Project Grant 2505642

This Project Grant award from the National Science Foundation's Mathematical and Physical Sciences program (CFDA 47.049) provides $497,140 to Brown University to conduct research on the growth and synthesis of ultrathin lead halide perovskite nanowires. The project, led by Professor Ou Chen, aims to achieve atomic unit-cell-level control over the fabrication of these 1D perovskite nanostructures in order to uncover the fundamental mechanisms underlying their growth. By systematically investigating reaction parameters and employing a combination of ex situ and in situ characterization methods, the research will develop a reproducible synthetic strategy to produce ultrathin perovskite nanowires with precisely controlled thickness. The findings are expected to advance the broader fields of nanochemistry and materials science, with potential implications for next-generation optoelectronic and photonic devices. In addition, the project will provide hands-on research and training opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students, and engage the public through outreach programs.