Researching new materials with AI is fast

Chen Sijin

With the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI), we are on the threshold of an unprecedented technological revolution. AI has not only made continuous breakthroughs in algorithms and applications, but also has shown great potential in the discovery and application of new materials. Recently, a US chip company launched a next-generation AI processor based on new materials, which has far superior performance to traditional silicon-based chips, marking a new era for AI computing technology.

Traditional material science research relies on experimental methods, which is a time-consuming and laborious process. The emergence of AI has changed this situation. Through powerful machine learning algorithms, AI can analyze massive amounts of experimental data, predict the characteristics and performance of new materials, and significantly improve the efficiency of new material development. For example, a British artificial intelligence company used deep learning technology to successfully predict the three-dimensional structure of proteins. This breakthrough technology provides a powerful tool for biological sciences and new material design. Researchers can quickly screen out potential materials in a virtual environment and then conduct experimental verification, which greatly accelerates the discovery process of new materials.

In addition, AI can also create new compound structures in a virtual environment and predict their performance in different application scenarios through technologies such as generative adversarial networks. This innovative approach has brought unprecedented research methods to the field of materials science.

The development of new materials has also promoted the progress of AI technology. AI computing power depends on the performance of the underlying hardware, and the emergence of new materials provides strong support for the development of AI hardware. New two-dimensional materials such as graphene and carbon nanotubes have broken through the performance bottleneck of traditional silicon-based materials, paving the way for the manufacture of more efficient AI chips. The electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity of these new materials enable AI chips to maintain stable performance in high-frequency working environments, which not only improves computing speed, but also greatly reduces energy consumption, creating conditions for the large-scale application of AI technology.

In the field of storage, new materials provide a new solution for AI systems. New storage materials such as phase change memory and resistive random access memory have faster read and write speeds and higher storage density, making AI systems more efficient in data processing and storage. The non-volatile characteristics of these materials ensure data security and long life of storage devices, significantly improving the stability and reliability of AI systems.

The advancement of sensor technology also benefits from the application of new materials. AI systems rely on sensors to obtain external data, and the development of new flexible materials and biocompatible materials makes sensors more sensitive and durable. Flexible electronic materials have promoted the development of wearable devices and biosensors. These devices can monitor health data in real time and conduct accurate analysis and feedback through AI, which enhances the application value of AI in the medical field.

Looking into the future, the combination of AI and new materials will be closer, which will push science and technology into a new stage. As a tool, AI will become the core driving force for the design of new materials. Through the deep learning ability of AI, scientists have designed smart materials with specific functions. These materials can automatically adjust their properties according to environmental changes to achieve functions such as self-repair, self-adaptation and self-assembly. When the structure is damaged, the material can automatically repair itself through the internal AI system to extend the service life of the building. AI can also design special materials for use in extreme environments, such as outer space, deep sea or extremely cold conditions, to provide support for human exploration activities. By precisely controlling the synthesis conditions, AI will achieve customized production of materials. This highly automated and intelligent production method will greatly improve the efficiency of research and development of new materials and shorten the transformation cycle from laboratory to market.

The combination of AI and new materials heralds the arrival of a technological revolution. AI will play a key role in the discovery and design of new materials and accelerate the research and development of new materials. The development and application of new materials will provide a solid foundation for the advancement of AI and promote the widespread application of AI in various fields. The combination of AI and new materials will bring revolutionary changes to human society and usher in a new era of science and technology.

(The author is a science fiction writer)