Fundamental Science for Future Materials Applications

The foundation of technological innovation is the development of materials. The objective of Mary Anne White's proposed research program is to carry out experiments to determine fundamental relationships between structure, dynamics and properties of materials. The aim is to provide important key information, and thus build a fundamental scientific platform for future materials applications.*The systems to be studied have been selected to provide answers to important questions. Three directions will be advanced. In one study I will determine the factors that can optimize transport of heat and electricity in nanotube materials, for potential use in heat management and in electrical circuits. In another, I will study the dynamics of elemental boron, to advance prediction of properties of boron-containing compounds, such as superhard materials. In a third study I will investigate freezing of materials, to better manipulate materials for applications such as energy storage, preparation of porous ceramics, and new catalysts.*The assertion that this proposal will lead to future materials applications is predicated on my past successes: low thermal conductivity in clathrates giving rise to a new family of thermoelectric materials; development of phase change materials for energy storage; thermochromic materials for thermally erasable printer toner. My proposed investigations of fundamental interactions in matter, over length scales from elements, to nanotubes, to phases of bulk matter, could well provide the underpinnings of novel materials applications, while training new scientists and significantly advancing our understanding of matter.*