Materials Science & Engineering
Jon-Paul Maria Group – Penn State 
Research:
- Maxwell’s research interests are to further demonstrate and expand ultralow temperature sinterability (≤ 300 °C) of materials using ceramic processing methods, particularly cold sintering. With the cold sintering process, Maxwell is currently working to densify metal hybrid perovskite (MHP) assemblies to near theoretical densities through the employment of unique secondary mass transport phases coupled with low-temperature and moderate-pressure regimes. This research affords new investigative opportunities to advance the understanding and application of current and future materials’ structural and molecular competencies and better predict their responses to thermal and mechanical stress when cold sintered. A primary goal of the work will be to maximize device capabilities prepared by ultralow temperature sintering to match or exceed performance exhibited by applications developed by conventional ceramic processes.
Expected graduation date: 2025