OU Researcher Secures DoD Funding for Energy-Efficient Materials

Mike Banad, an associate professor at the University of Oklahoma’s School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, has received funding from the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to develop advanced materials for energy-efficient electronics and photonics. His project utilizes inverse design techniques and artificial intelligence to accelerate the creation of metal-insulator transition (MIT) chalcogenides—materials capable of rapidly switching between conductive and insulating states without altering crystal structure. This property-driven material discovery, design, and deployment (PMD³) framework aims to systematically engineer materials with optimized qualities, such as low energy consumption and reliable state-switching, for applications including computing, sensing, and defense systems. AI-Driven Material Discovery and Design Mike Banad at the University of Oklahoma received a $599,599.00 grant from the Department of Defense to develop advanced materials for energy-efficient electronics and photonics. His project employs an inverse design technique—called PMD³ (Property-Driven Design, Discovery, and Deployment)—that integrates artificial intelligence into every stage of material discovery. This approach focuses on metal-insulator transition (MIT) chalcogenides, materials capable of rapidly switching between conducting and insulating states, crucial for applications like computing and defense systems. The PMD³ framework uses AI models trained on existing MIT materials to identify candidates with optimized qualities—reliable state-switching and low energy use. Simulations check for structural stability under harsh conditions, such as high temperatures. This process significantly reduces trial and error, saving time and resources. The AI also predicts successful fabrication procedures, guiding the selection of chemicals and temperatures. The project is expected to run from September 2025 to September 2028. This AI-driven methodology isn’t limited to MIT chalcogenides; it’s a scalable framework applicable to other material classes. Banad aims to continue this research, anticipating improved results with ongoing AI training. Successful development of these materials could enable neuromorphic computing—hardware mimicking the human brain—with high-speed, low-energy switching for robust military systems and broader advances in electronics, sensing, and secure communications. Metal-Insulator Transition Chalcogenides Research Mike Banad at the University of Oklahoma received a $599,599.00 grant from the U.S. Department of Defense to develop advanced materials, specifically metal-insulator transition (MIT) chalcogenides. These materials are valuable because they can rapidly switch between conducting electricity and blocking it, without changing their crystal structure. Banad’s research uses an AI-driven “property-driven material discovery, design and deployment” (PMD³) framework to accelerate this process, aiming for materials with optimized switching abilities and low energy use. The research centers on improving the reliability and efficiency of MIT chalcogenides, with a focus on their performance in demanding environments like those encountered in defense systems. The AI models are trained on existing MIT materials and used to predict which materials and “recipes” will succeed. Simulated atomic structures are tested for stability under high temperatures and repeated switching before fabrication, saving time and money. The project is scheduled to run from September 2025 to September 2028. This PMD³ framework isn’t limited to chalcogenides; it’s a scalable methodology applicable to a wider range of materials. Successful development of these materials could enable advancements in neuromorphic computing – creating hardware that mimics the human brain – as well as improvements in electronics, sensing, and secure communications. The project also involves mentoring OU students in artificial intelligence and advanced materials, furthering interdisciplinary research within the INQUIRE Lab. We simulate the atoms to check if the structures withstand realistic operating conditions, such as high temperatures, repeated switching cycles or exposure to harsh environments relevant to defense applications. Funding and Goals of the PMD³ Framework Mike Banad at the University of Oklahoma has received a $599,599.00 grant from the U.S. Department of Defense to develop advanced materials for energy-efficient electronics and photonics. This funding supports the PMD³ framework—a property-driven methodology for material discovery, design, and deployment—focused initially on metal-insulator transition (MIT) chalcogenides. The goal is to create materials that reliably switch between conducting and insulating states, potentially advancing computing, sensing, and defense systems. The PMD³ framework utilizes artificial intelligence integrated throughout the material discovery process. AI models are trained on existing MIT materials to predict and optimize qualities like switching speed and energy usage. Simulations assess structural stability under harsh conditions—high temperatures and repeated cycles—relevant to defense applications. This approach aims to reduce trial and error, saving both time and money in material development.

This research, beginning in September 2025 and concluding in September 2028, is part of the DoD’s Defense Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (DEPSCoR). The framework’s success could lead to MIT chalcogenides with improved performance and robustness, benefiting neuromorphic computing and broader applications in electronics and secure communications, while also training OU students in AI and advanced materials. Source: https://ou.edu/news/articles/2025/december/ou-researcher-awarded-funds-to-pursue-ai-powered-material-design Tags: