Catalysis

The Catalysis program, part of the Chemical Process Systems cluster, supports fundamental research aimed at advancing catalytic engineering science and developing catalysts and catalytic reactions that address critical societal and technological challenges. The program emphasizes both established and emerging catalysis technologies, with research areas spanning novel catalyst compositions, structures, operating environments, data science tools, theory, and modeling. Applications of interest include fuels, specialty and bulk chemicals, environmental catalysis, biomass conversion, greenhouse gas mitigation, waste recycling, solar hydrogen generation, and energy-efficient chemical processes. Heterogeneous catalysis is the primary focus of the program, including gas-solid and liquid-solid catalytic systems, while incorporating insights from homogeneous catalysis where relevant. Key research priorities include energy-related catalysis utilizing sustainable energy sources, catalytic processes to close the carbon cycle through carbon dioxide and methane conversion, and innovative catalytic designs for established industrial processes. Environmental catalysis, catalytic remediation of feedstocks and effluents, and upcycling waste materials into higher-value products are also emphasized. Additional focus areas include scalable catalyst synthesis methods, durable and regenerable catalyst designs, and the development of earth-abundant catalytic materials to replace precious metals. Proposals should address fundamental aspects of catalytic materials, including reaction pathways, kinetics, and surface mechanisms. Research leveraging advanced catalyst characterization tools, theoretical modeling, and computational catalysis is encouraged. Investigators are expected to assess reproducibility, stability under operating conditions, performance benchmarks against reference materials, and quantitative metrics such as turnover frequencies, Faradaic efficiencies, and detailed product mass balances. Proposals outside the specified focus areas may still be considered, but it is strongly recommended that investigators consult the program director prior to submission. Certain topics fall outside the scope of this program and may be better suited for other NSF programs. For example, proposals centered on homogeneous or molecular catalysis, photo-redox catalysis, fine chemical synthesis, or pharmaceutical applications should be directed to the Chemical Catalysis program in the Division of Chemistry. Biocatalytic processes and enzyme engineering are better aligned with the Cellular and Biochemical Engineering program. Projects focused on reaction engineering aspects of catalysis should be submitted to the Process Systems, Reaction Engineering, and Molecular Thermodynamics program. Interdisciplinary projects may receive joint funding from multiple programs, and the program director may transfer proposals to ensure optimal review. Proposals must clearly articulate the novelty, transformative potential, and societal or industrial impact of the research. These aspects should be explicitly included in the Project Summary. Awards typically support up to three years of research, with funding generally covering one graduate student and one month of principal investigator salary annually. Larger budgets require prior consultation with the program director. Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) proposals are encouraged, with an annual submission deadline in July and an award duration of five years. Investigators may also submit proposals for conferences, workshops, and supplements, but prior discussion with the program director is advised. RAPID, EAGER, and GOALI proposals are considered for time-sensitive research, exploratory projects, and industry collaborations, respectively, and can be submitted year-round following consultation with the program director. All proposals must fully comply with the NSF Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide (PAPPG), as non-compliant proposals will be returned without review. Researchers are encouraged to review recently funded projects for further insights into successful proposals and program priorities.