KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- A dean at the University of Tennessee says research done by a colleague will benefit the world.

Wayne Davis, dean of the College of Engineering, said the work of Peter Liaw has the promise of increasing the efficiency of coal-fired power plants. Liaw is among those who have received a $300,000 Clean Coal Research Award from the U.S. Department of Energy. Their research seeks to develop high-entropy alloys -- a mixture of multiple principal elements.

Students also will get a chance to do research.

Liaw, a professor in the College of Engineering, said the alloys will endure operating conditions in advanced turbine systems.