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Agency name: National Science Foundation
The Macromolecular, Supramolecular and Nanochemistry (MSN) Program focuses on basic research that addresses fundamental questions regarding the chemistry of macromolecular, supramolecular and nanoscopic species and other organized structures and that advances chemistry knowledge in these areas. Research of interest to this program will explore novel chemistry concepts in the following topics: (1) The development of novel synthetic approaches to clusters, nanoparticles, polymers, and supramolecular architectures; innovative surface functionalization methodologies; surface monolayer chemistry; and template-directed synthesis. (2) The study of molecular-scale interactions that give rise to macromolecular, supramolecular or nanoparticulate self-assembly into discrete structures; and the study of chemical forces and dynamics that are responsible for spatial organization in discrete organic, inorganic, or hybrid systems (excluding extended solids). (3) Investigations that utilize advanced experimental or computational methods to understand or to predict the chemical structure, unique chemical and physicochemical properties, and chemical reactivities that result from the organized or nanoscopic structures. Research in which theory advances experiment and experiment advances theory synergistically is of special interest.
Submissions that advance MSN chemistry knowledge important for addressing national needs for sustainability are of particular interest. Examples include: 1) transformative approaches to the efficient and inexpensive synthesis of recyclable polymers or polymers using renewable feedstocks; 2) innovative research to enhance our understanding of the supramolecular recognition of critical elements essential for efficient sequestration and recycling of such elements; 3) innovative research to enhance our understanding of the supramolecular chemistry important for the design and synthesis of catalysts that rival enzymes in substrate specificity, stereoselectivity, yields, and efficiency (selection or genetic engineering of enzymes or screening of combinatorial libraries of catalysts are not of interest); 4) novel chemistry of nanostructures comprised of earth-abundant elements to substitute for nanostructures that contain critical elements; and 5) innovative approaches to the preparation of novel nanostructures of critical elements for efficient/sustainable use of these elements. The MSN Program encourages white paper submissions for potential EAGER proposals on highly innovative and potentially transformative ideas on these topics.
Submissions that address the role of the chemistry of nitrogen, phosphorous, and water in the nexus of food, energy and water systems, are particularly encouraged. The most competitive proposals under this topic will address both innovations in fundamental research AND the sustainability of the proposal solution (i.e., the resources and energetic costs for translation, scale up, deployment and maintenance.) An example of INFEWS chemistry appropriate for the Macromolecular and Nanochemistry Program is to grain understanding of the supramolecular recognition and binding of environmentally relevant nitrogen- or phosphorous-containing species. Such efforts are essential for the selective and efficient detection, sequestration/separation, and recycling of these elements as well as for water purification efforts.
Proposals for which the primary focus is on extended solids, materials research, biological properties, device properties, or engineering are not appropriate for this program, and the principal investigator is encouraged to look into corresponding programs at NSF for proposal submission.
DUE DATES
Full Proposal Window: October 1, 2016 - October 31, 2016
October 1 - October 31, Annually Thereafter
For more information and to apply, go to https://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=503422
