Celebrating Excellence in Materials Research: Highlights from the MRS Awards and Lightning Talks

Written by Vineeth Venugopal

At the 2024 MRS Fall Meeting & Exhibit, three distinguished researchers were recognized for their groundbreaking contributions to materials research. Introduced by Lia Stanciu, chair of the MRS Awards Committee, the session showcased the diverse achievements of the award recipients, followed by an engaging question and answer (Q&A) session. Stanciu highlighted the Society’s commitment to equality and encouraged the community to continue identifying and nominating exceptional colleagues for recognition.

The award recipients shared concise overviews of their work, illuminating topics ranging from two-dimensional (2D) materials and renewable energy to high-pressure nanomaterials synthesis. Following are summaries of the award recipients’ presentations.

Babak Anasori: Kavli Early Career Lectureship in Materials Science

Atomic Order-Disorder and Compositional Tunability in 2D MXenes

Babak Anasori from Purdue University opened the session with his insights into 2D metal carbides and nitrides, collectively known as MXenes. These materials, discovered in 2018, offer vast compositional flexibility and have emerged as a powerful platform for exploring atomic-scale order and disorder.

Anasori explained how MXenes are synthesized through exfoliation techniques that create few-layer structures of transition metals. His laboratory focuses on synthesis and fundamental understanding in MXenes, leveraging the material’s atomic thinness to study solute behavior at defects. By systematically examining 72 phases of these materials, his research team developed an “alpha parameter” to characterize segregation behaviors, demonstrating that randomness in the system only emerges when incorporating up to seven elements.

With applications ranging from electromagnetic shielding to high-entropy systems, Mxenes’ unique properties allow for unprecedented tunability. Anasori’s work exemplifies how detailed exploration of materials behavior at the atomic level can drive innovation in extreme environments and energy conversion technologies.

The Kavli Foundation is dedicated to advancing science for the benefit of humanity, promoting public understanding of scientific research and supporting scientists and their work.

Fudong Han: MRS Robinson Science and Technology Award for Renewable Energy

Solidifying Batteries for Safe and Reliable Energy Storage

Fudong Han from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute addressed the critical need for next-generation energy storage technologies. With renewable energy becoming the second most prevalent electricity source in the United States, Han emphasized the importance of solving the mismatch between energy production and demand, commonly referred to as the “duck curve.” Solid-state batteries, he argued, could play a transformative role in addressing this challenge.

Han’s research takes a bottom-up approach to understanding battery technologies, focusing on interfaces, charge transport, and cathode materials synthesis. He highlighted the potential of solid electrolytes to enhance battery performance by offering high lithium-ion conductivity and electrochemical stability. However, he also pointed out challenges such as voltage instability and electronic conductivity in these systems.

His research team has developed innovative solutions, including multilayer electrolytes and electronically insulating interlayers, to improve cycling performance and reduce decomposition at high voltages. While fundamental and manufacturing challenges remain, Han’s work sets the stage for safer, more efficient batteries capable of supporting a fully decarbonized energy grid by 2050.

MRS acknowledges the generosity of Sophie Robinson for endowing this award in memory of her father, Nelson "Buck" Robinson.

Hongyou Fan: MRS Medal

Pressure-Induced Synthesis and Characterization for Materials Exploration and Discovery

Hongyou Fan from Sandia National Laboratories concluded the presentations with a discussion on pressure-induced synthesis as a tool for materials discovery. Fan’s innovative approach involves using high pressures to manipulate nanoparticle assemblies, creating new material structures and functionalities.

Fan explained how nanoparticles, typically stabilized by organic ligands, can be driven to assemble into one-dimensional nanowires or other structures under extreme pressures. By subjecting gold nanoparticles to pressures exceeding 9 GPa, his research team observed irreversible transformations into hexagonal structures. Similar techniques have been applied to CdSe nanowires and Fe₃O₄ nanoparticle chains, resulting in materials with unique luminescent and magnetic properties.

To scale up this technology, Fan’s laboratory employs magnetic pulsed power systems capable of generating pressures of 12 GPa in just 200 nanoseconds. This rapid and systematic method enables precise tuning of interparticle distances, opening new avenues for nanomaterials synthesis and applications in electronics and photonics.

MRS acknowledges the generosity of Dr. Gwo-Ching Wang and Dr. Toh-Ming Lu for endowing the MRS Medal

Joint Q&A Session

The session concluded with an engaging Q&A where the award recipients shared insights on their work and professional journeys.

• Advice for Early-Career Researchers:
  Babak Anasori encouraged young scientists to find a path that resonates with their passion, emphasizing that challenges are universal across academia, industry, and national laboratories. Han echoed this sentiment, adding that “intelligent freedom” and collaboration with bright peers make research fulfilling. Fan stressed the importance of patience, noting that his first paper took nearly four years to complete.
  
  
• Overcoming Challenges:
  Each award recipient reflected on the persistence required to navigate setbacks. Anasori described how his laboratory faced repeated failures over six years before achieving success in MXene synthesis. Han shared his experience of adapting mentoring strategies for different students, while Fan highlighted the value of resilience in publishing high-quality papers.
  
  
• Future Directions:
  The discussion also touched on future challenges and opportunities in their respective fields. Anasori speculated on the scalability of MXenes, envisioning sizes up to 30 microns. Han identified sulfides and halides as promising materials for solid-state batteries, while Fan explored the potential for pressure-induced synthesis to create new 2D materials.
  
  

Conclusion

The MRS awards and lightning talks showcased the extraordinary contributions of Babak Anasori, Fudong Han, and Hongyou Fan to the field of materials science. Their work not only exemplifies the innovative spirit of the materials research community but also highlights the transformative potential of curiosity-driven science.

As Stanciu aptly noted, MRS remains committed to fostering a culture of excellence and inclusion, ensuring that the most deserving voices in materials research are recognized and celebrated. This session not only honored the accomplishments of the award recipients but also inspired attendees to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the field.