Interfacial Processes and Thermodynamics

Description

The Interfacial Processes and Thermodynamics program supports fundamental research in engineering areas related to:Interfacial phenomenaMass transport phenomenaMolecular thermodynamicsCurrently, emphasis is placed on molecular engineering approaches at interfaces, especially as applied to the nano-processing of soft materials. Molecules at interfaces with functional interfacial properties are of special interest and have uses in many new technologies, based on nano-fabrication. These interfacial molecules may have biomolecular functions at the micro- and nano-scale. Interfacial materials are generally formed through molecular self-directed, -templated, and/or -assembly, and they are driven primarily by thermodynamic intermolecular forces, although may be influenced by flow and electrical forces. In some cases, these interfacial processes may also be supplemented by weak chemical reactions.Complex 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, environmentally benign 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, in industrial, environmental, and biomedical settings. Nanotechnology plays a critical role in most of these new areas.Projects are coordinated and jointly supported with other NSF programs, both inside and outside the CBET Division. The program participates strongly in all nano- and cyber-technology activities, encourages support of undergraduates, industry/university (GOALI) and international collaboration. Workshop, Individual, and Group Travel grants are supported to further the above research. Proposals involving these activities should ideally be submitted during the regular bi-annual proposal windows.Examples of Research related to interfacial phenomena, mass transport phenomena, and molecular thermodynamics are listed elsewhere.Proposals should address the novelty of the concept being proposed, compared to previous work in the field. Also, it is important to address why the novelty might be important in terms of engineering science, as well as to also project the potential impact on society and /or industry of success in the research. The information requested in this paragraph should be included, as a minimum, in the Project Summary of each proposal. The duration of unsolicited awards is generally one to three years. The average annual award size for the program is $80,000. Small equipment proposals up to $70,000 will also be considered and may be submitted during these windows. Any proposal received outside the announced dates will be returned without review.Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Program proposals are strongly encouraged. Award duration 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/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=503214Proposals for Conferences, Workshops, and Supplements: Proposals involving these activities should ideally be submitted during the regular bi-annual proposal windows. Grants for Rapid Response Research (RAPID) and EArly-concept Grants for Exploratory Research (EAGER) replace the SGER program. Please note that proposals of these types must be discussed with the program director before submission. Further details are available in the PAPPG download. .

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