Microwaves aren’t just a quick, easy way to heat up your pizza pocket. Researchers at Khalifa University are using them to grow high-quality crystals that could power low-energy memory devices.

Creating these crystals typically involves multiple-step, high-heat processes, but this method, using microwave energy, turns the natural material molybdenum disulfide into molybdenum trioxide crystals in minutes.

The crystals can grow to almost 1 centimeter long, and the process uses up to 140 times less energy with substantially less carbon output.

Further, these crystals can be used to construct memristors (tiny electronic components that remember past activity). The devices worked reliably with only low voltage, which makes them a promising option for producing faster, energy-saving electronics.

Ultimately, this simple microwave method could pave the way for smarter, low-power tech with cheaper, greener and easier-to-produce advanced materials — a big win for both industry and the environment.

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