Creating more efficient, environmentally friendly electronics manufacturing practices is the goal of a new Green Materials Chemistry Center at Oregon State University and the University of Oregon. Supported by a $1.5 million grant from the National Science Foundation, scientists will expand their work on effective technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the use of toxic chemicals.
“The concept is to use new, fundamental scientific advances to drive more efficient production and fabrication methods, use green materials and reduce environmental impacts,” says Douglas Keszler, center director and distinguished professor of chemistry at OSU. “The focus will be on electronics and related areas. This is cutting-edge science and technology, and it was born and bred here in Oregon.”
State investment in ONAMI, the Oregon Nanoscience and Microtechnologies Institute, has helped to pave the way for the new center which, if successful, could be in line for up to $25 million in federal funding over the next five years.
Dave Johnson, center co-director and Rosaria P. Haugland Foundation Chair in Pure and Applied Chemistry at the University of Oregon, says that state support for ONAMI was key. “ONAMI investments in facilities, increased ties to Oregon and regional industry, an ONAMI spin-out company and the intercampus collaborations were all key elements in putting together this winning proposal.”
“Among projects sponsored by the Oregon Nanoscience and Microtechnologies Institute, I believe this new center holds great potential for future growth in both the research enterprise and commercial entities,” says Skip Rung, ONAMI president and executive director.
