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Osman Levent Eryilmaz

Senior Principal Materials Scientist

Osman Levent Eryilmaz is a materials scientist at Argonne National Laboratory, specializing in advanced coatings and surface technologies to improve energy efficiency, reliability and dependability of critical components across industries.

Biography

Highlights

Osman Levent Eryilmaz is a materials scientist at Argonne National Laboratory with deep experience in surface modification technologies. His work focuses on developing advanced coatings, including nearly frictionless carbon and superhard nanocomposite films, to reduce wear, improve efficiency, and enhance dependability in energy-intensive industries. Eryilmaz has significantly contributed to energy efficiency and reliability in manufacturing and transportation. He collaborates closely with industry partners to scale laboratory innovations for real-world applications.

At times, we shift the focus of a technology’s application when new discoveries emerge. Many inventions arise unexpectedly or from sheer curiosity. Often, you notice something intriguing and delve deeper to understand the underlying mechanism.” — Argonne Research Scientist Osman Levent Eryilmaz

Research Focus

Eryilmaz’s research is rooted in creating cutting-edge surface technologies that enhance energy efficiency, dependability, and reliability. His work spans advanced coating systems, including plasma and vacuum coatings, tribology of thin films, and energy-efficient manufacturing processes. He also develops scalable solutions for industry, focusing on reducing friction, minimizing waste, and extending the lifespan of critical components.

Impact

Eryilmaz’s innovations in surface technologies have transformed industries by enabling cleaner, more efficient manufacturing processes. His advanced coatings, such as nearly frictionless carbon, have significantly reduced energy consumption and material waste while increasing component lifespan. His work has improved production efficiency and contributed to environmental stewardship goals by reducing emissions and minimizing impact in high-temperature and energy-intensive processes.

Osman Levent Eryilmaz is a materials scientist at Argonne National Laboratory, specializing in advanced coatings and tribology to improve energy efficiency and sustainability.  

With a background in metallurgical engineering and materials science, he brings decades of expertise in surface engineering and applied science. His innovative work includes developing nearly frictionless carbon coatings, superhard nanocomposite films, and energy-efficient manufacturing processes such as ultra-fast boriding.

Eryilmaz has collaborated closely with industrial partners throughout his career to bridge the gap between laboratory research and real-world application. His nearly frictionless carbon coating demonstrated record-low friction but also highlighted the challenges of scaling advanced technologies for widespread use. He has contributed to energy efficiency innovations across diverse sectors, from transportation to geothermal and oil drilling.

Collaboration with industry partners is a cornerstone of Eryilmaz’s approach. He emphasizes the importance of listening to industry challenges and tailoring solutions that align with their needs, bridging the gap between laboratory research and real-world application. He also values teamwork and open debate as critical components of innovation, fostering collaborations where a broad range of perspectives drive better results.

Eryilmaz is a strong advocate of mentorship and knowledge sharing, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in addressing complex scientific challenges. His work continues to shape advancements in energy efficiency and reliability.  

His work continues to shape advancements in energy efficiency and dependable manufacturing. Beyond technical achievements, Eryilmaz is driven by a desire to see his work make a tangible impact and see one of his technologies enhance reliability and efficiency while benefiting consumers.  

Read the latest Argonne news about Osman Levent Eryilmaz:
Argonne secures Department of Energy funding for three clean energy projects

Argonne’s funding grows for geothermal power, advanced nuclear safety and used fuel recycling.

Department of Energy awards $4.6M to Argonne to support collaborations with industry

Argonne National Laboratory received $4.6 million to fund 12 projects across four research divisions.

Education

  • Ph.D. in Materials Science — Istanbul Technical University (2002)
  • M.S. in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering — Istanbul Technical University (1996)
  • B.S. in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering — Istanbul Technical University (1993)

Honors and Awards

  • DOE Energy I-Corps veteran (CAN-Coatings) (2018)
  • R&D 100, Ultra-Fast and Large-Scale Boriding” (2012)
  • R&D 100, Superhard and Slick Coating (SSC)” (2009)
  • FLC Midwest Region Excellence in Technology Transfer Award, Near-Frictionless Carbon Coating Project” (2007)
  • R&D 100 Near Frictionless Carbon” (1998)
  • Discover Magazine Runner-Up Near Frictionless Carbon” (1998) 

My ultimate goal is to transform at least one of our developed technologies into a product for everyday use. Achieving this would mean success to me, as it signifies that I’ve contributed something valuable to society.” — Argonne Research Scientist Osman Levent Eryilmaz

Select Publications

  • Erdemir A., Ramirez G., Eryilmaz O.L., Narayanan B., Liao Y., Kamath G., Sankaranarayanan KRS S., Carbon-based tribofilms from lubricating oils,” Nature 536 (2016) pp. 67-71.
  • Singh H., Ramirez G., Eryilmaz O.L., Greco A., Doll G., Erdemir A., Fatigue resistant carbon coatings for rolling/sliding contacts,” Tribology International, 98, pp172-178, 2016.
  • Polat B.D., Eryilmaz O.L., Keles O., SiAg film by magnetron sputtering for high reversible lithium-ion storage anodes,” Journal of Alloys and Compounds, Vol 654, 2016, Pages 363-370.
  • Polat B.D., Eryılmaz O.L., Chen Z., Keles O., Amine K., High capacity anode with well-aligned, ordered NiSi nano-columnar arrays,” Nano Energy, Volume 13, 2015, Pages 781-789.
  • Kahvecioglu Feridun O., Sista V., Eryilmaz O.L., Erdemir A., Electrochemical boriding of molybdenum in molten borax,” Surface Engineering Vol. 31, Iss. 8, 2015.
  • Erdemir A, Eryilmaz O., Achieving superlubricity in DLC films by controlling bulk, surface, and tribochemistry,” Friction 2(2) 140-155, 2014.
  • Bansal D.G., Eryilmaz O.L., Blau, P.J., Surface engineering to improve the durability and lubricity of Ti–6Al–4V alloy”, Wear, Vol. 271, 9–10, pp 2006–2015, 2011
  • Eryilmaz O.L., Erdemir A., On the hydrogen lubrication mechanism(s) of DLC films an imaging TOF-SIMS study,” Surface & Coatings Technology Volume 203, Issues 5-7, 25 December 2008, Pages 750-755.
  • Eryilmaz O.L., Erdemir A., Investigation Of Initial And Steady-State Sliding Behavior Of A Nearly-Frictionless Carbon Film By Imaging 2-And 3-D ToF-SIMS”, Tribology Letters, Volume 28, Number 3, 241-249, December, 2007
  • Eryilmaz O.L., Erdemir A., Surface Analytical Investigation of Nearly Frictionless Carbon Films After Tests In Dry And Humid Nitrogen,” Surface & Coatings Technology 201 (16-17): 7401-7407 May 21, 2007. 

Patents

  • US 10,876,200, Pitting Resistant Coatings,” Eryilmaz O.L., Singh H., Greco A.C., Ramirez G., Erdemir A.
  • US 10,702,862, Superlubricious Carbon Films Derived from Natural Gas,” Erdemir A., Eryilmaz O.L., Ramirez G.
  • US 10,450,647, Hard and Low Friction Nitride Coatings,” Sykora F., Erdemir A., Urgen M., Eryilmaz O.L.
  • US 10,287,526, Method to Produce Catalytically Active Nanocomposite Coatings,” Erdemir A., Eryilmaz O.L., Urgen M., Kazmanli K.
  • US 9,951,291, Producing Carbon-based Boundary Films from Catalytically Active Lubricant Additives,” Erdemir A., Mane A., Elam J., Ramirez G., Eryilmaz O.L.
  • US 9,845,441, Method to Produce Catalytically Active Nanocomposite Coatings,” Erdemir A., Eryilmaz O.L., Urgen M., Kazmanli K.
  • US 9,556,531, Method for Ultra-Fast Boriding”, Erdemir A., Vivekanand S., Kahvecioglu O., Eryilmaz O.L.
  • US 9,255,238 Method to Produce Catalytically Active Nanocomposite Coatings,” Erdemir A., Eryilmaz O.L., Urgen M., Kazmanli K.
  • US 8,951,402, Ultra-Fast Boriding of Metal Surfaces for Improved Properties,” Timur S., Kartal G., Eryilmaz O.L., Erdemir A.
  • US 7,961,427, High-Performance Computer Hard Disk Drive with a Carbon Overcoat and Method of Improving Hard Disk Performance,” Dorbeck M., Sykora F., Erdemir A., Eryilmaz O.L.
  • US 7,846,556, Modulated Composite Surfaces,” Erdemir A., Kazmanli K., Eryilmaz O.L., Urgen M., Ajayi O.O., Fenske G., Etsion I.
  • US 7,353,525, Reliable Disk Drive Method,” Dorbeck M., Sykora F., Erdemir A., Eryilmaz O.L.
  • US 7,211,323, Hard and Low Friction Coatings and Methods for Forming the Same,” Erdemir A., Urgen M., Cakir A.F., Eryilmaz O.L., Kazmanli K., Keles O.
  • US 6,548,173, Method to Produce Ultra-Low Friction Carbon Films,” Erdemir A., Fenske G., Eryilmaz O.L., Lee R.