How Nanomaterials Respond to Radiation - Yanweng Zhang (Queens)

Understanding ion-solid interactions is crucial for nuclear energy development, semiconductor fabrication, space exploration, and the study of radiation effects in materials. When high-energy particles (ions) hit a material, they can disrupt the atomic structure, causing damage. Understanding how materials respond to ion energy deposition is key to designing safer and stronger technologies for the future.

In nuclear reactors, fast-moving particles (like neutrons and ions) can knock atoms out of place, creating defects. Over time, these defects build up, leading to swelling, cracking, and hardening—problems that can make materials unsafe. To study this, scientists utilize energetic ions, a method that allows us to simulate radiation damage in a controlled manner and to better understand how materials change under extreme conditions. In this talk, I will take you through real research progress on understanding how nanomaterials respond to ion radiation. You will see how we approach the problem, what we have learned, the challenges we still face, and how new phenomena drive us forward. If you are curious about radiation effects and how materials behave under extreme conditions, join us in tackling one of the biggest challenges in science and engineering—designing materials that can withstand radiation!.