The University of Tennessee has become the first university in the United States to boast a microcoating line—a state-of-the-art industrial tool that can apply material films as thin as one micron (one millionth of a meter).

Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (CBE) Research Professor Gabriel Veith received the microcoating line in July 2026 after identifying a critical gap in CBE and UT’s capabilities to address national challenges in manufacturing.

“With four industrially relevant coating technologies within a single platform, this new tool will be a pillar of CBE’s growing efforts in energy storage and conversion,” said Veith. “Students will be able to design and synthesize material ensembles, expanding their technical expertise in areas critical for economic development within the state.”

Among other uses, Veith said CBE students and researchers can utilize the microcoater to prepare next-generation batteries based on solid state designs or dry processing; to develop membranes for rare earth, critical element, and gas separation materials; and to design and test fuel cell membrane electrode assemblies.

The microcoating line will also allow CBE researchers to explore new collaborations with local companies and industrial partners, as well as to develop and test new technologies within Tennessee for the first time.

“This equipment bridges laboratory-scale science with industrial scale processes, enabling a whole new direction in scientific research,” Veith said. “It puts CBE and UT ahead of other institutions in the US.”

Contact

Izzie Gall (egall4@utk.edu)