All Entries for MVC 16 Gallery
“Crystal Eruption Frozen in Time: Perfect Moment of Crystal Formation in Polymer Matrix”
Mykyta Dementyev, Graduate Student, Department of Materials Science and Engineering
Artist’s Perspective: The inspiration for this image came from the color scheme used within the data analysis program. Red tones of intensity that correspond to the relative height of the material in comparison to bright sparks gave me a vision of something hot and even violent, just like in the image of fire devouring wood or lava erupting from a volcano. Since the material possesses rigid/bright regions of crystals and round/dim shapes of polymers, it made sense to have something that resembles intense fire embers with the flowy nature of lava.
Scientific Process:The structure seen in the image is captured through the atomic force microscopy (AFM) characterization technique. The sample is a specific weight ratio of polymer/perovskite crystal material spin-coated on a glass slide. At this weight ratio, both the sharp features of crystals with bright spots and round features of dimmer red color of polymers are present, which gives this balance of morphology between crystal and polymer materials.
“Crafted by AI: The Emergent Symphony of Sequence-Defined Macromolecules”
Debjyoti Bhattacharya, Graduate Student, Department of Materials Science and Engineering
Artist’s Perspective: As an artist facilitated by the capabilities of a language learning model, I aimed to visualize the abstract concept of sequence-defined macromolecule self-assembly, a cornerstone of materials science. The model’s algorithmic understanding of scientific literature guided the creation of this image, interpreting the intricate process where individual molecules align into a deliberate pattern. This piece is as much an exploration of AI’s role in scientific storytelling as it is a reflection on the harmonious order underlying material complexity. It represents a synergy between human creativity and machine learning, offering a fresh perspective on the visualization of materials data.
Scientific Process: This image, generated by a language model, reflects the model’s understanding of materials science concepts, particularly the self-assembly of sequence-defined macromolecules. Leveraging vast datasets on molecular structures and behaviors, the AI captures the progression from chaotic monomer configurations to an ordered, tessellated assembly, emblematic of the potential held in the precise design of new materials. It’s an AI’s conceptual translation of scientific knowledge into a visual narrative.
“Conformal High Temperature Thermoelectric Towards Sustainable Energy Future”
Wenjie Li, Assistant Research Professor, Department of Materials Science and Engineering
Artist’s Perspective: Conventional thermoelectric devices typically adopt a rigid planar design, which poses challenges in integrating them into realistic system and often leads to lower system performance, especially in high-temperature power generation applications. To overcome this hurdle, we propose a design approach that breaks down the device into strip units and connects these units using flexible metal foil. This design enables the entire thermoelectric device to be flexible, allowing for jacket-like integration with a cylindrical hot pipe, which serves as the heat source for direct electricity generation.
Scientific Process: The escalating demand for sustainable and clean energy toward achieving net-zero emissions has underscored the critical importance of capturing wasted heat and converting it into usable electricity, a process known as thermoelectric power generation. This need is particularly pronounced in industrial and large plant factories. The image shows a conformal thermoelectric device manufactured using half-Heusler alloys, designed to be seamlessly integrated into the waste heat pipeline, typically operating at temperatures higher than 500 °C. This architecture harnesses the substantial temperature difference across the device, and thus provides significantly higher power density and conversion efficiency compared to conventional rigid planar thermoelectric design.
“Dissociative adsorption of oxygen on Pyrite (100) surface”
Amir Eskanlou, Graduate Student, John and Willie Leone Family Department of Energy and Mineral Engineering
Artist’s Perspective: I turn the microscopic process of oxygen reacting with pyrite, something invisible and scientific, into large, visible art. This work shows how oxygen changes pyrite’s surface, a reaction that might seem small but tells a big story about numerous natural phenomenon that involve pyrite oxidation. My goal is to make people see the beauty in these tiny transformations that happen in nature all the time. By using simple materials to represent complex reactions, I’m blending the worlds of science and art. My work invites everyone to find wonder in the details of nature. I hope people walk away with a sense of curiosity, seeing how even the smallest changes are part of something bigger. This work is for anyone interested in the beauty of nature, science, and the stories of change that are hidden in plain sight.
Scientific Process: In an alternative configuration, the oxygen molecule adsorbs onto the pyrite surface through dissociative atomic interactions at sulfur sites, forming S=O double covalent bonds. These bonds have a length of 1.5 Å and an adsorption energy of -352 kJ·mol-1. As a result of this adsorption, oxygen gains 2.12 electrons from the pyrite surface, indicating a pronounced oxidation of the mineral surface. Dissociative chemisorption of oxygen at the surface sulfur sites initiates the oxidation of the pyrite surface. This process masks the hydrophobic sulfur sites by forming S=O species, thereby imparting hydrophilic properties to pyrite.
“A cryo microparticle”
Saman Zavari, Graduate Student, Department of Chemical Engineering
Artist’s Perspective: The blueberry frosting on a cupcake or a glowing half-submerged iceberg in the dark ocean? Let’s figure out your personality type!
Scientific Process: This cryo microparticle is generated by freezing a near-perfectly spherical microgel in liquid nitrogen, followed by a lyophilization process. This image is taken using the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) technique, and it shows the restructuring of a microgel sphere caused by the formation of water crystals during the freezing process.
“Evolution”
Malgorzata Kowalik, Graduate Student, Associate Research Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering
Artist’s Perspective: A beauty of the atomistic reactive modeling.
Scientific Process: The evolution of the carbon connectivity during the graphitization process (from left to right) characteristic for amorphous carbon nanostructure with increase of its density (from top to bottom). These are data from atomistic molecular dynamics simulations performed with use of ReaxFF (reactive force field). Only carbon-carbon bonds are visible and are color coded based on the distance from the center of the nanostructures.
“Granular xerogel scaffolds”
Saman Zavari, Graduate Student, Department of Chemical Engineering
Sina Kheirabadi, Graduate Student, Department of Chemical Engineering
Artist’s Perspective: Were you ever interested in exploring the bottom of the deep dark ocean to see the coral reefs down there? Well, you don’t need to wear your diving suit. We have made something similar up here.
Scientific Process:This granular xerogel scaffold was made by letting a granular hydrogel scaffold (GHS) dry at ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure. The fractures caused by high capillary pressure during the drying process are portrayed by the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) technique.
“Hierarchical Tetrapodal Carbon Nanotube for Underwater Thermoacoustic Generation”
Na Liu, Postdoctoral Scholar, Department of Materials Science and Engineering
Artist’s Perspective: The conventional 2D CNT sheet and other CNT assemblies typically lack robust mechanical stability, particularly in underwater environments. To address this limitation, the tetrapodal CNTs is fabricated using 3D sacrificial porous ZnO templates. This approach yields highly porous and lightweight 3D t-CNTs with hierarchical structures. Compared to 2D CNT sheets, the induced stress in t-CNTs is reduced by 5000%. Furthermore, additional thermal treatment of t-CNTs preserves its pristine hydrophobic surface and prevents collapse when operated underwater. As a result, this innovation approach offers a solution for next generation underwater thermoacoustic applications with superior stability.
Scientific Process: A mechanically resilient underwater thermoacoustic device using a three-dimensional tetrapodal assembly of carbon nanotubes (t-CNTs). This structure boasts high porosity (>99.9%), free-standing and features a double-hollowed network of well-interconnected CNTs. The tetrapodal architecture ensures uniform strength distribution along the arms and offers superior compressive strength compared to other CNT assemblies. Thermal treatment effectively removes functional groups from t-CNTs, restoring their pristine hydrophobicity. This results in a high performance underwater thermoacoustic generator with exceptional mechanical strength and stability, paving the way for advanced applications in underwater sound generation.
“Microscopic Forest: Nasal Cilia”
Irem Deniz Derman, Graduate Student, Engineering Science and Mechanics
Artist’s Perspective: In my journey using a SEM to look at nasal cilia, I found something really cool. It’s like discovering a tiny forest inside our noses. Even though we can’t see it without the microscope, it’s there, just like a real forest.
Scientific Process: In this study, we investigate the intricate morphology of nasal cilia using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Understanding the intricate architecture of nasal cilia enhances our appreciation for the elegance of biological design and may inspire biomimetic approaches.
“Light’s Labyrinth: The Nano-Sculpture Garden”
Md Tarek Rahman, Graduate Student, Department of Electrical Engineering
Artist’s Perspective: This monochromatic landscape, a microscopic garden of nanopillars, is a triumph of scientific ingenuity—a metalens at the forefront of technology. Like a meticulously sculpted garden, each pillar stands with precision and artistry, their uniformity a testament to the elegance of advanced nanofabrication techniques. At this scale, the pillars rise like stalagmites from the unseen depths of a silicon cave, their contours playing with shadows and light. Though cast in shades of gray, these minute sentinels are capable of manipulating the vibrant spectrum of our world, bending light across the colors of the rainbow. This image is a convergence of art and science, revealing the engineered structures of the nano-world as both a functional marvel and an abstract masterpiece.
Scientific Process: The scanning electron microscopy image reveals free-form, high-aspect-ratio nanostructures that are designed not only to manipulate light phase but also to control dispersion. These are the building blocks of an ultrathin achromatic metalens, capable of focusing a broad spectrum of light onto a single focal spot. Fabricated on a silicon-on-glass platform using substrate reversal techniques, these structures were patterned with electron beam lithography and subsequently transferred onto the crystalline silicon film via reactive ion etching. The minimum feature size is approximately 50 nm, with an aspect ratio of around 26.
“Lab-Grown Trilobite Fossil”
Katherine Thompson, Graduate Student, Department of Chemistry
Artist’s Perspective: Have you ever looked at a fossil and been captivated by the patterning that has been preserved? That captivation is what I feel when looking at this group of tin selenide (SnSe) flakes with the offset nature of the “backbone,” reminding me of a trilobite fossil. In this instance, an inorganic material beautifully mimicked a natural organic architecture, and it provides a sense of wonder for how materials can grow in such complex ways.
Scientific Process: The chemical vapor deposition growth of tin selenide (SnSe) typically yields individual square flakes that are attached to the surface by their basal plane and grow laterally across the substrate. This particular grouping of flakes nucleated with an edge bound to the substrate which resulted in vertical growth. Additionally, the atypical vertical growth direction resulted in a perceived screw dislocation where each square appears to be rotated ~45-degrees relative to its neighbors in the chain. This image was obtained on a scanning electron microscope.
“Droplet Transformer: The Emulsion That Grows Arms”
Sanjana Krishna Mani, Graduate Student, Department of Chemistry
Yu-Ching Tseng, Graduate Student, Department of Chemistry
Artist’s Perspective: Droplets are an important class of soft matter that is ubiquitous in everyday life. Emulsion systems are everywhere around us from your everyday coffee to paints and detergents. We picture and learn about droplets as eternally spherical entities. But this picture indicates that droplets in non-equilibrium can morph into living-like systems responding to their chemical environments.
This image was captured during the droplet growing and developing two arms. Here, the movement of chemical molecules into the droplet is rapidly changing the behavior of the oil-water interface and morphs into cylindrical, arm-like structures. Though, it is fun to watch them grow, these soft matter systems have tremendous potential to be useful in soft robotics and for studying the origin of life.
Scientific Process: This image was captured mid-transformation of a bromobenzene oil droplet in 2 wt. % Triton X-100 surfactant in water (soap solution). Nile red dye was incorporated into the oil phase, and fluorescence-labeled polystyrene particles were utilized and dispersed in the aqueous phase. 100 µL of the oil with the dye was added to 1 mL of aqueous phase and emulsified using vortex mixing. A small amount of the emulsion was transferred to a glass slide and observed under the confocal microscope. Within the resulting images, the polystyrene particles are represented in cyan, while the bromobenzene droplets are depicted in red. By using confocal microscopy, we can picture the oil phase and the aqueous phase clearly. The particles accumulate around the droplet showing how the fluid flows around it.
“Dragon Scales of Silver – A Polymer Forged Fantasy”
Hyunju Ahn, Postdoctoral Scholar, Department of Electrical Engineering
Artist’s Perspective: Witness the dynamic, metallic sheen, evoking visions of dragon scales. Yet, this visage masks its true origin from polymer, a material more ethereal than its daunting guise might suggest. Born from a symphony of heat and chemical interactions, this structure unfurls with a semi-random architecture that enchants with its intricacy. The interplay of white light and spontaneous diversity in height and shape conjures a spectrum of hues and hypnotic diffraction patterns. This effect, akin to modern alchemy, sketches shadows and luminance with the finesse of mythical dragon scales. Though its splendor spans only tens of micrometers, hidden from unaided sight, it stands as a testament to the beauty that experimental chance can yield.
Scientific Process: The SU-8, a renowned negative photoresist, is pivotal in crafting dielectric flat surfaces in nanofabrication processes. Beyond the mere act of heating, a crucial phase of planarization emerges through a meticulous baking process. The enchantment begins as SU-8 is spin-coated and gently baked at a relatively low temperature, nudging the film towards partial solidification. Layering additional SU-8 over this semi-solid foundation incites the underlying film to morph, a transformation sparked by a chemical reaction with the solvent. Intensified by subsequent heating, this interplay further molds the structure. Such a deliberate approach births the captivating, seemingly arbitrary patterns showcased.
“Unveiling the Unseen: Ti Safeguarding MoS2 from O2 and H2O Corrosion in the Quantum Ballet with ReaxFF Atomistic Modeling”
Qian Mao, Assistant Research Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering
Artist’s Perspective: Drawing from the mesmerizing mysteries of the quantum realm, the artist is inspired to reveal the unpredictable dance of particles in chemical reactions through atomistic modeling techniques. In doing so, we offer a glimpse into the enchanting ballet where particles twirl and leap, brimming with uncertainty and possibility, accessible to all. At the heart of this captivating tableau are two Ti clusters, their metallic essence glimmering with celestial radiance as they gracefully embrace their partners: O2 and H2O molecules. Each cluster, a sentinel of stability, stands as a guardian against the relentless forces of oxidation and hydroxylation. Below, the MoS2 monolayer with sulfur vacancies emerges, a canvas upon which the dance of protection unfolds. Vulnerable yet resilient, it finds solace in the intricate choreography orchestrated by the Ti clusters. Together, they create a symphony of defense, shielding the MoS2 from the ravages of high temperatures and chemical aggression. In this artistic interpretation, ethereal particles swirl around the clusters, embodying the dynamic interplay of quantum motion. Their fleeting presence hints at the ephemeral nature of the quantum realm, where particles dart and weave in a timeless ballet.
Scientific Process:Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), such as MoS2, possess remarkable properties, including ultralow friction and wear resistance, attributed to their natural disposition to form molecularly thin, lamellar nanostructures when sheared. However, exposure to atmospheric O2 and H2O vapor can lead to a dramatic increase of over threefold in the initial friction coefficient. This surge poses significant challenges, particularly in aerospace applications where static friction is often more important than kinetic friction. While various compositing agents such as Ti, Au, and Sb2O3 have been introduced to mitigate these effects, the mechanisms underlying their enhanced performance remain unknown, hindering the development of environmentally robust lubricants. Through ReaxFF molecular dynamics (MD) simulations by utilizing a newly developed Mo/Ti/Au/O/S/H force field, we delve into the crucial role of Ti clusters in preventing the oxidation and hydrogenation of monolayer MoS2 surfaces in O2 and H2O-rich environments. Our visual depiction illustrates how Ti clusters seize O2 and H2O molecules, forming TixOy and TixHyOz clusters. The sphere with a lustrous gray hue on the left depicts a Ti cluster in an O2-rich environment, with a TiO2 or quasi-TiO2 phase forming on the cluster’s outer surface. By contrast, the gleaming silver sphere on the right represents a Ti cluster in a H2O-rich environment, where the TixHyOz cluster becomes amorphous, accompanied by the release of OH- and H3O+, depicted as bubble-like ethereal small orbs, as temperature rises. Despite the extensive presence of sulfur vacancies, along with O2 and H2O molecules in the vicinity, the monolayer MoS2 at the bottom maintains its structural integrity, shielded by Ti clusters from erosion during the atmospheric exposure or even thermal treatments.
“Morphodynamics of dendrite growth in alumina based all solid-state sodium metal batteries”
Dingchuan Xue, Graduate Student, Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics
Artist’s Perspective: The ink painting pattern of dendrites in solid electrolytes suggests a different mechanism of dendrite growth that proposed for liquid electrolytes, and we believe it is the mechanics that contribute to the distinct morphology. Based on the experimental observations, our group focuses on modeling and simulation to reveal the underlying mechanism behind the complex electro-chemo-mechanical process and propose potential design strategies for all-solid-state batteries.
Scientific Process: Uncontrollable dendrite growth toward ultimate short circuiting in solid electrolytes poses a significant challenge in the design of all-solid-state batteries. Unlike dendritic patterns with crystalline symmetry in liquid electrolytes, dendrite morphology in solid electrolytes resembles an ink painting. Our phase field simulation reveals that the morphodynamics of dendrite growth in solid electrolytes is attributed to the interplay between electrochemical deposition and crack propagation. Under applied current density, dendrites form at the solid electrolyte/electrode interface flaws, generating considerable compressive stress within the deposits and simultaneously inducing elevated tensile stress in the surrounding electrolytes. When this tensile stress exceeds the electrolyte fracture strength, it results in crack propagation, i.e. the formation of new flaws — a detrimental outcome that facilitates further dendrite deposition. These two essential processes, dendrite deposition and cracking, proceed alternatively until a short circuit occurs.
“Microscale Metropolis: Navigating Cellular Pathways”
Zaman Ataie, Graduate Student, Department of Chemical Engineering
Artist’s Perspective: In the metropolis of granular hydrogel scaffolds, cells migrate through the lumens. This image shows the elegant simplicity of cells moving through narrow spaces, much like cats squeeze through tight spots. The cells use their nuclei to ‘feel’ their way, just as cats might use their heads to judge if they can fit through an opening. Here, we see that if a cell’s nucleus can pass, the rest of the cell can follow, changing shape to make it through these tiny channels. This scene is a glimpse into the cell’s clever adaptability in microscale, showing flexibility and smarts to navigate and thrive in any space it encounters.
Plaque dynamics can be fun…
Scientific Process: Pictured is the microscopic dance of NIH-3T3 fibroblast cells around hydrogel microparticles (microgels), captured through confocal microscopy. The microgels, stained with Alexa Fluor 647, shine in far-red, outlining the formed channels or ‘lumens’ guiding cell migration. Actin filaments, marked by Alexa Fluor 488 and appearing in green, highlight the cell’s cytoskeleton as they surround the microgels. Nuclei, dyed with DAPI, appear in blue. The image shows cells in the act of migration, moving through the spaces created by closely juxtaposed microgels. The feasibility of passage through these lumens is determined by the comparison of the lumen’s dimensions with the size of the cell nuclei. The image represents the cells’ ability to adapt structurally in response to environmental constraints, showing a moment of decision in the migratory process.
“Surface Profilometry: Extraction of Roughness from Form and Waviness”
Sarah Phillips, Graduate Student, Department of Chemistry
Artist’s Perspective: My motivation for creating this image was to be able to convey this characterization method and data processing technique to an audience that was not necessarily made up of scientists and/or not informed on this particular topic. I felt that being able to visualize the surface profile as an image instead of just providing the numerical values for roughness is more impactful for the reader. In addition, the representations of form and waviness clearly shows how the final roughness was extracted from the raw data. While I have seen many images of raw surface profiles, I have not seen the progression of the data processing wherein form and waviness are removed visualized in this way.
Through my work with spheroids, I would like to stimulate curiosity and surprise and deepen my understanding of the microscopic world.
Scientific Process: The surface is a polydimethyl siloxane / carbon black composite. It was prepared using a photothermal curing technique in which a laser is scanned over the surface. The carbon black converts the laser light to heat, driving the curing reaction. This is an alternative method of curing which would traditionally be done with an oven. Optical profilometry was conducted on a 0.1 wt % carbon black sample with the Zygo NewView™ 9000. The goal of the experiment was to determine if the point source nature of the heat source and the addition of carbon black increases surface roughness. The raw data collected from the profilometer was the height value for each point in a 2D array. In order to calculate a roughness value the form and waviness had to be removed from the profile. A spline for the form and waviness was calculated. The image shows the 3D surface rendered with the software Blender. First, the form is subtracted from the raw profile leaving waviness and roughness. Next, the waviness is removed leaving only surface roughness.
“The Roots of Carbon Nanomaterials”
David Sanchez, Graduate Student, Department of Materials Science and Engineering
Artist’s Perspective: In an imaginary forest of materials, we can find the smallest growing structures of carbon. On top of the soil, we find thin sheets of carbon known as graphene. Beneath the soil, pictured here, we find the roots known as carbon nanotubes. All these carbon structures were born from the seeds known as fullerenes.
Scientific Process: Elemental carbon can form different dimensional structures such as two-dimensional sheets (graphene), one-dimensional tubes, or zero-dimensional spheres (fullerenes). Carbon nanotubes are made of a thin carbon sheet wrapped in a cylindrical shape. As the name implies, high-resolution electron microscopy techniques are needed to visualize the structure of these nanomaterials. High-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM) is an imaging technique where the brightness of the image is determined by highly scattered electrons originating from a sharp, scanning electron beam. In this HAADF-STEM image, we can visualize carbon nanotubes suspended over empty space. The thinnest nanotube in this image has a width of 5 nanometers which is 1,000 times thinner than a human hair. The image appears noisy (dotted) since few electrons reach the HAADF detector because of the low atomic mass of carbon which weakly scatters the electron beam.
“Underwater of Entropy”
Yueze Tan, Graduate Student, Department of Materials Science and Engineering
Artist’s Perspective: High-entropy oxides (HEOs) is a family of materials with large configurational spaces. Given the flexibility of chemical compositions, surface of free energy for HEOs can become complex at low temperatures, with considerable numbers of local minima, corresponding to different secondary phases or ordered structures. This process reminds me of tides and waves: when the sea level drops, the hidden reefs appear. This image renders the 3D strain map as an underwater scene and tries to convey the idea that beneath the smooth “sea level” of nicely synthesized single phase HEOs, there are “reefs” of secondary phases hidden. The novel landscapes will emerge under appropriate conditions and most of the rocks are still awaiting to be investigated.
Scientific Process: High-entropy oxides can be stabilized as single-phase solid solutions at high temperatures. At lower temperatures, ordering, chemical segregation, and phase separation can take place. Desired nanostructures can be obtained with proper synthesizing techniques and parameters. In epitaxial (MgCoNiCuZn)0.2O films, phase-field simulations have reproduced morphology of spinel-structured cuboidal precipitates identified in high-resolution microscopy images. This image generated by phase-field simulations renders the out-of-plane strain component of a film section with the aforementioned spinel nano cuboids. The dark “reefs” represent regions with negative strain values and the glowing “green algae” correspond to positions with positive strain values, with respect to the matrix phase. The complex strain profile is induced by structural distortions accompanying phase transitions, and in turn affects the distribution of precipitates.
“A stoppable force meets a movable object”
Erik Furton, Graduate Student, Department of Materials Science and Engineering
Artist’s Perspective: The collision of two Dasypus novemcinctus (nine-banded armadillo) was modeled in finite elements. This collision occurs at Mach 700, where these powerful animals showcase the impressive forces of nature. Known for their strength and toughness, the creature on the left is as strong as titanium (specifically, Ti-6Al-4V), and the beast on the right is as tough as stainless steel (namely, SS316L). For every 6 hours the Roar supercomputer spends on these simulations, a pair of these fantastic critters can be spared the fate of experimentation.
(No animals were harmed in the making of this figure.)
Scientific Process: Computer aided design through SolidWorks was used to model the armadillo to the best of the researcher’s ability and was meshed using ABAQUS. The left-hand creature was assigned the material properties of Ti-6Al-4V, and the right-hand one SS316L. Both metals are commonly used in additive manufacturing of metals, and the unique geometry and loading condition results in stress-states that are otherwise challenging to obtain in conventional sample designs. Ongoing research regarding the damage models – where damage accumulation and softening are controlled with the Modified Mohr Coulomb model – were incorporated, along with element deletion. Due to the computational savings in explicit finite element simulations for large masses and rapid velocities, the speed of the right-hand armadillo was set to 250,000 m/s, while the left-hand one’s legs were fixed to the ground as it braces for impact.
“Bifurcated growth process of Vibrio cholerae biofilms under different levels of mechanical confinements”
Changhao Li, Graduate Student, Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics
Artist’s Perspective: This artboard shows rendered bifurcated growth process of Vibrio cholerae biofilms under the confinement of soft hydrogel. Biofilms are a kind of biocomposite material that actively growing and adapting their properties with the surrounding environment. To investigate the governing biophysics in the growing biofilms, we built up a computational model that precisely predicts the morphological bifurcation and the internal cell ordering of the biofilm. In this artistic work, the background gradient represents the surrounding mechanical confinements, where the blue color denotes the soft hydrogel and the brown color denotes the glass substrate. The two winding paths stand for the bifurcation of biofilm shape under different stiffnesses of hydrogel, where the biofilm under stiff hydrogel develops a “lens” shape, and the biofilm under soft hydrogel grows into a “domes” shape.
Scientific Process: Active nematics are the non-equilibrium analogue of passive liquid crystals. They consist of anisotropic units that consume free energy to drive emergent behavior. As with liquid crystal molecules in displays, ordering and dynamics in active nematics are sensitive to boundary conditions. However, unlike passive liquid crystals, active nematics have the potential to regulate their boundaries through self-generated stresses. Here we show how a three-dimensional, living nematic can actively shape itself and its boundary to regulate its internal architecture through growth-induced stresses, using bacterial biofilms confined by a hydrogel as a model system. We show that biofilms exhibit a sharp transition in shape from domes to lenses in response to changing environmental stiffness or cell–substrate friction, which is explained by a theoretical model that considers the competition between confinement and interfacial forces. The growth mode defines the progression of the boundary, which in turn determines the trajectories and spatial distribution of cell lineages. We further demonstrate that the evolving boundary and corresponding stress anisotropy define the orientational ordering of cells and the emergence of topological defects in the biofilm interior. Our findings may provide strategies for the development of programmed microbial consortia with emergent material properties.
“Hi, I’m semi-crystalline PEO…”
Arshiya Bhadu, Graduate Student, Department of Materials Science and Engineering
Artist’s Perspective: I primarily research polymer rheology with a focus on flow-induced crystallization of commonly used polymers. Rheology as a stand-alone is never proof enough, so I ventured into the world of polarized optical microscopy to couple birefringence with my rheology results. Crystals by nature are highly birefringent and I have loved playing around with PEO to understand the fundamentals of crystallization and am exploring all kinds of crystal orientations. The semi-crystalline domain shown here is part of a bigger landscape of interconnected crystals in a sea of amorphous PEO, much like how the 7 continents of the world are comprised of multiple interconnected country domains in a sea of water. This domain of semi-crystalline PEO coincidentally looked so much like Mickey Mouse, and immediately brought back a wave of forgotten memories of my childhood when I used to watch Disney shows. And the accompanying commercial breaks (when people still watched Cable Channels) where the character’s introduction always ended with, “…and you’re watching Disney Channel.” I hope it brings back fond memories for you as well.
Scientific Process:Semi-crystalline polymers crystallize in the form of small spherical domains, called spherulites. The spherulites impinge on each other as they grow losing some of their spherical nature over time, leading to interesting semi-crystalline domains. Here we can see crystal growth in a blend of a low molecular weight PEO + 3 wt% of an order of magnitude larger molecular weight PEO; both are monodisperse. There are three spherulites in the image, where the two smaller spherulites along the edge nucleated off the big one in the middle at a later relative time and hence are smaller in size. Since this was an isothermal crystallization experiment, the two smaller spherulites heterogeneously nucleated off the outer crystal phase of the middle spherulite. Adding even a small percentage of long chains to a neat lower molecular weight PEO sample leads to a different phase of crystal growth as noted by the rings on the outer perimeter of the spherulites.
“Buckyballs for Invisible Cloak”
Lin Wang, Postdoctoral Scholar, Department of Mechanical Engineering
Artist’s Perspective: Many plants and animals have developed extraordinary material properties through the evolutionary arms race by precisely assembling micro-/nano-structures. However, manufacturing complex synthetic micro-/nano-structures similar to their biological analogs, in particular those with three-dimensional (3D) hierarchical structures, faces significant challenges. Microscale 3D printing and advanced nano-fabrication techniques could bridge this gap and empower the development of novel materials.
Scientific Process: Field-emission scanning electron micrograph of 3D printed synthetic brochosomes, which fully emulated the hollow buckyball geometry of natural brochosomes produced by leafhoppers. In this study, we studied how leafhoppers, small insects, utilize unique tiny particles to cover their body and avoid being seen by their predators. Scientists have known about these particles since the 1950s, but making them in a lab has been challenging. We believe that leafhoppers must produce particles with such complex geometry for good reasons. We managed to fabricate synthetic brochosomes using a microscale 3D printing method in the lab. We found out that particles with such geometry can cut down light reflection by up to 94%. It’s the first time we have seen creatures do something like this, where it controls light in such a specific way using hollow particles.
“Les trios soleils”
Zhuohang Yu, Graduate Student, Department of Materials Science and Engineering
Artist’s Perspective: The delicate wines from Lavaux, Switzerland, are renowned for their unique dry and fruitful character, attributed to the gifts bestowed by “the three suns”. Constructing vineyards on the steep terraces near the lake slopes not only captures direct sunlight but also benefits from the reflected sunlight off the lake’s surface and the radiant warmth absorbed by the stone walls lining the terraces. This triple infusion of sunlight contributes to the creation of some of the most fruitful yet subtle wines from the north.
Similarly, enhanced by the subtle presence of boron and nitrogen, each graphene layer’s edge captures every fragment of sunlight from the electron beam. May the three suns imbue our material research endeavors with the richest of flavors.
Scientific Process: Epitaxial graphene on top of silicon carbide was previously converted into boron nitride. In the process, a boron precursor was spin-coated onto the sample. By nitriding the sample at a certain temperature, the conversion of graphene was expected. However, this process was conducted at a higher temperature, resulting in the overgrowth of graphene with a certain boron content. As a result, a layered structure of the overgrown graphene with sharp edges was observed under SEM.
“Stellar Symphony: Graphene Gardens and Silver Shores”
Arpit Jain, Graduate Student, Department of Materials Science and Engineering
Artist’s Perspective: This image reminds me of a starry night I spent near the Bald Eagle Lake last fall. The star of the show here is the graphene dendritic trees seen in the darker contrast reminiscent of a fall landscape. The canvas comes alive with the presence of a million stars in the sky above. Each shimmering reflection whispers a story of serenity, inviting contemplation beneath the celestial canopy. In this nocturnal symphony, I capture the elusive harmony between earth and sky, inviting viewers to lose themselves in the enchanting beauty of the fall lakeshore.
Scientific Process:Our research delves into the fascinating realm of two-dimensional (2D) materials, particularly graphene, renowned for its remarkable quantum and electronic properties. Through a process of epitaxial synthesis via silicon sublimation from silicon carbide, our group produces graphene films. These films serve as a platform for intercalating metals, such as 2D silver, using the confinement heteroepitaxy technique. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) image reveals the intricate dynamics of graphene growth on silicon carbide terraces. Monolayer graphene blankets the landscape, while darker contrasts signify multilayer formations. Notably, graphene dendrites grow away from step edges into the step, resembling trees. 2D silver exists everywhere under graphene and exhibits distinct phases dictated by the defects in graphene, offering insights into their preferential growth patterns and phase engineering of 2D metals.
“I Speak for the Trees”
Marley Persch, Undergraduate Student, Department of Engineering – Polymer Engineering and Science, Behrend campus
Artist’s Perspective: Studying the creation of microplastics has turned what was once just a concept for me into reality. The first time I saw this image during my data collection, it invoked a sense of awe and responsibility in me to understand the intricacies of microplastics and the importance of their structures. This source of pollution in our environment, caused by the innovations of man, is similar to the environmental crises depicted in The Lorax, by Dr. Seuss. The likeness of the structure of microplastics in this image to a Trufulla tree found in the imaginary world of The Lorax is uncanny. I hope that this image will invoke the same sense of responsibility for protecting our environment in others as it did for me.
“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” – Dr. Seuss, The Lorax
The intricate swirls and contrast of the etched area led me to apply a blue coloring to the originally black and white image, reminiscent of traditional blue and white porcelain art.
Scientific Process:This image depicts microplastics collected from water that was microwaved in reusable polypropylene food storage containers. These containers were filled with ultra-pure water and then microwaved in a traditional microwave that could be found in any kitchen. The remaining water was refined using a rotary evaporator until approximately a single drop remained. This drop was then placed on a glass slide to dry. Once dry, it was imaged using an environmental scanning electron microscope. This image underwent minimal editing in the form of contrast and sharpness enhancements.
“The Food at Home”
Riley Donahue, Undergraduate Student, Department of Engineering – Polymer Engineering and Science, Behrend campus
Artist’s Perspective: This image gives a face to the rising concern that is microplastics in our society. Knowing and seeing these materials brings us closer to forming an understanding of them and how they interact with the body and our ecosystem. My goal in sharing this image is not to provoke fear, but to provide a basis for understanding microplastics and allow the audience to make informed decisions on the products they invest in. This sample in particular is from reusable plastic food storage containers. I want to illustrate the relationship between socioeconomic status and exposure to potentially harmful materials. It is unknown if microplastics pose a threat to the human body, but the cost of alternatives to many plastic products creates a barrier preventing some from choosing if they are exposed to microplastics. Recognizing this disparity should act as a motivator to continue researching microplastics, so we can implement solutions to make plastic usage in everyday applications safer for us all.
Scientific Process: This image depicts microplastics collected from water that was microwaved in reusable polypropylene food storage containers. These containers were filled with ultra-pure water and then microwaved in a traditional microwave that could be found in any kitchen. The remaining water was refined using a rotary evaporator until approximately a single drop remained. This drop was then placed on a glass slide to dry. Once dry, it was imaged using an environmental scanning electron microscope. This image underwent minimal editing in the form of contrast and sharpness enhancements.
“The Great Barrier”
Riley Donahue, Undergraduate Student, Department of Engineering – Polymer Engineering and Science, Behrend campus
Marley Persch, Undergraduate Student, Department of Engineering – Polymer Engineering and Science, Behrend campus
Artist’s Perspective: As polymers have become more prevalent in our society, microplastics have invaded more of our environment. One of the most concerning areas of pollution is our waterways and oceans: habitats such as coral reefs are very sensitive to any chemical changes in the water and have the potential to be harmed as microplastics degrade. Not only will this impact the various types of coral, it will also harm the other creatures that call such places home. Our goal is to draw attention to the presence of microplastics in the world. We hope to motivate more research efforts to be made to learn how microplastics impact various flora and fauna and their habitats in order to find solutions to preserve our Earth.
Scientific Process: This image depicts microplastics collected from water that was microwaved in reusable polypropylene food storage containers. These containers were filled with ultra-pure water and then microwaved in a traditional microwave that could be found in any kitchen. The remaining water was refined using a rotary evaporator until approximately a single drop remained. This drop was then placed on a glass slide to dry. Once dry, it was imaged using an environmental scanning electron microscope. This image underwent minimal editing in the form of contrast and sharpness enhancements.
“”Life’s Contrasts: Through the Leaf-Shaped Sodium Phosphate Crystal’s Perspective””
Ilayda Namli, Graduate Student, Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics
Artist’s Perspective: The leaf in this image, which has two sides, shows us two different perspectives of life: one (the top view of the leaf) shows everything as perfect, while the other (the bottom of the leaf) reveals the bumps and flaws. In one view, everything seems just right, without any mistakes or problems. But on the other, we see the realness of life, with its ups and downs, its messiness, and challenges, similar to the bottom part of the leaf. Both perspectives are important. The perfect one can inspire us, giving us something to aim for. But the imperfect one teaches us valuable lessons, reminding us that it’s okay to make mistakes and that growth often comes from overcoming difficulties.
Scientific Process: This optical image captured by the EVOS microscope showcases sodium phosphate crystals, widely employed as a buffer in molecular biology, biochemistry, and tissue engineering. The crystals seen here were grown using the solvent evaporation method. This technique involves allowing a solvent to gradually evaporate, leaving behind the crystallized compounds.
“Waltz of Vascular Cells”
Ilayda Namli, Graduate Student, Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics
Vaibhav Pal, Graduate Student, Department of Chemistry
Artist’s Perspective: In the world of biology, there are these special cells called endothelial cells. They’re like graceful dancers, gently moving around in a big ballroom. This ballroom is made of collagen gels, which are like a smooth dance floor that welcomes their delicate steps. As the endothelial cells find their place on this dance floor, they start to dance in harmony with the collagen gels. Their movements become synchronized, almost like a beautiful ballet performance. Together, they create a strong bond, like weaving threads into a fabric. This partnership between the endothelial cells and collagen gels is like a timeless symphony, showcasing the elegance of how cells work together in the dance of life.
Scientific Process:Vascular organoids, derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), demonstrate endothelial sprouting within Collagen/Cultrex hydrogel matrices. These hydrogels mimic the extracellular matrix (ECM), providing structural support and biochemical cues for cellular behavior. Collagen offers mechanical stability and facilitates cellular adhesion and migration, while Cultrex, fostering cellular differentiation and organization. The interaction between iPSC-derived endothelial cells and the hydrogel initiates sprouting through signaling pathways. The hydrogel’s physical properties, such as stiffness and porosity, influence sprout directionality and branching morphogenesis. Additionally, the hydrogel’s ability to retain growth factors and cytokines regulates endothelial cell function and angiogenic processes.
“Polymeric Outgrowths: Extending Surface-Bound Chains”
Jensen Sevening, Graduate Student, Department of Materials Science and Engineering
Artist’s Perspective: In this micrograph, an assembly of particles show polymer grafts reaching out from the particle surface. This image captures an ongoing exploration of the polymeric hybrid material world. The arrangement hints at unseen forces and interactions between particles, inviting viewers to contemplate the complex dynamics at play on the nanoscale. Like tendrils reaching out or propagating fractures in ice, it is the polymer chains emanating from the particle surfaces that truly captivate. The blue hue offers tranquility and introspection to the composition. This image invites the viewers to immerse themselves fully in the mystery and wonder of the microscopic realm and remember that even the smallest of entities can hold profound significance.
Scientific Process: CryoTEM micrograph of polymer grafted nanoparticles (PGNs) reveal a novel sight: extended polymer chains protruding from the particle surface. These polymers boast a distinctive bottlebrush architecture, which facilitates the remarkable extension and stretching of these chains outward. This stands in stark contrast to conventional PGNs featuring linear polymer architectures, where chains tend to coil under similar conditions. The unique structure of these bottlebrush polymer grafts exerts a significant influence on particle packing within hybrid PGN materials.
>p>Notably, the utilization of bottlebrush polymer grafts presents an innovative departure from established practices, as such configurations have yet to be documented in the existing literature. This breakthrough not only enriches our understanding of material design but also promises to expand the horizons of potential applications.
“The Great Chroma Reefs”
Benjamin Aronson, Graduate Student, Department of Materials Science and Engineering
Artist’s Perspective: As we interact with the world around us, we are constantly identifying new elements and interpreting their importance to us before choosing a response. This importance drives our decision-making and determines the type of person that we ultimately become. Sometimes, taking a step back and re-evaluating our interpretations can help us learn more, both about the world and ourselves. The Great Chroma Reefs serve as a poignant example. The attempt to modify the coating surface failed, disproving the initial hypothesis while the deadline loomed ever closer. Instead of panicking, we can take a moment to appreciate the spectacular organic shapes left by over-etching. Looking closer and observing the morphology of the corroded grains, we are left with valuable insights that help form the next hypothesis and help us grow as materials scientists.
Scientific Process: The passive oxidation behavior and high hardness of chromium make it well suited as a coating material when corrosion and wear resistance are required. Depositing chromium via cold spray allows for the rapid application of thick protective coatings without the need for chemical baths or vacuum chambers. Modifying the surface microstructure of these coatings following deposition can provide further improvements in longevity. In this scanning electron micrograph, the surface of a chromium cold spray coating is shown after an electrolytic etch. Excessive potential was applied, hence the highly porous and textured structural features.
“My PhD”
Adam Krajewski, Graduate Student, Department of Materials Science and Engineering
Artist’s Perspective: The realm of materials science is a symphony of inherent complexity, where seemingly simple phenomena interplay across a vast expanse of length scales. This image serves as a metaphor for our field, with a sea of chaos emerging as soon as one looks beyond a small and ordered niche. The type of chaos that takes a MatSE PhD to unravel and tame.
Scientific Process:Computational materials science methods demand high-quality schematics to convey ideas, and one can generate a substantial collection of them. This explosive collage covers a selection of schematics I generated over the course of my PhD in several projects, all connected together. It includes alloy data informatics in ULTERA (ultera.org) towards the bottom, materials discovery through crystALL+MPDD (mpdd.org) in the top-left, machine learning featurization and property prediction through pySIPFENN (pysipfenn.org) in the top-right, as well as many smaller ones placed and linked thematically to elaborate on critical concepts, results, or novel computational methods.
“The Symmetry Within the Chaos in High Entropy Oxides”
Sai Venkata Gayathri Ayyagari, Graduate Student, Department of Materials Science and Engineering
Artist’s Perspective: An infinite path of atoms dots the landscape, sprawled in every which way. This photograph shows High Entropy Oxide at an atomic scale. The colorful lines are constructed from the measurements of the inter-atomic distances between adjacent atoms. Despite the randomness of elemental distribution, the symmetry that emerges is captivatingly beautiful. The mesmerizing orbs remind me of the expansive microscopic world beneath my fingertips. As I marvel at this kaleidoscopic arrangement of atoms, I contemplate the inherent symmetry that underpins life and nature itself.
Scientific Process: This is an atomic resolution Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM) image of High Entropy Oxide (HEO). HEOs have multiple cations randomly distributed in a single lattice. Here, the HEO exhibits a spinel crystal structure, with the image acquired along the [110] crystallographic zone axis, where each white sphere corresponds to the cations present in the material. Advancements in aberration-corrected electron microscopes have paved the way for directly imaging atomic arrangements at a resolution of around 60 x 10^-12 meters (60 pm). The colorful lines here connect the nearest cations; their colors represent a heatmap, indicating interatomic distances ranging from 162 pm (red) to 228 pm (white).
“Two-dimensional Nittany Lion”
Krishnan Mekkanamkulam Ananthanarayanan, Graduate Student, Department of Materials Science and Engineering
Artist’s Perspective: We Are Penn State!!!! I’m proud Penn Stater! The first day upon arriving to this picturesque campus, the Nittany Lion Shrine beckoned me, becoming one of the initial stops. The site of Nittany Lion etched itself into my core memories, marking the beginning of my journey here. This is one of the thinnest Nittany Lion 2D metal film (InGa alloy) underneath epitaxial graphene (thickness < 1nm).
Scientific Process: 2D metals are synthesized via intercalation method to stabilize 3D metals to 2D form by the insertion of atoms between epitaxial graphene (EG) and silicon carbide (SiC) which provide high-energy interface. Selective area intercalation of 2D metals uses lithographically patterned EG on SiC for intercalation. The above image of a Nittany lion is an example of selective-area intercalation of 2D InGa alloy underneath lithographically etched EG (the bright contrast in the shape of Nittany lion) on silicon carbide substrate (the dark contrast). Optical lithography is used for patterning the micro sized Nittany lion EG, followed by ultra-low vacuum etching and finally the intercalation of 2D InGa alloy through the edges of patterned EG.
“Bacterial Cellulose as a Honeycomb Mountain”
Noël McClellan, Undergraduate Student, Department of Materials Science and Engineering
Artist’s Perspective:When I first started looking at the birefringence in both the rheometer and microscope my expectations were low, and I was continually surprised by what I saw. The ability to see a property that had seemingly disappeared in solution to be brought back is almost an impressive show of nature’s tendencies to revert to its basis on a fundamental level. The picture I chose particularly reminded me of honeycomb.
Scientific Process: The image is of bacterial cellulose in a polarized light optical microscope. The cellulose was initially dissolved in the Ionic Liquid (IL) – BMImCl. The sample shown was first sheared using a cone and plate geometry in a DHR3 rotational rheometer. After shearing the plates were washed with water to remove the BMImCl leaving a cellulose gel that was placed on a slide and imaged in a polarized light microscope to see birefringent regions of cellulose that are not present in the BMImCl – Cellulose solution. Images were taken over the course days to see an increase in birefringence, as the cellulose dried further. Cellulose is inherently birefringent, but processing cellulose without degradation from solvents is difficult, and ILs are non-degrading anhydrous solvents. IL-Cellulose solutions have a complex rheology that can make it difficult to determine dissolution vs degradation, but retaining birefringence is a good indicator that the cellulose structure has not degraded.
