Catalysis and Biocatalysis

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Due to the ubiquitous presence of catalysis in the many aspects of goods and services impacting our lives, the Catalysis and Biocatalysis program has many potential directions for funding support. Programs in this area encompass a blend of fundamental and innovative applied research drivers. All programs are hypothesis-driven, and the experimental programs aimed at resolving the issues frequently combine a variety of approaches. Chemical engineering and chemistry are intertwined. Proposals which receive funding in this Program may include any number of the following broad scopes: Catalyst Synthesis, Characterization, Behavior and PerformanceKinetics and Mechanisms of Key Catalytic ReactionsCatalysis at Surfaces or in Reactor Process StreamsSynthesis and Fabrication of Component Materials and Catalyst CompositesModeling and Fundamental Studies of a Catalyst or Catalytic ProcessCatalysts and Studies for Alternative Energy Systems, such as Electro- and PhotocatalysisThese approaches apply equally to classical inorganic or carbon catalysts as well as to enzymatic or biocatalysts. Specialized materials synthesis procedures may be necessary to provide active catalysts in any of the studies. Electrocatalysis and Photocatalysis studies frequently require fabrication of devices or systems which have engineering significance or even commercial potential, as the entire system needs evaluation for storage devices, fuel cells and solar energy interconversion studies.Most studies will focus on the catalysis of one or more chemical reactions. The products of these catalyzed reactions may include molecules used for fuels, energy sources, feedstocks, fine chemicals, bulk chemicals and specialized materials. While proposals will be accepted in any of the areas and with any product or feedstock in mind, national needs suggest heightened interest be given to proposals relating to processes and catalysts for conversions of biomass to fuels and chemicals, for development of alternative energy sources and for transition to green or environmentally benign products and processes. Submissions investigating unique catalysis related to the nanoparticle state and to the bridging catalysis of biomimetism are welcome.Projects are coordinated and may be jointly funded with other NSF programs, both inside and outside the CBET Division. Proposals developing technology involving catalysis + separation or catalysis + reaction engineering or catalysis and broad energy systems may be submitted to Catalysis and Biocatalysis with the request that joint funding be explored. The Program has high interest in industry/university collaborations as outlined in the GOALI program. EAGER proposals are recognized as useful vehicles to develop full proposals. Support of undergraduates, workshops and travel are opportunities to further research goals. CAREER proposals are enthusiastically received. All of these programs have specific rules to be followed, and should be discussed with the Program Director up front.Examples of Research related to areas of emphasis within Catalysis and Biocatalysis 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 typical annual award size for the program is $100,000. Small equipment proposals of less than $100,000 will also be considered and may be submitted during the submission windows. Any proposal received outside the announced dates will be returned without review.The duration of Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Program 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/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=503214 Proposals for Conferences, Workshops, and Supplements may be submitted at any time, but must be discussed with the program director before submission.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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