be used to inform the development of everything from new electronic devices to high-performance textiles. 
An artist's drawing of a microscopic view of a rectangular section of a solar cell (light brown) and two circular closeups of oxygen molecules (pink) and ions (blue) in channels (grey) on the upper left and upper right of the rectangle.

Feb 28, 2023

Corralling ions improves viability of next generation solar cells

The finding paves the way for a new generation of lighter, more flexible, and more efficient solar cell technologies suitable for practical use. 
NC State gateway at sunset

Feb 14, 2023

Chiral phonons create spin current without needing magnetic materials

Chiral phonons can convert wasted heat into spin – without needing magnetic materials to do it. 

Feb 10, 2023

Make them thin enough, and antiferroelectric materials become ferroelectric

Researchers have now discovered a size threshold beyond which antiferroelectrics lose their properties, becoming ferroelectric. 
From left, Nathan Woodward, Aram Amassian and Tonhui Wang examine a microscope slide. The three wear white lab coats, and Wang, who is holding the slide, wears black gloves.

Nov 7, 2022

Integrating robotics, materials science to capture solar energy

In developing more effective solar panels cells, NC State researchers are establishing more inclusive, accessible ways to do science.