Interfacial Phase Transitions: Solving Old Materials Science Problems and Tackling New Energy Challenges
Jian Luo, PhD
School of Materials Science and Engineering, Clemson University
ABSTRACT
A piece of ice melts at 0 °C, but a nanometer-thick surface layer of the ice can melt at tens of degrees below zero. This interfacial phenomenon, known as “premelting,” was first recognized by Faraday in 1842. Recent studies of analogous but more complex interfacial phase phenomena shed light on several outstanding scientific problems that have been puzzled the materials science community for 50-100 years, including the origins and atomic-level mechanisms of activated sintering, liquid metal embrittlement, and abnormal grain growth. Furthermore, a potentially transformative concept is to intentionally utilize nanoscale interfacial phases to achieve superior properties that are not attainable by conventional bulk phases. Our recent research projects in this area investigate a variety of advanced materials for energy related applications, including lithium ion battery materials, supported oxide catalysts, liquid metal embrittlement/corrosion systems for applications in nuclear power systems, photocatalysts and photovoltaic materials, and several high-temperature alloys for improving energy efficiency.
Bio: Jian Luo graduated from Tsinghua University with dual Bachelor's degrees, one in Materials Science and Engineering and another in Electronics and Computer Technology. He received his M.S. in Materials Science and Engineering in 1999, and his Ph.D. in Ceramics in 2001, both from M.I.T.. After graduation, he worked with Lucent Technologies/OFS. In 2003, he left the industry and joined the Clemson faculty. He received an NSF CAREER award in 2005 and an AFOSR Young Investigator award in 2007. Luo’s group is conducting fundamental studies on solid interfaces and their roles in controlling materials fabrication and properties. Current projects, funded by NSF, AFOSR, ONR, DOE Office of Basic Energy Science and New Energy Technology Laboratory, are focused on utilizing nanoscale interfacial phenomena to design and tailor materials for energy-related applications.