“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.

“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.

“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 await 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.

“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.

“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.

“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.

“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 stop. 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.

“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.

“Evolution”

Malgorzata Kowalik, 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 form the center of the nanostructures.

“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.

“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.