Project Grant 2555799

The National Science Foundation Division of Chemistry awarded Purdue University $575,773 on August 15, 2026, under the Mathematical and Physical Sciences program (CFDA 47.049) to fund research on rigidochromism in tetranuclear copper-pyrazolate macrocycles and networks.

Professor Alexander Wei's research group at Purdue's Department of Chemistry will synthesize and characterize copper-based metal-ligand complexes designed to produce short-wavelength (violet-blue region) phosphorescence for next-generation organic light-emitting devices and solid-state lighting applications. The work emphasizes understanding how temperature, pressure, and chemical structure affect emission wavelength and efficiency through chemical synthesis, photoluminescence spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography, and computational methods. The research builds on findings from a previous funding cycle to explore structural and environmental parameters controlling the rigidochromic luminescence of Cu₄Pz₄ macrocycles, with focus on electronic and steric factors enabling efficient violet-blue emissions below 460 nanometers—a long-standing challenge in rational phosphor design.

The project includes student training at undergraduate and predoctoral levels and development of classroom laboratory modules and demonstrations. Work is performed in West Lafayette, Indiana, over the period from award date through July 31, 2029. The assistance type is Project Grant.