Liquids are usually described within classical physics, whereas solids require the tools of quantum mechanics. I will show how in nanoscale channels this distinction no longer holds. At these scales, the liquid flows become intertwined with electron dynamics in the channel walls, resulting in a wealth of phenomena beyond the reach classical fluid mechanics. My talk will focus on the quantum friction effect, the challenges it poses for the foundations of hydrodynamics, and the perspectives it opens for nanoscale energy conversion. 

In this talk, I argue that for materials discovery, one needs to go beyond simple computational screening approaches followed by traditional experimentation. I have been working on the design and implementation of what I call “materials acceleration platforms” (MAPs). MAPs are enabled by the confluence of three disparate fields, namely artificial intelligence (AI), high-throughput quantum chemistry (HTQC), and robotics. The integration of prediction, synthesis and characterization in an AI-driven closed-loop approach promises the acceleration of materials discovery by a factor of 10, or even a 100. I will describe our efforts under the Mission Innovation umbrella platform around this topic.