Federal Project Grant Award Summary

The National Science Foundation (NSF) Division of Chemical, Bioengineering, Environmental, and Transport Systems awarded Stevens Institute of Technology a Project Grant of $268,963 (awarded March 15, 2026; completion date February 28, 2027) under the Engineering program (CFDA 47.041) to conduct fundamental research on eco-design of hydrogenation catalysts for oxyanion reduction. The research focuses on improving the activity and reactivity of palladium (Pd) nanoparticles immobilized onto nitrogen-containing supports for the destruction of toxic oxyanions such as nitrate and perchlorate in contaminated aqueous solutions and concentrated waste brines. This research addresses a critical gap in water treatment technology by developing catalytic hydrogenation as an alternative to conventional ion exchange and reverse osmosis methods, which do not destroy contaminants and generate problematic waste residuals requiring costly treatment and disposal.

The primary deliverables of this project include fundamental scientific knowledge and data advancing the design and development of more efficient and cost-effective oxyanion hydrogenation catalysts suitable for water treatment applications. The research will also produce educational and workforce development outcomes through the mentoring and training of graduate students, undergraduate students, and postdoctoral researchers at Stevens Institute of Technology and partner institutions, contributing to the NSF Engineering program's broader objective of fostering innovation and excellence in engineering research while developing the Nation's engineering workforce.