Interfacial Processes and Thermodynamics

PROGRAM GUIDELINES

Apply to PD 08-1414 as follows:

For full proposals submitted via FastLane: standard Grant Proposal Guidelines apply.
For full proposals submitted via Grants.gov: NSF Grants.gov Application Guide; A Guide for the Preparation and Submission of NSF Applications via Grants.gov Guidelines apply (Note: The NSF Grants.gov Application Guide is available on the Grants.gov website and on the NSF website at: http://www.nsf.gov/bfa/dias/policy/docs/grantsgovguide.pdf)

SYNOPSIS

The Interfacial Processes and Thermodynamics program supports fundamental research in engineering areas related to:

• Interfacial phenomena
  
  
• Mass transport phenomena
  
  
• Solution phase equilibrium thermodynamics

Currently, emphasis is placed on molecular engineering approaches at interfaces, especially as applied to the processing of soft materials.  Molecules at interfaces with functional interfacial properties are of special interest.  These interfacial molecules may have biomolecular functions at the micro and nanoscale.  Interfacial materials are generally formed through molecular self-directed, -templated, and/or -assembly, and they are driven primarily by thermodynamic intermolecular forces.  In some cases, these interfacial processes may also be supplemented by weak chemical reactions.

Complex mathematical simulations of molecular systems are often used in molecular design of interfaces, if possible, in conjunction with experimental comparisons.  New theories and complex simulation approaches are supported for determining the transport and thermodynamic properties of fluids and fluid mixtures in biological and other fluids with complex molecules in the bulk phase and at interfaces, in membranes, two-phase mixtures, and in a nanoenvironment.  Many of the physical systems involve polymer and surfactant molecules, as well as special biomolecules.

In terms of broader impacts, the program research has had a traditional focus on long-term relevance to engineering aspects of the chemical processing industry; however, newer impact areas are related to advanced materials, biomedical and biotechnology industries, energy and water processing, and the microelectronics industries.  Research is supported in the three fundamental areas that could lead to more economical and environmentally benign processing, improved water quality, and novel functional materials for sensors, both in industrial and biomedical settings.

Projects are coordinated and jointly supported with other NSF programs, both inside and outside the CBET Division.  The program participates strongly in all nanotechnology activities, encourages support of undergraduates, industry/university (GOALI) and international collaboration.  Workshop, Individual, and Group Travel grants are supported to further the above research.

Examples of research related to interfacial phenomena, mass transport, and phase equilibrium:

• Transport in nanoporous systems
  
  
• Adsorption in complex porous structures
  
  
• Advanced materials processing at the interface (e.g., biomolecular interfaces)
  
  
• Self-assembly and crystallization in nanoscale environment
  
  
• Protein immobilization at interfaces for protein array sensors
  
  
• Phase behavior of block and graft copolymers in nearcritical and supercritical solvents
  
  
• Macro ions near confining surfaces: influence on colloidal forces
  
  
• Templated molecular recognition materials: theory and simulation
  
  
• Nanostructure control via surfactant mixing and polymerization
  
  
• Structural order and kinetic properties in aqueous solutions
  
  
• Directed molecular assembly of novel surfactant based films and composites, polymer microstructures at the interfaces
  
  
• Basic interfacial processes (e.g. thin films and coatings)
  
  
• Antifouling and biocompatible surfaces

The duration of unsolicited awards is generally one to three years.  The average annual award size for the program is $80,000.  Please check the NSF Chemical, Bioengineering, Environmental and Transport Systems Division (CBET) Home Page for the two annual submission windows for unsolicited proposals.  Small equipment proposals up to $100,000 will also be considered and may be submitted during these windows.  Any proposal received outside the announced dates will be returned without review.

The duration of CAREER awards is five years.  The submission deadline for Engineering CAREER proposals is in July every year. Please see the following URL for more information: http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2005/nsf05027/nsf05027.jsp  

Proposals for Small Grants for Exploratory Research (SGER), Conferences, Workshops, and Supplements may be submitted at any time, but must be discussed with the program director before submission.

Please refer to the Grant Proposal Guide (GPG), January 2008, (NSF 08-1) when you prepare your proposal.  Chapter II, especially, will assist you.  The GPG is available for download at: http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=gpg

THIS PROGRAM IS PART OF

Interfacial, Transport, and Separation Processes

Transport and Thermal Fluids Phenomena

Abstracts of Recent Awards Made Through This Program