’Sputtertron’, among latest CFI-funded University of Toronto projects, could help develop new materials for a greener economy

Machine learning model DALL·E produced this image from a simple description - not unlike how an AI-enabled platform at U of T Engineering will extrapolate from the properties of existing materials to create new kinds of metal alloys - From keeping wind turbines ice-free to catalytically converting waste carbon dioxide into useful products, advanced materials will be critical for developing the sustainable technologies of the future. And a new system known as the 'Sputtertron' could help find them. "This materials acceleration platform will be a unique, AI-controlled tool that combines both the synthesis of new materials and their characterization," says Professor  Jason Hattrick-Simpers  of the department of materials science and engineering in the University of Toronto's Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering, who is leading the team building the new platform. "It will allow us to increase the rate at which we discover these new materials by factor of 1,000." The project is one of 16 across University of Toronto's three campuses that received support this week from the Canada Foundation for Innovation's John R. Evans Leaders Fund. A further 10 projects headed by faculty associated with University of Toronto's partner hospitals also received funding. See the complete list of projects.