Materials science and engineering

A new machine-learning system for analyzing materials “recipes” uses a variational autoencoder, which squeezes data (left-hand circles) down into a more compact form (center circles) before attempting to re-expand it into its original form (right-hand circles). If the autoencoder is successfully trained, the compact representation will capture the data’s most salient characteristics.

Can computers help us synthesize new materials?

Machine-learning system finds patterns in materials “recipes,” even when training data is lacking.

December 21, 2017

This experimental setup was used by the team to measure the electrical output of a sample of solar cell material, under controlled conditions of varying temperature and illumination. The data from those tests was then used as the basis for computer modeling using statistical methods to predict the overall performance of the material in real-world operating conditions.

New technique allows rapid screening for new types of solar cells

Approach could bypass the time-consuming steps currently needed to test new photovoltaic materials.

December 20, 2017

A molten hanging droplet, or pendant (at center), forms from an aluminum oxide rod under intense heat and light from xenon lamps. Using this process, MIT researchers have demonstrated a new electrochemical method to study thermodynamic processes in a molten oxide melt at temperatures above 2,000 degrees Celsius.

Capturing the properties of very hot compounds

MIT researchers demonstrate a new electrochemical method to study thermodynamic processes in an ultra-high temperature molten oxide.

December 14, 2017

MIT engineers have devised a 3-D printing technique that uses a new kind of ink made from genetically programmed living cells.

Engineers 3-D print a “living tattoo”

New technique 3-D prints programmed cells into living devices for first time.

December 5, 2017

A slight mismatch between the hexagonal structures of molybdenum disulfide and tungsten diselenide creates a strain that can be released by the formation of a "5|7 dislocation," in which two hexagons collapse to form a pentagon and a heptagon. Reactions with molybdenum disulfide in the environment cause the dislocation to move deeper into the tungsten diselenide, drawing a nanowire of molybdenum d...

New nanowires are just a few atoms thick

Subnanometer-scale channels in 2-D materials could point toward future electronics, solar cells.

December 4, 2017

MIT AIM Photonics Academy Executive Director Lionel Kimerling speaks during a meeting at Stonehill College in Easton, Massachusetts, on Nov. 14. “With the help of the state, Massachusetts can be the Silicon Valley for the growth of ultra-high performance communications systems using integrated photonics,” he said.

MIT's AIM Photonics Academy looks to expand

Recent Stonehill College meeting puts laser focus on plan to grow and enhance regional integrated photonics education and training.

November 30, 2017

MIT President L. Rafael Reif welcomes family, colleagues, friends, former students, and other associates of the late MIT Institute Professor Mildred “Millie” Dresselhaus to a symposium celebrating her life and career.

Celebrating Millie

Symposium commemorates the life and career of pioneering professor and beloved mentor Mildred Dresselhaus.

November 29, 2017

Micrographs of a metal surface after impact by metal particles. Craters are formed due to melting of the surface from the impact.

How to get sprayed metal coatings to stick

When spraying metal coatings, melting hurts rather than helps, MIT research reveals.

November 22, 2017

Assistant Professor Admir Masic uses an x-ray fluorescence spectrometer to analyze ancient materials in Italy. Masic is at the forefront of an “antiqua-inspired” approach to new materials, which considers how ancient successes can be leveraged for the creation of new, sustainable materials.

A new perspective on ancient materials inspires future innovation

Professor Admir Masic is at the forefront of the ‘antiqua-inspired’ method for more sustainable materials.

November 20, 2017

Dorothy Hosler and John D. Sterman have been elected as fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).

Two MIT faculty elected 2017 AAAS Fellows

Dorothy Hosler and John Sterman are among those recognized for their efforts to advance science.

November 20, 2017

MIT postdoc, Grace Han, handles a new chemical composite that could provide an alternative to fuel by functioning as a kind of thermal battery.

A new way to store thermal energy

MIT researchers create material for a chemical heat “battery” that could release its energy on demand.

November 16, 2017

A photograph shows regenerated helical silk fibers colored by Rhodamine dyes, under UV light.

How to build better silk

Reconstituted silk can be several times stronger than the natural fiber and made in different forms.

November 9, 2017

Graduate student Ingrid Guha holds a jar containing a clear liquid that looks like water to the naked eye, but it’s actually an emulsion of oil and water at the nanoscale.

A new way to mix oil and water

Condensation-based method developed at MIT could create stable nanoscale emulsions.

November 8, 2017

A new material produced by Juejun Hu and his team can be repeatedly stretched without losing its optical properties.

Researchers develop flexible, stretchable photonic devices

Light-based devices could be used as biomedical sensors or as flexible connectors for electronics.

November 7, 2017

Institute Professor Sallie "Penny" Chisholm presents her research on Prochlorococcus to the CEE community — including alumni — at the CEE New Research Reception.

Research for global needs, present and future

New Research Reception gives alumni and the community an inside look at research and initiatives in Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.