Rice University materials scientist Boris Yakobson has secured $4.1 million in federal funding to advance cutting-edge materials research. The awards from the Department of Energy and Department of Defense will support three distinct projects addressing critical challenges in advanced materials production and performance.
Mapping the Future of Electronics
The flagship project, backed by $2.1 million from the DOE, focuses on developing predictive models for synthesizing 2D materials like graphene and borophene. Yakobson’s team aims to automate the discovery of new synthesis pathways that could revolutionize production methods for materials essential in next-generation electronics and energy applications.
Military Applications in Extreme Conditions
The DOD has allocated $2.03 million for two complementary projects. One investigates composite material interfaces, while another examines how energetic materials behave under extreme non-equilibrium conditions. These studies could lead to breakthroughs in military and aerospace technologies.
From Theory to Industrial Application
“We’re not just studying known materials,” Yakobson explained. “We’re developing methods to discover entirely new materials and simplify production of existing ones that currently require exotic, expensive techniques.” The research builds on Yakobson Group’s previous work with transition metal dichalcogenides and other 2D systems.
Accelerating Materials Innovation
The combined funding represents a significant investment in fundamental materials science with potential applications ranging from flexible electronics to national defense systems. Yakobson’s interdisciplinary approach bridges theoretical modeling with practical synthesis challenges, positioning Rice University at the forefront of advanced materials research.
Related Topics: