This $450,000 Project Grant award from the National Science Foundation (NSF) Engineering program (CFDA 47.041) supports fundamental research to understand and control the assembly of nanoparticles into complex mesocrystal structures at fluid interfaces. The primary goal is to establish design principles for arranging nanoparticles into functional metamaterials with tailored properties for applications in areas like electronics, energy, and medicine. The research combines experimental and computational approaches to investigate the thermodynamic and kinetic factors governing nanoparticle assembly, with the aim of precisely controlling nanoparticle alignment, attachment, and the formation of discrete mesocrystal tiles. The project also has broader impacts, providing interdisciplinary training for students, engaging underrepresented groups, and developing educational outreach for K-12 students to inspire interest in nanoscience and engineering. No subawards are planned under this grant, which is active from July 2024 through June 2027.
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