Material Genome Development Effectively Shortens New Technology Development Cycles丨Insights

Chongqing - The 7th Forum of Materials Genome Engineering recently opened in Western (Chongqing) Science City, attracting 45 academicians worldwide to discuss cutting-edge developments in new material research.

The new materials industry, a strategic and fundamental sector, is also key in high-tech competition. Furthermore, it is one of the pillar industries in Chongqing.

Key projects signed on the materials industry

In a major collaboration, Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China Ltd. and Chongqing University have established a joint laboratory within Western (Chongqing) Science City. This facility will focus on developing and applying advanced non-ferrous metal materials for commercial aircraft, driving technological research, industry services, and industrial transformation.

"We will leverage our strengths and gather scientific research forces to provide robust support for the iterative upgrade and high-end talent aggregation in the advanced materials industry of Western (Chongqing) Science City," said a representative from Chongqing University at the event.

A team led by Academician Xie Jianxin from the University of Science and Technology Beijing (USTB) and Chongqing University, both renowned for their prowess in material genome engineering, have jointly established the Chongqing Material Genome Big Data Research Institute in Western (Chongqing) Science City.

Aiming to enhance the independent innovation capability and core competitiveness in materials, the institute will focus on the development needs of the advanced materials industry in Chongqing. Through an integrated model of industry, academia, and research, it will push the advanced materials industry toward big data, intelligence, and high-precision development.

"In the future, Chongqing will become a key region in the western area for the promotion and application of material genome and material big data scientific research achievements," said a representative from the USTB. "Research findings will be primarily implemented and industrialized in Chongqing to better realize the practical application and industrialization of scientific achievements."

Also signed during the event was Chilwee Group Chongqing Research Institute, a powerhouse in the new materials field. This institute, a collaboration between the Chilwee Group and the team of Academician Pan Fusheng from Chongqing University, will focus on technological development, industrial transformation, and industry services around new magnesium-ion battery technology.

"We will undertake strategic cooperation in the development of materials and technology for magnesium-ion batteries, jointly promoting the development and progress of high-performance magnesium-ion battery materials and new cell technologies, as well as pilot research and industrial demonstration," said Deng Zhifu, technical head of the Chilwee Group's battery project.

Edge in the material genome: characterization & computation

Nine leading academicians and experts, both domestic and international, delved into various facets of material genome engineering, including technological innovation, cutting-edge techniques, and key equipment development and application.

"Material genome engineering has applications in fields such as new energy vehicles and autonomous driving, for example, in body materials and new types of battery materials," said Professor Feng Jing from Kunming University of Science and Technology. 

Material genome engineering advancements have reduced research and development time from 10-20 years to just 3-5 years. "In the future, it's anticipated that the range of new energy vehicles could reach up to 800 kilometers, even exceeding 2000 kilometers," Professor Feng added.

"Chongqing has certain advantages in the material genome, particularly in characterization and computation," stated Pan Fusheng, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and Professor from the College of Materials Science and Engineering at Chongqing University. 

He added, "We possess some of the most advanced electron microscopy equipment domestically and internationally, and with Chongqing's developed electronic information industry, there are significant advantages in machine learning applications in the material genome."

Pan added, "From a developmental and application perspective, the material genome has a wide range of involvement and application fields. "

Pan highlighted that the material genome's broad applicability could revolutionize technologies and development models in Chongqing's key electronic information, automotive, and materials industries, speeding up new technology development and aiding in the region's industrial reform and upgrade.