Federal Grant Award Summary

The National Science Foundation (NSF) Division of Chemistry awarded $289,342 to the University of Oklahoma on August 1, 2026, under the Mathematical and Physical Sciences program (CFDA 47.049) to support a five-year CAREER project on atomically precise proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) at solid-liquid interfaces. Professor Hyunho Noh's research team will investigate structure-thermodynamics-activity relationships of PCET reactions at titanium-oxo sites embedded in metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), establishing quantitative correlations between active site structure, hydrogen-atom binding thermodynamics, and reaction kinetics. The project deliverables include development of fundamental design guidelines for catalysts used in advanced manufacturing sectors, particularly for fuel and commodity chemical production using low-cost catalysts derived from abundant materials.

In parallel with the research objectives, the project will deliver integrated educational and workforce development products through hands-on laboratory-based courses, a summer bootcamp, and research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Oklahoma. These educational initiatives are designed to train the next generation of scientists and engineers in catalyst design and materials science, expand participation in STEM fields critical to national energy security and economic priorities, and contribute to the broader scientific understanding of how catalyst structure influences performance in chemical manufacturing processes.