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Materials Science and Technology Division

Fundamental and applied materials R&D

The Materials Science and Technology Division conducts fundamental and applied materials research for basic energy sciences programs and a variety of energy technologies, including energy efficiency, renewable energy, transportation, conservation, fossil energy, fusion energy, nuclear power, and space exploration. Basic and applied research programs are focused on the thrust areas of

  • theory and modeling at multiple scales,
  • designed synthesis of condensed matter systems, functional materials, alloys, structural ceramics, and specialized crystals,
  • materials characterization for physical, material, and neutron sciences,
  • comprehensive physical and mechanical property characterization,
  • interaction with extreme environments (temperature, corrosive media, radiation), and
  • applied materials physics (superconductivity, thermoelectrics, hydrogen storage, photovoltaics, catalysis, energy storage)

The division is a matrix organization made up of 15 research & development groups, program offices, and an Energy Frontier Research Center. Staff have strong interactions with the Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences and the neutron scattering facilities located at the High Flux Isotopes Reactor Center for Neutron Scattering and the Spallation Neutron Source.

Our mission is to conduct basic and applied research and development on materials in order to improve the understanding of physical phenomena and to develop advanced materials and processes to enable energy-efficient, cost-competitive, and environmentally acceptable materials technologies for a variety of important national priorities.

We perform this work for numerous government programs as well as in support of industry needs. We also enhance science education and improve scientific awareness of students from precollege to postdoctoral levels through a variety of intern and postgraduate programs.

Contact

Director, Materials Science and Technology Division
Yutai Kato