This Project Grant award of $449,998 from the National Science Foundation (NSF) Division of Chemical, Bioengineering, Environmental, and Transport Systems supports research by Texas A&M University to develop a novel photocatalytic approach for converting atmospheric nitrogen (N2) into ammonia (NH3), a critical industrial chemical.
The research aims to boost the efficiency of photocatalytic N2 reduction beyond the current ~1% state-of-the-art by leveraging hot electrons generated through upconversion in manganese-doped semiconductor quantum dots. The project will explore three approaches to enhance the kinetics, catalyst system design, and light absorption/redox balance. In addition, the award integrates undergraduate education and STEM outreach activities targeting K-12 students, teachers, and the public. The project period runs from September 1, 2023 to August 31, 2026.
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