The Eberly College of Science researchers discuss their seed grant project that focuses on developing less expensive catalysts used in the process of splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen for use as renewable energy.

A new family of materials that could result in improved digital information storage and uses less energy may be possible thanks to a team of Penn State researchers who demonstrated ferroelectricity in magnesium-substituted zinc oxide.

By Mariah Chuprinsky

Commercial planes burn hundreds of gallons of jet fuel per hour of flight, which can be costly for both airlines and the environment. But if planes were made of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) instead of the heavier material aluminum, they could go greater distances with less fuel. 

Researchers in the Penn State College of Engineering have teamed up to investigate a new, low-cost CFRP manufacturing method with a $595,000 grant from the U.S. Office of Naval Research. 

The National Science Foundation has named Penn State the lead partner to both Florida International University and North Carolina Central University as part of the Partnerships for Research and Education in Materials program.