The National Science Foundation (NSF) Engineering program (CFDA 47.041) awarded a $320,000 Project Grant to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) to conduct collaborative research on crystal growth and particle self-assembly during directional solidification in microgravity conditions aboard the International Space Station (ISS). This 4-year project aims to reveal the subtle forces involved in growing solvent crystals and forming particle-assemblies, which are obscured by gravity on Earth. The research will combine experimental observations and computational modeling to help design new advanced materials for applications in biomedicine, catalysis, water purification, and energy generation and storage. The project is also intended to integrate research and teaching in STEM educational programs to increase interest and diversity in space-related topics.
Generated 2/25/25, 5:15 AM