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Materials Science and
Engineering
Core Faculty
TMI's core faculty lead cutting-edge research by running their grants through the institute, fostering collaboration and resource sharing.
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Graduate Program
Our Materials Science and Engineering program is one of the best in the nation, and our graduates go on to be leaders in their fields.
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Research
TMI supports interdisciplinary research at UT Austin, with over 100 faculty focusing on clean energy, nanotechnology, and advanced materials using our state-of-the-art facilities.
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Equipment
Information the Equipment Can Provide
The glovebox in EER 6.626 is an instrumentation specific glovebox from Innovative Technologies.
System Specifications:
- Purelab HE 4 Glove Box with gas purification
- Internal dimensions: 1950W X 900H x 780D
- Gas purification system-re 0circulation <1ppm O2 and H2O
- 0-60 CFM variable speed blower- vibration dampened, non-heat load foamin
- Antechamber (15-inch diameter X 24-inch-long) with spindle door mechanism
- Custom feed through plate with 10 KF-40 ports: 1 RS232 9 pin, 1 USB port, 1 power cord, three 4 BNC ports; the rest of the ports are blanked.
The glovebox runs mostly at Ar. The Asylum AFM can be operated in this glovebox for studying materials that are air sensitive.
Fees and Policies
There are no fees associated with using the MBraun Nitrogen Glovebox.
To become a new user of this facility, please read the Instrument Reservation Information page. If you are already a user you can make a reservation in FBS.
Instrument Capabilities
The EMS Sputter Coater is a sample-preparation instrument used to apply a thin, uniform conductive metal coating to specimens prior to SEM analysis. The coating helps reduce surface charging and improves image quality, contrast, and visualization of fine surface details. The system should only be used for preparing samples intended for subsequent imaging in the Electron Microscopy Facility at TMI.
Key Features
- The system is currently equipped with a platinum (Pt) target.
- Deposition time must be limited to a maximum of 1.5 minutes.
- A 1-minute deposition produces an approximately 5 nm-thick platinum film.
Fees and Policies
- UT Users: $10/15 mins
- Higher Education/State Agencies: $29.25/15 mins
- Corporate/External Users: $29.25/15 mins
Training
Training on the sputter coater is offered as part of the electron microscopy training classes.
Information the Equipment Can Provide
Several instruments in TMI such as the SEMs, TEMs, TOF-SIMS, XPS and XRD are frequently used to analyze nanomaterials and materials in powder form. Due to exposure health risks, such materials should be exclusively handled in ventilated areas such a fume hood. TMI designated a specific hood for handling nanoparticles and powdered materials located in EER 6.626.
Standard Operation Procedure for handling nanomaterials.
All users handling nanomaterials are trained on how to use this hood when receiving instrument specific training that may involve the use of nanomaterials and powders.
Fees and Policies
There are no fees associated with using the Hood for Handling Powder Materials.
To become a new user of this facility, please read the Instrument Reservation Information page. If you are already a user you can make a reservation in FBS.
Acids Hood Use Requirements:
The acids hood is primarily used to perform Piranha cleaning of substrates. Users should only use this hood only after receiving training. Users are required to work in pairs and only between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Although there are no fees associated with the use of the HF hood, users should reserve the hood in FBS and start the timer.
Before using the acids hood make sure to attach to the hood the following signs:
- Piranha solution in use
- No other processes allowed at this time.
Never leave the Piranha solution unattended.
Acidic Piranha etch (or Piranha) is a mixture of varying ratios of concentrated sulfuric acid (typically 98% concentration) and hydrogen peroxide (usually 30% concentration) used to clean organic residues from substrates.
Never use hydrogen peroxide in higher concentrations.
Available chemicals:
- Sulfuric acid, CAS #7664-93-1
- Hydrogen peroxide, CAS #7722-84-1
The Acids Hood is also approved for etching metals such as Cr, Au, Ni, and Cu. Specific waste containers are available. Always check with the facility managers before bringing any etchants in the cleanroom.
Fees and Policies
Only the cleanroom entry fee will be charged.
- UT Users $6
- Higher Education/State Agencies: $10
- Corporate/External Users: $10
Traning
Please contact Dr. Raluca Gearba and/or James Smitherman to schedule a training session.
Texas Materials Seminar Series
The Texas Materials Seminar Series features MSE 397 Seminars, TMI Distinguished Lectureships, and TMI Special Seminars, where leading faculty and professionals from around the world share cutting-edge innovations and advancements in materials engineering with our students.
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$12M+
In Grant Funding
20+
Research Patents
10K+
Sq. Ft. of Research Labs
News
Zhantao Chen Publishes New Article on AI-assisted Tool
Zhantao Chen, an Assistant Professor in Mechanical Engineering and a TMI-affiliate, has published an article on an AI tool in Nature Machine Intelligence. The article used AI to help researchers in ways that would assist in experimental tasks that are often labor-intensive and tiresome.
Terry Zheng & Yu Group Publish New Work on Water-Based Electrolytes
Materials Science and Engineering graduate student Tianrui (Terry) Zheng, under the supervision of Dr. Guihua Yu has published research in Advanced Materials introducing a biphasic electrolyte architecture that combines the strengths of water-based (aqueous) and organic-based electrolytes for long-duration, high-rate zinc metal batteries.
Get Better Sleep With Ultrasound Patch That Boosts REM Rest
A wearable bioelectronic device increased REM sleep in real-world trials, without invasive surgery or medication.
Published by UT News.
Yuebing Zheng Awarded 'New Directions' Seed Funding from UT OVPR
Yuebing Zheng was awarded seed funding through the University's Office of the Vice President for Research, Scholarship and Creative Endeavors. The 'New Directions in Research' grants are one time payments that give faculty an opportunity to obtain proof-of-concept or pilot data for future, larger grants.
Terry Zheng Awarded UT Chevron Energy Graduate Fellowship
Tianrui (Terry) Zheng, a Materials Science & Engineering graduate student working with Dr. Guihua Yu, is a recipient of the 2026-2027 UT Chevron Energy Graduate Fellows Award from UT's Energy Institute.
