Federal Grant Award Summary

The National Science Foundation's Division of Chemistry awarded $603,077 to the University of Massachusetts Amherst under the Mathematical and Physical Sciences program (CFDA 47.049) for a three-year project grant effective August 1, 2026, through July 31, 2029. Professor Emrick's research team will develop macromolecular designs at nanoparticulate interfaces by combining semiconductor nanocrystals (1-100 nanometer diameter) with custom-designed functional polymers to create brightly emissive, long-lasting nanocomposite materials capable of efficient light and energy harvesting. The project encompasses three primary research focuses: synthesis of geometrically well-defined zwitterionic pendant groups on polymers for precise nanocrystal-ligand coordination; development of optoelectronically active ligands that leverage perovskite nanocrystal energy frameworks with aggregation-induced emission properties; and discovery of photohalide generators for patterned photoluminescent nanocomposite structures.

This fundamental research initiative will advance surface functionalization techniques for semiconductor nanoparticles with designer polymer ligands, positioning the work for practical applications in advanced microelectronics manufacturing and next-generation optoelectronic devices and displays. Beyond technical advancement, the project delivers educational value through doctoral student mentoring and collaborative engagement with industrial scientists, strengthening the U.S. scientific workforce and competitive position in critical nanotechnology and materials science disciplines.