Building the Future with Quantum Materials

By Samudrapom DamReviewed by Susha Cheriyedath, M.Sc.Updated on Oct 28 2024

Quantum materials are materials that display complex and unique properties at the quantum level. The behavior of these materials is governed by quantum mechanics, which is the branch of physics that describes the behavior of energy and matter at the smallest scales, such as subatomic particles and atoms.^1,2

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Examples of quantum materials include topological materials, complex magnets, quantum dots, quantum spin liquids, two-dimensional (2D) materials, and superconductors. These materials can facilitate the development of many innovative technologies, including levitating trains, improved optical sensors, and faster and fault-tolerant quantum computers.^2,3

The Unique Properties of Quantum Materials

While all materials exhibit quantum mechanical properties to some extent, quantum materials display distinctive quantum effects, including topological behavior, quantum coherence, quantum entanglement, and quantum fluctuations. For example, in "topological insulators," surface electrons exhibit metallic properties that contrast with the insulating characteristics of bulk electrons.^2,4

The wave function of these surface electrons “protects” electronic charge transport, potentially laying the foundation for new-generation energy-efficient electronics. Similarly, in quantum spin liquids at extremely low temperatures, the wave functions of magnetic electrons become entangled, preventing the formation of classical static ordered spin states typical in conventional magnets.⁴

In this quantum-fluctuating state, energetic defects or quasi-particles replace individual electrons as the moving components within the solid. Other exotic cases include fermions in quantum Hall effect materials composed of electron and magnetic field interactions. Additionally, superconductors showcase a collective quantum mechanical state in which electrons form a coherent wave function that permeates the material.⁴

In superconducting materials, this coherence results in zero electrical resistance and the expulsion of magnetic fields. Such materials, with their unique quantum state, could revolutionize energy transmission, production, storage, and utilization.⁴

Key Applications in Technology and Industry

Quantum materials have transformative applications across computing, energy, medicine, and more, with key uses including:³

• Quantum communication and information processing
• Advanced electronics
• Quantum sensing and imaging
• Energy conversion and storage
• Spintronics and topological superconductors
• Quantum computing

For example, superconductors are essential for quantum computing, energy transmission, and medical imaging thanks to their perfect diamagnetism and zero electrical resistance, while 2D materials are valuable in electronics, photonics, and sensing devices due to their high carrier mobility, superconductivity, and excellent thermal conductivity.³

Additionally, Majorana fermions offer robust, fault-tolerant qubits for topological quantum computing because of their resilience to decoherence. Materials exhibiting the quantum Hall effect are also ideal for metrology and determining fundamental constants, leveraging the discrete quantization of Hall conductance.³

A Complete Guide to Quantum Technologies

Quantum Materials in Next-Generation Computing

Quantum materials have recently become central to advancing quantum computing, which leverages principles of quantum mechanics to tackle complex problems beyond the reach of classical computers.³ These materials serve as physical platforms for developing quantum bits (qubits), the fundamental units of quantum information. Their unique properties enable precise control over quantum states, making it possible to create qubits that are powerful, stable, and efficient.³

By enabling the integration of qubits into complex, multi-qubit systems, quantum materials support large-scale quantum calculations. Superconducting materials, for instance, are instrumental in creating superconducting qubits. These materials exploit entanglement and superposition, allowing qubits to interact in a coherent quantum state that facilitates faster, more powerful computations.³ Materials such as niobium and certain rare-earth compounds are commonly used for this purpose, given their ability to maintain superconductivity at extremely low temperatures required for stable qubit performance.³

Quantum materials are also crucial in the implementation of quantum gates, which are essential for qubit manipulation and performing computations in parallel. Topological insulators, for example, provide "protected" surface states that are highly resistant to interference, allowing quantum gates to function reliably even in noisy environments. Furthermore, quantum error correction—a significant challenge in quantum computing—is enhanced by materials like Majorana fermions, which offer fault-tolerant qubits that are less sensitive to environmental disruptions, significantly improving the durability and reliability of quantum processors.³

In neuromorphic computing, where the goal is to emulate the brain’s data processing efficiency, quantum materials provide an ideal foundation. Their unique electronic and magnetic properties support energy-efficient hardware capable of handling large volumes of data. Quantum materials like transition metal oxides and 2D van der Waals materials exhibit strong correlations and non-linear responses, which are essential for replicating neural behaviors such as adaptive plasticity and memory functions. This facilitates real-time data classification and enables advanced applications in AI and machine learning.³

What is Quantum Computing?

Energy Solutions: Quantum Materials for a Sustainable Future

Quantum materials have emerged as key components in energy conversion and storage and renewable energy technologies, surpassing the limitations of classical materials. Harnessed at the nanoscale, their extraordinary properties significantly boost the performance and efficiency of these technologies, paving the way toward a sustainable energy future.³

Quantum materials such as perovskite compounds, for example, are groundbreaking in solar energy, demonstrating remarkable light-harvesting capabilities that allow for highly efficient sunlight-to-electricity conversion. In energy storage applications, materials like topological insulators and graphene enable the development of batteries and supercapacitors with faster energy release and enhanced charge storage, which are critical for renewable energy systems.³

Leveraging quantum phenomena like entanglement, researchers are exploring quantum-enhanced devices for even greater energy storage and conversion efficiency. Tin oxide quantum dots, in particular, show promise in solar cells, capacitors, and batteries due to their high compatibility, rapid charge capability, stability, cost-effectiveness, and high energy capacity.³

Additionally, advancements in quantum dot composites are leading to new breakthroughs in energy storage. For example, titanium dioxide quantum dots anchored on graphene have demonstrated stable and rapid lithium and sodium storage, enhancing both storage capacity and cycle stability for next-generation batteries.³

Through these innovations, quantum materials are setting a new standard for sustainable energy solutions, making renewable energy systems more efficient, scalable, and environmentally friendly.

Challenges and Opportunities in Quantum Material Research

The discovery and development of new quantum materials come with notable scientific and technical challenges. For instance, despite decades of focused research, the fundamental mechanisms underlying superconductivity in cuprate materials remain unresolved, leaving crucial questions in this field unanswered.⁵

Another major challenge lies in the theoretical framework required to describe strongly correlated quantum materials, such as spin liquids. Currently, the language and models needed to fully capture the complexities of these materials are still under development. Additionally, as the calculations and simulations required to study quantum materials grow in complexity, the demand for computational power escalates, creating significant technical barriers.⁵

Yet, the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), particularly in machine learning (ML), offer promising new pathways for studying quantum materials. The intricate physics and diverse behaviors of quantum materials make them a compelling target for AI-driven methods.⁵

By applying ML to analyze data from known compounds, researchers can make predictions about collective behaviors and the atomic structures of potential new materials. This approach not only accelerates the discovery of quantum materials but also enhances the accuracy of predictions regarding their properties, unlocking new possibilities in material science.⁵

As AI techniques evolve, they have the potential to address longstanding questions and revolutionize quantum material research, transforming challenges into opportunities for groundbreaking discoveries.

Collaborations Shaping the Quantum Materials Landscape

Collaborative efforts among research institutions, key industry players, and commercial entities are propelling the development and innovation of quantum materials worldwide.^6,7 For example, the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) recently partnered with INOX Group under a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to create the INOX Quantum Materials Lab. This new lab will concentrate on developing topological semiconductors—materials essential for enabling fault-tolerant quantum computing.⁶

Similarly, the Max Planck–New York Center on Non-Equilibrium Quantum Phenomena recently secured funding to continue its pioneering quantum materials research for another five years. Originally a collaboration between the Flatiron Institute, Columbia University, and two Max Planck Institutes in Germany, the project now includes Cornell University, further expanding its research scope and capabilities.⁷

Alongside these research partnerships, leading companies in the quantum materials market, Nanoco Group plc, AUO Corporation, and TCL China Star Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd, play an essential role in advancing both development and commercialization. These companies translate breakthrough research into practical applications, bringing quantum materials closer to transformative use in real-world industries.

Through such global collaborations and market leadership, the quantum materials landscape is rapidly evolving, opening the door to technological advancements that will impact numerous sectors.

Future Outlook: Quantum Materials and Global Innovation

Quantum materials are set to become transformative forces across industries, with their potential extending well beyond today’s applications. As advancements in quantum technologies progress, these materials are likely to drive breakthroughs in computing, energy storage, and communications, significantly enhancing efficiency, performance, and sustainability. Such developments could foster economic growth while addressing pressing global challenges, such as climate change and resource scarcity.

In conclusion, quantum materials have the potential to reshape entire industries. Realizing this potential, however, will take ongoing teamwork among researchers, industry experts, and policymakers, helping to drive both innovation and sustainability. As these partnerships grow and technology evolves, quantum materials are likely to play a key role in a future filled with meaningful scientific progress and global impact.

Quantum Networking: The Future of Global Communication

References and Further Reading

1. Quantum Materials Science [Online] Available at https://materials.princeton.edu/research/areas-research/quantum-materials-science (Accessed on 28 October 2024)
2. Quantum Materials [Online] Available at https://cqst.iitmandi.ac.in/quantum_material.php (Accessed on 28 October 2024)
3. Goyal, R. K. (2024). Exploring Quantum Materials & Applications: A Review. ArXiv. DOI: 10.48550/arXiv.2404.17594, https://arxiv.org/abs/2404.17594
4. Cava, R., De Leon, N., Xie, W. (2021). Introduction: quantum materials. Chemical Reviews, 121(5), 2777-2779. DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.0c01322, https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acs.chemrev.0c01322
5. Stanev, V., Choudhary, K., Kusne, A. G., Paglione, J., Takeuchi, I. (2021). Artificial intelligence for search and discovery of quantum materials. Communications Materials, 2(1), 1-11. DOI: 10.1038/s43246-021-00209-z, https://www.nature.com/articles/s43246-021-00209-z
6. INOX Group, IISc join hands to set up quantum materials lab, boost semiconductor research [Online] Available at https://energy.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/coal/inox-group-iisc-join-hands-to-set-up-quantum-materials-lab-boost-semiconductor-research/114299401 (Accessed on 28 October 2024)
7. Max Planck-New York Center expands research on quantum materials [Online] Available at https://www.innovationnewsnetwork.com/max-planck-new-york-center-expands-quantum-materials-research/51493/ (Accessed on 28 October 2024)

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