The team’s research, published in , studies how when exposed to light, boron-based catalysts can break down hydrocarbons into their component elements, such as hydrogen and carbon. Blair says that while carbon printing is common, their team has unexpectedly discovered an approach mild enough to print carbon fibers onto easily damaged materials like cotton.

“What’s exciting about this is that we’re essentially 3D printing carbon structures at room temperature,” Blair says. “This has been done before, but usually at very high temperatures. We’re able to do it at much lower temperatures and even on flexible materials like fabric.”

He says that this was not the team’s initial focus; the research team was originally researching catalysts for converting propylene into propane. By analyzing the catalyst surface exposed to the gas propylene with a laser, the researchers expected to gain insight into the reaction studied.

Fernand Torres-Davila ’17MS ’16PhD, a UCF graduate student who had since completed a doctorate in physics, was conducting spectroscopic analysis when he noticed black spots forming under the laser, which were initially attributed to the decomposition of the catalyst surface. However, upon further investigation, the marks turned out to be carbon formed by the breakdown of propylene adsorbed on the surface.

“We realized there’s no catalyst decomposition pathway that would make those black spots,” Blair says. “We were breaking the gas down into its component parts: hydrogen and carbon.”

Collaboration has been key to the process. Blair says with the help and patience of Tetard, they were able to create three-dimensional carbon structures with a laser, similar to certain types of 3D printers.

“We were looking at the hydrogen component, and my colleague, Dr. Tetard, noticed that as she focused the laser, interesting shapes were forming,” he says. “She moved the laser up from the surface, and the shapes would grow following the laser.”

Tetard and her research team offered their perspective on the discovery.

“Both of our teams have collaborated closely on this work. My group’s focus is more on the small-scale manipulation and understanding of the processes using nanoscale imaging and spectroscopy tools,” Tetard says. “These complement the efforts from all the other authors and contributors well. Each brings their unique perspectives in presenting this special project of carbon growth using 3D printing technology.”

Tetard shares that this collaboration has opened the door to new ways to implement catalysts to improve efficiency.

“Catalysis is important to achieve a lot of chemical transformations that are necessary for our society,” Tetard says. “Producing carbon without significant energy consumption is crucial in today’s context. This approach uses a catalyst engineered by Dr. Blair, which enables a new type of catalytic process that reduces the amount of energy required to grow carbon. One consequence of our work is that printing structures made of carbon in 3D becomes possible, opening the door to many new applications.”

Along with the discovery of sustainable and resilient carbon growth, Blair says it was discovered that these carbon structures are electrically conductive and biologically compatible.

“These carbon structures can interface with biological systems without killing them,” he says. “We’ve seen that electrodes made from these materials can be inserted into living cells without causing cell death. This allows the electrical processes in a cell to be monitored in vivo.  It may also enable direct interface between electronic and biologic systems.”

Tetard says they are looking for more ways to implement carbon into their continuing research.

“This project has been endearing because we observed many unexpected processes,” Tetard says. Unfolding all the details has been challenging but rewarding. We are still working on this project to present some other aspects of the processes at play during carbon growth, and to explore the properties of the carbon products.

Tetard says she is grateful for the collaborative efforts of her and Blair’s research teams.

“None of this research could be done without the undergraduate and graduate students, who were key to the realization of the project,” she says.

Founded in 1963 with the mission to provide talent for Central Florida and the growing U.S. space program, the university’s extensive involvement in space research and education not only drives innovations in space technology but also prepares the next generation of leaders in the field.

With more than 40 active NASA projects totaling more than $67 million in funding, UCF continues to push the frontiers of space research, and its contributions promise to help shape the future of humanity’s presence in the cosmos.

±«°äąó’s cutting-edge areas of space expertise include:

Space Medicine

±«°äąó’s College of Medicine is pioneering new frontiers in aerospace medicine, positioning itself as a leader in space health research and education. Spearheaded by initiatives to create an interdisciplinary curriculum, UCF is integrating expertise from engineering, medicine and nursing to address the unique health challenges of space exploration.

The college is building on existing research in space health, including innovative studies on the effects of microgravity on bone health, which could lead to improved protection for astronauts. Collaborations across disciplines, such as testing therapeutics for radiation protection and developing antimicrobial solutions for space station environments, highlight ±«°äąó’s commitment to advancing astronaut health and shaping the future of space medicine.

Space Propulsion and Power

UCF is advancing space propulsion with groundbreaking research that could make space travel more efficient and viable for future missions. Researchers are developing innovative hypersonic propulsion systems, such as rotating detonation rocket engines, which harness high-speed detonations to increase propulsion efficiency and reduce fuel consumption — an advancement that could significantly lower costs and emissions associated with space travel, creating new commercial opportunities in the industry. UCF is taking its hypersonics research even further with its recently launched Center of Excellence in Hypersonic and Space Propulsion — the HyperSpace Center.

Additionally, UCF teams are exploring novel power systems for spacecraft venturing far from the sun, where solar energy becomes impractical. With funding from NASA, researchers are creating storable chemical heat sources capable of providing essential heat and power in extreme environments, from the icy surfaces of distant moons to the intense heat of Venus.

Space Technology and Engineering

UCF is forging the future of space technology with innovations that push the boundaries of lunar and deep space exploration. Through advancements in lunar resource utilization, UCF has developed methods to efficiently extract ice from lunar soil so that it can be transformed into vital resources like water and rocket fuel, while new techniques for processing lunar soil drastically reduce construction costs for infrastructure such as landing pads.

UCF researchers are also pioneering 3D-printed bricks made from lunar regolith that withstand extreme space conditions, setting the foundation for resilient off-world habitats. Lunar regolith is the loose dust, rocks and materials that cover the moon’s surface.

±«°äąó’s Exolith Lab, part of the , continues to lead in space hardware testing, advancing resource extraction and lunar construction technologies. Meanwhile, FSI’s CubeSat program is opening new doors in space exploration with compact, affordable satellites that give students and researchers access to microgravity and beyond.

Space Commercialization

UCF’s new space commercialization program — led by , College of Business professor of practice and associate provost for space commercialization and strategy — positions the university as a leader in space-related business education.

Autry will guide the college’s efforts to deliver Executive and MBA programs in space commercialization, driving curriculum development and establishing space-focused programs that equip students to lead in the growing commercial space industry.

In addition to the space commercialization program, Autry will be working with external stakeholders, including NASA, the U.S. Space Force and commercial firms like Blue Origin, SpaceX and Virgin Galactic, to develop opportunities to advance mutual interests in space.

This includes working with Kennedy Space Center to lead a State şŁ˝ÇÖ±˛Ą System partnership with the state of Florida to develop the necessary talent to maintain and expand Florida’s leadership in space exploration and commercialization.

Autry will also be leading ±«°äąó’s effort to develop and execute a roadmap for the university’s SpaceU brand through targeted investments in talent and facilities.

Space Domain Awareness

UCF is advancing space domain awareness research to protect critical assets in orbit by developing sophisticated algorithms for tracking and predicting the movement of objects such as satellites and asteroids, so they don’t collide with spacecraft. Under the guidance of aerospace engineering expert Tarek Elgohary, UCF researchers are creating a computational framework to rapidly and accurately track space objects in real time. This initiative is backed by the U.S. Air Force Office of Scientific Research Dynamic Data and Information Process Program.

UCF is also addressing the growing issue of orbital debris through a NASA-funded study that includes researchers from ±«°äąó’s FSI and . This project seeks to increase public awareness and support for managing space debris, a hazard to satellites and potential space tourism ventures.

Workforce Development

UCF is propelling students toward dynamic careers in the space industry with hands-on programs and sought-after internship opportunities. Through the new engineering graduate certificate in electronic parts engineering, developed in collaboration with NASA, students are gaining essential skills in testing and evaluating space-ready electronic components — a key advantage for aspiring space professionals.

Additionally, UCF students can benefit from hands-on internships at Kennedy Space Center, where they gain real-world experience in various fields, from engineering to project management.

At the , students gain direct experience in microgravity research and robotics. The center embodies ±«°äąó’s commitment to democratizing space access, offering pathways for students from all backgrounds to participate in and contribute to the growing space industry.

FSI’s CubeSat program further immerses students in satellite design and operation, offering direct involvement in active space missions.

Planetary Science

UCF’s planetary science program is driving breakthroughs in space exploration with projects spanning the moon, Mars and beyond. The NASA-funded Lunar-VISE mission, led by UCF, will explore the Gruithuisen domes on the far side of the moon to understand their volcanic origins, potentially unlocking insights crucial for future space exploration.

Complementing this, UCF researchers are contributing to NASA’s Lunar Trailblazer mission, which will map water ice deposits on the moon — an essential resource for sustained stays in space. On another front, UCF scientists are studying dust behavior in microgravity through experiments that flew on Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket, potentially leading to strategies for mitigating lunar dust, a challenge for electronics and equipment on future missions.

Expanding its reach beyond the moon, ±«°äąó’s planetary science research involves asteroid studies, including the high-profile OSIRIS-REx mission to asteroid Bennu and examining seismic wave propagation in simulated asteroid materials to understand asteroid evolution and early planetary formation. UCF is also home to the , a node of NASA’s Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute, which facilitates NASA’s exploration of deep space by focusing its goals at the intersection of surface science and surface exploration of rocky, atmosphereless bodies.

Additionally, UCF researchers are studying trans-Neptunian objects and using the James Webb Space Telescope to explore the solar system’s outer reaches, analyzing ancient ices to uncover clues about the solar system’s history, while also investigating exoplanets to advance our understanding of other planets and to search for life beyond Earth.

In parallel, UCF researchers are also advancing bold ideas for terraforming Mars through nanoparticle dispersion to create warming effect, making the Red Planet potentially more habitable.

UCF researchers have also contributed their expertise to multiple high-profile NASA missions, including Cassini, Mars Pathfinder, Mars Curiosity, and New Horizons.

Advancing Astrophotonics, History and Policy

±«°äąó’s space research spans pioneering astrophotonics technology, studies in space history and critical analyses in space policy, each offering unique insights into the universe. The within CREOL, the College of Optics and Photonics, is pushing the boundaries of photonics and astronomy, using tools like photonic lanterns, fiber optics, and hyperspectral imaging to detect cosmic phenomena and address profound questions about dark energy.

Meanwhile, delves into space history, exploring the cultural and scientific impacts of milestones like the Apollo missions and the Space Shuttle program, helping illuminate humanity’s journey into space.

The contributes to this comprehensive approach with its broad studies of space policy, both domestically and internationally, including examining military space policy and rising space powers. The work involves studying space law, international agreements, and policy frameworks that guide space activities, which is essential for addressing the governance and strategic planning needed for space exploration and utilization.

Pioneering Tomorrow’s Space Exploration

UCF is pushing the frontiers of space research and education, tackling today’s challenges while preparing for the demands of future space missions. As the new space race continues, ±«°äąó’s forward-thinking approach will continue to drive progress, inspire new possibilities and expand humanity’s reach into the universe.

On October 16, UCF officials helped cut the ribbon on the new headquarters of Garmor, Inc., which has begun large-scale processing of the materials.

Jeff Atwater, chief financial officer for the state of Florida, spoke to invited guests and lauded the company as an example of how to build productive businesses in the state. Atwater was joined by Richard Harkey, district representative for Congressman John Mica, and Jamie Grooms, CEO, Florida Institute for Commercialization of Public Research.

Garmor was formed to commercialize technology developed by Richard Blair, a chemist in , and Ph.D. graduate student David Restrepo.  They used a combination of chemical and mechanical processes to break down graphite, like that found in pencil lead, into graphene, creating an element that is stronger than diamonds, and able to conduct electricity and heat better than copper.

Garmor entered the in March 2013 and, in May, won $300,000 in seed funding from the state’s Commercialization of Public Research’s Seed Capital Accelerator Program.

As a client company of the UCFBIP, “Garmor’s growth is a win for all involved,” said Tom O’Neal, associate vice president for research at UCF.

The use of graphene is a cost-effective way to make materials stronger, yet still lightweight. By adding just a small amount of graphene oxide during the production process, makers of plastics, rubber and metal can make their products far lighter and stronger. Common items that could utilize graphene are automotive bumpers, boat hauls, and bridge components.

In September, Garmor received the Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission’s William C. Schwartz Industry Innovation Award.

Since the move into the new facility, the company has grown to eight employees and plans to add ten more in the coming year, said Garmor CEO Anastasia Canavan.

Richard Blair, assistant professor of chemistry and forensic science at UCF, and a biofuels specialist, uses a milling process to convert raw materials to simple sugars and other useful compounds.  He was initially exposed to the general technique while working at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).  Blair’s process uses a rotating drum to grind raw materials and, in a twist, uses a natural and inexpensive catalyst to convert cellulose into simple sugars.  Most techniques used today rely on sulfuric acid to spark the conversion process, resulting in hazardous byproducts that must be reprocessed prior to disposal.

“The ball mill converts biomass immediately to a sellable product. It is inherently green and easily scalable: this is unique because many lab processes are not green or easily scalable,” Blair said.

Many biofuel production systems use sugars as the raw materials.  The availability of sugar is often limited by crop performance:  if crop yields are low, or if crops fail, then biofuels facilities – such as ethanol plants – do not have the sugar feedstock needed to create biofuel.

Blair thought that the ball mill had potential for biofuel production because it will convert any type of biomass – from yard waste to scrub brush – into sugar and it doesn’t leave behind problematic by-products.  For Thor this could eliminate the problem of having to compete with food supplies such as corn and soybeans, for raw materials or feedstock.

“±«°äąó’s breakthrough cellulose-to-sugar technology provides a rational, practical, and efficient path that broadens feedstock possibilities for biofuels production.  This gives us more flexibility in site selection,” said Thor’s CEO Bill Cox.  “This also lessens our dependence upon specific crop cycles, and to inherent price swings that occur within all crop commodities.”

Cox learned of the UCF technology at the Space Coast Energy Symposium sponsored by the Florida Cleantech Acceleration Network in February.

Thor plans to scale-up and incorporate ±«°äąó’s technology as part of its future commercial-scale biofuels production facilities, including a likely expansion in Brevard County later this year. The company will use the technology to produce clean fuels that offer higher horsepower and lower emissions.  Thor’s commercial plants could create over 50 jobs, and is currently working with Brevard County’s Economic Development Commission, the State’s TRDA, and other State agencies as it considers possible expansion opportunities in Florida.  Headquartered in Singapore, Thor also has activities in Latin America and the Philippines.