The University of Chicago’s Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth has launched the Center for Advanced Materials for Environmental Solutions (CAMES), a multidisciplinary research center dedicated to developing innovative materials that can significantly reduce the impact of climate change. The Center is led by Laura Gagliardi, the Richard and Kathy Leventhal Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Professor at the UChicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering. Doug Weinberg, a UChicago alumnus and entrepreneur, is the Center’s Co-Director.
Center researchers have initially focused on discovering new porous materials, a class of materials whose cage-like structures are capable of capturing and releasing high concentrations of gases and other substances. These materials can be used for a range of environmental applications, including carbon conversion, water harvesting, energy storage, and sustainable fuel.
Some of the Center’s projects include:
- Developing new porous materials for methane capture, gas separations, water harvesting, and catalytic reactions
- Creating AI-driven algorithms for rapid material discovery and optimization, significantly reducing development timelines
- Advancing public engagement in climate science through partnerships with artists, educators, and community leaders
Along with their potential use in many contexts, porous materials can be designed on a computer instead of using a traditional trial-and-error process in a wet lab. The research team uses artificial intelligence, machine learning, and robotics to significantly reduce research time.
“Finding energy solutions requires a fundamental shift in how we discover and develop materials,” said Gagliardi. “CAMES will accelerate this process by integrating computation, machine learning, and robotics to dramatically shorten the timeline from concept to commercialization, ensuring that breakthroughs reach the market in time to make a meaningful impact.”
The interdisciplinary research team draws from the fields of materials science, chemistry, computer science, and business. The Center also works with external partners to accelerate development times.
“Our goal is to turn cutting-edge scientific discoveries into real-world solutions,” said Weinberg. “By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and prioritizing practical breakthroughs, CAMES aims to become a global leader in materials science and environmental innovation.”
In addition to research, the Center will serve as a global hub for education and outreach in the materials science field. The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship in Catalysts and Advanced Materials for Environmental Solutions (SURF-CAMES) will allow undergraduates at the University of Chicago to contribute to transformative research in sustainable energy.
CAMES brings together scientists from the University of Chicago and Argonne National Laboratory, including John Anderson (Chemistry), Max Delferro (Materials Science), Ian Foster (Computer Science), Giulia Galli (Electronic Structure and Simulations), Eliu Huerta (Computer Science), and Laura Rico-Beck (Outreach).
The Center is supported by the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth’s Venture Fund.