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Where Textiles Meets STEM

materials science and engineering

illustration lays out the design of the RoboMapper device and how each component works (see article below for details)

Jul 25, 2023

New Robot Boosts Solar Energy Research

The robot conducts experiments more efficiently and sustainably to develop a range of new semiconductor materials. 
Photo of Q-silicon

Jun 23, 2023

Quantum Computing Could Get Boost From Discovery of Q-Silicon

NC State researchers discover a distinct form of silicon that is ferromagnetic at room temperature. 
photo of nc state university's iconic belltower

Mar 14, 2023

Technique Offers New Insight into How Materials Respond to Stresses

The work can be used to inform the development of everything from new electronic devices to high-performance textiles. 
diagram shows how electrons travel along grain boundaries

Feb 27, 2023

Corralling Ions Improves Viability of Next Generation Solar Cells

The finding paves the way for a new generation of lighter, more flexible, and more efficient solar cell technologies suitable for practical use. 

Feb 9, 2023

Make Them Thin Enough, and Antiferroelectric Materials Become Ferroelectric

Researchers have now discovered a size threshold beyond which antiferroelectrics lose their properties, becoming ferroelectric. 
Aerial view of laptop and cell phone.

Feb 8, 2023

Microstructure and Defect Engineering Improves Performance of Lithium-Ion Batteries

Laser-induced anode graphite defects - in the right amount - increase current capacity in widely used batteries. 
From left, Nathan Woodward, Aram Amassian and Tonhui Wang examine a microscope slide. The three wear white lab coats, and Wang, who is holding the slide, wears black gloves.

Nov 3, 2022

Integrating Robotics, Materials Science to Capture Solar Energy

By researching more effective solar panels cells, an NC State team is establishing more inclusive, accessible ways to do science. 
Artist's rendering of Wolfspeed plant.

Oct 19, 2022

Wolfspeed Ahead: An NC State Spinoff Powers the Future

The company that pioneered LED lighting now looks to improve the efficiency and performance of electric vehicles and other high-power applications. Meet the people building the world's largest silicon carbide manufacturing facility in Chatham County. 
diagram of doped gallium nitride is surrounded by images of energy-efficient technologies it would enable

Sep 6, 2022

Researchers Demonstrate New, More Energy-Efficient Devices Using Gallium Nitride

The devices are made possible by a unique technique for “doping” gallium nitride in a controlled way. 

Sep 1, 2022

Computational Model Could Speed Development of Semiconductors Useful in Quantum Applications

A computational model predicts how optical properties of semiconductor materials change when doped with other elements. 
gold nanorods

Jun 22, 2022

Technique Allows Researchers to Align Gold Nanorods with Magnetic Fields

A new technique allows researchers to align gold nanorods using magnetic fields, allowing greater control over their optical properties. 
Image by Ella Maru Studio

Mar 31, 2022

Quantum ‘Shock Absorbers’ Allow Perovskite to Exhibit Superfluorescence at Room Temperature

Researchers explain why some perovskites exhibit superfluorescence at high temperatures. 
Simulation image showing self-assembly of two MNPs under a magnetic field.

Mar 11, 2022

New Tool Allows Unprecedented Modeling of Magnetic Nanoparticles

The advance paves for developing magnetic nanoparticles for applications such as drug delivery and sensor technologies. 
gloved hands hold up solar cell panels of different sizes

Jan 25, 2022

New Technique Boosts Efficiency, Sustainability of Large-Scale Perovskite Solar Cells

The technique will reduce the cost and improve the performance of mass-produced perovskite solar cells. 
Students work in a textile lab, writing on whiteboards and working in small groups at tables

Nov 1, 2021

Where Textiles Meets STEM

In the Department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science, STEM majors can discover surprising opportunities and exceptional career preparation.