High-performance nonvolatile memory devices integrated with ferroelectric Aluminum Scandium Nitride (AlScN) films that can be directly deposited on the silicon at low temperature (≤ 350 °C) Problem: Strong demand for high-density non-volatile memory (NVM) devices with low power consumption is being driven by new applications of non-von Neumann...

The technology is a fouling resistant nanofiltration membrane that filters out harmful contaminants from water and greatly reduces levels of hardness. The membrane is highly permeable and rejects divalent salts efficiently due to its unique water-channel architecture. Problem: Nanofiltration is an important emerging technology for low-pressure, and...

A mixture has been identified that can rapidly deactivate SARS-CoV-2 and similar viruses for use during dental office procedures to prevent viral transmission. Problem: During routine dental procedures, aerosolized droplets containing water, a patient’s saliva and blood, microorganisms and other debris are produced as a result of commonly used...

A topological insulator that routes optical signals from one port to another in a flexible manner, making use of its entire footprint. Problem: Controlling light flow is required for photonic infrastructures used in data processing, communication, and computing. However, current photonic integrated infrastructures are limited by crosstalk and...

Multi-fiber materials that adapt to mechanical loading through changes in fiber network structure and inter-fiber bonding, enabling self-adhesion and increased tensile strength. Problem: Multi-fiber materials are utilized in many applications ranging from textiles to tissue engineering. While current multi-fiber materials are able to adapt their shape...

Technology Overview: Polymers are an important class of materials with applications in almost all aspects of life. Based on the chemicals used, a polymeric material can have a wide range of properties as well as costs. High thermal or chemical stability is highly desired in: Coatings Organic electronics Flame-retardant materials Chemical safety...

Synthesis of trifluoromethylated alkylboron compounds and incorporation into small molecules and macromolecules Problem: Fluorinated macromolecules are widely utilized in industry, with the most notable example being Teflon, or perfluorotetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Additionally, methods for incorporating CF3 into small organic molecules are not...

Secondary crosslinking of injectable shear-thinning hydrogels to enhance mechanics and stability Problem: Hydrogels are crosslinked polymers that are used in biomedical applications for culturing cells in vitro or for the delivery of cells or therapeutic molecules in vivo. Injectable hydrogels may be introduced into patients in a minimally invasive...

New fabrication techniques for CdSe QD FETs Problem: Many researchers are attempting to create flexible electronics, which could have applications for new mobile and wearable devices. However, traditional semiconductor materials are not flexible, so new materials and fabrication techniques are needed to make flexible electronics possible. Solution:...

Cross-coupling reactions without the generation of waste products Problem: Catalytic carbon-carbon bond formation based on cross-coupling reactions (CCRs) plays a central role in the production of natural products, pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and organic materials. Coupling reactions with organometallic reagents and organic halides facilitate...