AI IS transform rming the search for new materials

From the bronze age to the Industrial Revolution and beyond, the discovery and development of new materials have been a driving force in human history.

- Domenico Vicinanza

These novel materials have helped advance technology and shape civilizations.

Today, we are at the beginning of a new era, where artificial intelligence (AI) seems to be in the perfect position to transform the search for useful materials. This looks set to completely change the approach to their investigation, creation and testing.

In ancient times, human civilizations experimented with natural resources to create tools and artifacts. The bronze age, in the mid-4th millennium BC, was a significant milestone. Bronze, an alloy of copper and tin, led to the development of stronger tools and weapons, as well as advancements in agriculture and construction.

Bronze is often referred to as the first 'new material' created by humans. We took different elements and created something new, with better properties compared to the ingredients and unique qualities. The invention of glass in ancient Mesopotamia around 3,500 BC was another groundbreaking moment.

Fast forward to the 20th century and the discovery of plastic polymers, ceramics and superconductors opened new frontiers in technology. Ceramics, known for their durability and heat resistance, became a staple in industries from aerospace to electronics.

Superconductors, materials that can conduct electricity with zero electrical resistance, are already used in maglevs (magnetic levitation trains), particle accelerators and medical devices.

AI enters the fray Searching for new materials that could help drive the development of the next groundbreaking technologies has previously been a long and expensive process. This has been due to the complexity of many materials at the atomic and molecular levels.

Traditional methods are essentially based on trial and error and need specialized equipment and resources.