Federal Project Grant Award Summary

The National Science Foundation's Division of Chemistry, under the Mathematical and Physical Sciences program (CFDA 47.049), awarded $600,000 to Johns Hopkins University (with performance at Georgia Institute of Technology and University of Wisconsin-Madison) beginning April 15, 2026 and concluding July 31, 2028. This collaborative project, led by Professor Younan Xia and Professor Emmanouil Mavrikakis, develops a comprehensive knowledge base for robust, reproducible, and scalable production of colloidal nanocrystals through steady-state synthesis methods. The primary deliverables include three validated synthesis methods: (1) leveraging weak acid dissociation equilibrium to maintain constant reductant concentration, (2) utilizing insoluble salt precursors to sustain constant metal ion levels, and (3) employing controlled-release polymer bead technology adapted from pharmaceutical delivery systems.

The project integrates experimental research with computational modeling to establish fundamental principles governing nanocrystal synthesis under one-shot injection conditions. Beyond core research products, the award supports workforce development through enhanced educational and training opportunities for participating researchers and the development of classroom demonstrations—including animations and experiments—that illustrate key chemistry and chemical engineering concepts. The resulting nanocrystals have direct applications as advanced catalytic materials for energy conversion, environmental protection, and production of chemicals and pharmaceuticals, thereby advancing economic and societal priorities in these critical sectors.