2023 MRS Fall Meeting Best Poster Awards

Selected by the Meeting Chairs on the basis of the poster’s technical content, appearance, graphic excellence and presentation quality (not necessarily equally weighted).

Monday

Monday poster winners: Andrea Corazza (University of Basel), Fan Feng (The University of Melbourne), Xiaolin Guo (University of Louisville), Sangmin Song (Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul National University), Taemin Kim (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology). 

Tuesday

Tuesday  poster winners: Hyuk Jae (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology), Ana Palacios Saura (Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie, Freie Universität Berlin), Anna Goestenkors (Washington University in St. Louis), Áine Coogan (Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin), Kayla Hellikson (Texas A&M University). 

Wednesday

Wednesday poster winners: Andre Niyongabo Rubungo (Princeton University), Ahyoung Jeong (Sungkyunkwan University), Marios Constantinou (University of Cyprus), Shawn Michael Maguire (Princeton University), Ross Kerner (National Renewable Energy Laboratory), Chenyang Shi (PNNL). 

Symposium QT03: Higher-Order Topological Structures in Real Space—From Charge to Spin

Laura Bégon-Lours, IBM Research & ETH Zürich

Ferroelectric Hafnia Superlattices for Bio-Inspired Computing OnDemand

Written by Matthew Nakamura

Laura Bégon-Lours of IBM Research & ETH Zürich delivered an insightful talk emphasizing the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and environmental sustainability. She acknowledged AI’s aptitude in rapid learning and prediction and highlighted the imperative for energy-efficient solutions to align with greenhouse gas emission goals. Bégon-Lours detailed the innovative use of ferroelectric materials, specifically HZO-SL (ferroelectric HfO₂/ZrO₂ superlattices), in crafting synaptic weights for in-memory deep neural networks. Overcoming challenges such as large voltages and footprint issues, the research team achieved sub-volt programming and significantly reduced the footprint. The integration of HZO-SL devices into the Back-End-Of-Line of CMOS was successfully demonstrated, showcasing remarkable properties, including a large On/Off ratio, ultra-fast switching, linear readout, and high endurance. This work presents a promising outlook in applying these advancements in hardware for artificial neural networks, thereby supporting bio-inspired computing. The talk signifies a crucial step toward deploying AI responsibly utilizing cutting-edge technologies.

Symposium DS06: Integrating Machine Learning with Simulations for Accelerated Materials Modeling

Sergei Manzhos, Tokyo Institute of Technology

Neural Networks with Optimized Neuron Activation Functions and Without Nonlinear Optimization or How to Prevent Overfitting, Cut CPU Cost and Get Physical Insight All at Once

Written by Matthew Nakamura

Sergei Manzhos, a professor at Tokyo Institute of Technology, explained the challenges and innovations in applying neural networks (NN) to materials science and computational chemistry. Emphasizing NN's vital role in diverse applications, Manzhos highlighted their expressive power and generality, albeit at the expense of CPU-intensive parameter optimization and susceptibility to overfitting. Addressing these issues, he proposed a method involving rule-based parameter definitions, eliminating the need for nonlinear optimization. Additionally, optimal neuron activation functions tailored to specific neurons were introduced, enhancing NN's expressiveness. By leveraging additive Gaussian process regression, Manzhos demonstrated a novel approach combining NN's power with linear regression’s robustness. Notably, the method showcased resistance to overfitting with an increased number of neurons. The talk underscored the versatility of this approach, facilitating insights in physics and computational chemistry through modified parameter rules.

Symposium DS06: Integrating Machine Learning with Simulations for Accelerated Materials Modeling

Pinar Acar, Virginia Tech

Materials Informatics for Computational and Machine Learning (ML)-Assisted Design: An Overview for Polycrystalline Metals and Mechanical Metamaterials

Written by Matthew Nakamura

Pinar Acar of Virginia Tech provided a comprehensive overview of computational methods developed by her group for optimizing metals and metamaterials at the micro-scale. The presentation began by outlining numerical approaches to assess the crystallographic texture and grain topology of polycrystalline metals, alongside a shape descriptor method for modeling mechanical metamaterials. These computational characterization techniques were seamlessly integrated into homogenization schemes for deriving mechanical properties. Acar then delved into the challenges posed by manufacturing-related uncertainties and defects, emphasizing the importance of design under uncertainty formulations. Acar discussed strategies for addressing forward and inverse design problems to enhance the elasto-plastic properties of materials. Notably, she talked about the integration of artificial intelligence/machine learning techniques into physics-informed materials models for accelerating design processes, showcasing applications in both conventional and additive manufacturing. The talk concluded with demonstrations of ML-driven design approaches for polycrystalline metals and mechanical metamaterials.

Symposium QT03: Higher-Order Topological Structures in Real Space—From Charge to Spin

Yukako Fujishiro, RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science

Topological Phase Transitions in Chiral Magnets

Written by Matthew Nakamura

Yukako Fujishiro of RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science presented her work on topological chiral crystals, exploring their fascinating spin textures and multi-fold Weyl Fermions, promising unique electromagnetic responses. The discussion centered on exotic phase transitions observed in systems, highlighting transitions between skymion and emergent magnetic monopole. Additionally, attention was drawn to manganese germanide’s distinctive transport properties linked to the nontrivial unwinding process of emergent magnetic monopole under a magnetic field. Notably, Fujishiro presented recent research on high-pressure manipulation of multi-fold Weyl Fermions in B20-type magnets, resulting in a metal-to-insulator transition and magnetic quantum criticality with unconventional magneto-transport properties. The talk illuminated the intriguing realms of topological chiral crystals and their potential applications in diverse physical phenomena.

Thank you!

While the 2023 MRS Fall Meeting & Exhibit came to conclusion with the end of The Virtual Experience on December 7^th, Meeting content will be available online to registered participants through the end of January 2024.

Our congratulations go to the 2023 MRS Fall Meeting Chairs Derya Baran, Alexandra Boltasseva, Julien Pernot, Kristofer Reyes, and Jonathan Rivnay for putting together an excellent technical program along with various special events. MRS would also like to thank all the Symposium Organizers and Session Chairs for their part in the success of this Meeting. A thank you goes to the Exhibitors, Symposium Support, and to the sponsors of the Meeting and of the special events and activities.

Contributors to news on the 2023 MRS Fall Meeting & Exhibit include Meeting Scene reporters  Birgül Akolpoglu, Sophia Chen, Alison Hatt, Corrisa Heyes, Ankita Mathur, Matt Nakamura, Mruganka Parasnis, MD Afzalur Rab, Rahul Rao, Vineeth Venugopal, and Elizabeth Wilson; bloggers Cecilia Hong and Utkarsh Misra; and graphic artist Stephanie Gabborin; with newsletter production by Jason Zimmerman.

Thank you for subscribing to the MRS Meeting Scene newsletters. We hope you enjoyed reading them and continue your subscription as we launch into the 2024 MRS Spring Meeting & Exhibit. The conversation already started at #S24MRS! We welcome your comments and feedback.

Symposium DS04: Accelerating Data-Driven Materials Research for Energy Applications

Roman Garnett, Washington University in St. Luis

Active Search for Efficient Discovery of Visible Light-Activated Azoarene Photoswitches with Long Half-Lives

Written by Matthew Nakamura and Md Afzalur Rab

A photoswitch is a kind of molecule that can transform its structure, geometry, and chemical properties when the molecule is excited with electromagnetic radiation. In this talk, Roman Garnett from Washington University of St. Luis discussed an uncommon statistical method called “active search”— a variant of Bayesian optimization—to discover potential azoarene photoswitches.

In statistics, sequential analysis is a kind of hypothetical testing where the sample size is not known in advance. So the data are tested as they are collected and sampling is stopped according to some predefined rules. Bayesian optimization is a type of sequential analysis, where the size of samples are taken as undefined. Bayesian optimization is useful to test black box type functions where only inputs and outputs are known but intermediate processes are unknown.

Garnett highlighted the challenge of identifying rare, valuable subsets of photoswitches within a vast pool of possibilities and introduced nonmyopic-yet-efficient policies to address this complexity. Garnett emphasized the significance of active search in optimizing the discovery process, particularly where optimizing specific properties is crucial to overall performance of new materials. The discussion also showcased a successful application of active search to the discovery of photoswitches with desirable properties. Overall, Garnett’s talk provided valuable insights into the potential of intelligent experimental design utilizing active search to enhance the efficiency of discovery processes in various scientific domains.

Symposium SB08: Bio-Based Polymers and Composites for Sustainable Manufacturing

Written by Mruganka Parasnis

Liesl Schindler, Trillium

Sustainable Manufacturing of Acrylonitrile

Trillium Renewable Chemicals is scaling up a sustainable alternative to acrylamide. Acrylonitrile has been used in aerospace, Legos, and automobile industries and this will benefit the consumers and government. Glycerol, the starting product can undergo dehydration and ammoxidation to acetonitrile which is a biobased alternative and can be commercialized. A lab-scale synthesis is performed, and it will scale to a pilot scale testing which will be optimized and conducted further. It will then be validated and processed and used for applications in various industries. The final stage is still in progress where the market deployment is to be continued for multiple applications until 2026 to provide customers volumes of samples. The alternative can produce low carbon footprint acrylonitrile product.

Adnan Memic, King AbdulAziz University

Lignin/PBS Filaments for 3D Fused Deposition Modeling of Medical Orthoses

Cutting-edge technology is the need of the hour to solve many challenges in the pharmaceutical and biomedical industry. It can be overcome through 3D printing. Combining 3D printing with nanotechnology can be used to develop new materials and engineer unique properties for reconstructing bone, controlled drug delivery, and injectable biomaterials. Adnan Memic reported that the 3D printing method can have applications in fabricating bracing materials. It was combined with lignin that is the second most abundant biomaterial. Lignin PBS was tested for its rheological and mechanical properties using a custom-built extrusion instrument. Parameters such as temperature and speed were optimized to produce a film of desired diameter. The concentration of lignin was optimized for producing a smooth film observed through SEM. Studies were conducted to coat nanomaterials on lignin PBS, acting as an antioxidant and an antibacterial agent that can eliminate body odors when placed on body. The next step of this study is the durability and biodegradability testing of the film.

David Zamora Cisneros, McGill University

Mussel Byssus as a Green Fiber Manufacturing Platform

Taking inspiration from nature’s manufacturing processes, an attempt was made to mimic mussel byssus (a thread fabricated by marine mussels) as a sustainable functional method. David Zamora Cisneros reported that collagen obtained from mussel byssus has a self-assembly, self-healing, and enhanced mechanical properties. The objectives were to study the stability of this material under thermodynamic driving force, attain vesicle-vesicle interactions and fiber formation under flow conditions. Studies were conducted to characterize the free energy landscape using parametrization in terms of order parameters and was used to describe smectic LCs. Classical curvatures such as gaussian and mean and new soft matter geometric methods were applied to the energy landscape using quenching regimes. Modelling was performed using the Landau-de Gennes model for Isotropic Smectic A phase transition. Mathematical tools such as level set curves, steepest descent, lines of curvature, and geodesics were used, and equations were used to predict the temperature changes using a phase diagram. Stability changes were observed as the temperature increased. Smectic was stable at most temperatures. Level- set curves helped to locate the possible states present. Steepest descent and stability criteria determined the tendency of the states to follow as the temperature was varied. Geodesics connecting the stable points were found to have a linear trend within the energy landscape framework.

Symposium EN01: Energy Solutions for Unconventional Applications

Huolin Xin, University of California Irvine 

Advancing Solid Polymer Electrolytes: Enhancing Ionic Conductivity, Transference Number and Li0-SSB Cycle Life Through Conduction Mechanism Design and Integration of Zero-Strain Cathodes

Written by Matthew Nakamura

In his invited talk, Dr. Huolin Xin from the University of California, Irvine discussed advancements in solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) for energy storage applications. He highlighted the challenges faced by SPEs, such as limited room-temperature ionic conductivity and non-selective ion transport, and proposed methodologies to overcome these issues. Xin emphasized the importance of finely tuning the composition of SPEs to achieve high conductivity at room temperature. Additionally, he introduced innovative strategies for single-ion conduction, significantly improving the transference number to unity. Furthermore, Xin explored the integration of zero-strain cathodes in Li0-SSB full cells, addressing strain-related issues and substantially enhancing cycle life. The presentation included experimental results demonstrating improved performance, such as a high capacity retention of 91% after 400 cycles. Xin’s research extended to sodium-ion systems, showcasing promising results with the addition of plasticizers like fluoroethylene carbonate, leading to conformal solid electrolyte interphase formation and improved sodium deposition morphology. The talk concluded with a glimpse into next-generation solid electrolytes, coupled with zero-strain cathodes, demonstrating over 2,000 cycles of cycle life and practical applicability in lithium metal solid batteries. Overall, Xin’s findings contribute to advancing the field of solid polymer electrolytes and their application in energy storage.

Symposium EL19: Atomically-Thin 2D Materials and Heterostructures—Synthesis, Properties and Applications

Medini Padmanabhan, Rhode Island College

Potential, Scope and Limitations of Liquid Interface Assembly as a Technique for Synthesizing 2D Thin Films

Written by Mruganka Parasnis

Solution fabrication of large-area thin films with 2D materials is an active field of study. In the work of Medini Padmanabhan  and colleagues, natural graphite and MoS₂ flakes at a heptane-water interface spread out and arranged themselves as a thin film at the interface. The second step was transferred to a glass substrate. Two properties were combined: the light absorbing properties of MoS₂ and the high conductivity of graphite to make composite films that exhibit photoconductivity. The flakes arranged themselves in a single layer and resisted stacking. The conductivity of the film was correlated with its porosity. It was an effective technique for combining it into a single layer.