NSF PREM for Advanced Interface Materials

This NSF Partnership for Research and Education in Materials (PREM) program will establish a long term partnership between Clark Atlanta University (CAU), Spelman College (SC), and the Platform for the Accelerated Realization, Analysis, and Discovery of Interface Materials (PARADIM- a National Science Foundation-funded Materials Innovation Program) at Cornell University.  

The NSF PREM for Advanced Interface Materials will focus on the design, synthesis and characterization of new oxide-based interface materials for the next generation of electronic, magnetoelectronic and optoelectronic devices. The main goals of the program are to significantly strengthen CAU and Spelman College engagement in materials science research and increase the participation of underrepresented minorities, mainly African-American students, in this field.

The PREM project’s framework elements will include engaging undergraduate and graduate students in materials science research, seminars and hands-on workshops, throughout the academic year and summers, supported by postdocs, and faculty at the three institutions. The PREM pathway will increase the number of STEM B.S and Ph.D. degrees attainment by African Americans, the predominant population served by the two Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) involved.

Clark Atlanta University
Spelman College
Cornell University
PARADIM Cornell
Thrust 1

Oxide – Oxide interfaces

To create interface materials enabling electrical control of magnetism at room temperature, we will jointly theorize, synthesize, and characterize two promising magnetoelectric systems. Both systems involve interfaces between iron-containing oxides as all known room-temperature (or higher) magnetoelectrics, or magnetoelectric multiferroics are oxides containing iron.
Team
Natarajan Ravi, Michael Williams, Xiao-Qian Wang, Darrell Schlom, Lena F. Kourkoutis
Thrust 2

Oxide - Metal-Organic Framework interfaces

The precise assembly of 2D layered materials into sophisticated heterostructures is of scientific interest and technological significance in material chemistry. Van der Waals heterostructures epitomize this concept and artificially stack two atomically thin layered materials laterally or vertically, paving new avenues to design hybrid interfaces and functional devices. The organic-inorganic interfaces between these two 2D materials may generate unusual magnetic properties.
Team
Xinle Li, Conrad W. Ingram, Lena F. Kourkoutis, David Muller, Dinadayalane Tandabany, Seyhan Salman
Thrust 3

Oxide - Polymer Interfaces

Interfaces between polymers and crystalline solids play an important role in a range of technological applications. In IRT-3, we will investigate polymer composites with unique conducting properties, made by templating the assembly of conducting ferroelectric polymers from the ordered polarization 15 motifs provided by inorganic ferroelectric oxides.
Team
Michael Williams, Ishrat Khan, Xiao-Qian Wang, Darrell Schlom, Lena F. Kourkoutis, David Muller

People