Electrochemical Systems

The Electrochemical Systems program, part of the Chemical Process Systems cluster within the NSF's Division of Chemical, Bioengineering, Environmental, and Transport Systems (ENG/CBET), supports fundamental engineering science research to advance processes involving electrochemistry or photochemistry. The program aims to enable innovative and sustainable production of electricity, fuels, chemicals, and specialty products. Research should prioritize scalability, environmental friendliness, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and the use of renewable resources. Projects must focus on addressing key scientific barriers to improved system or component performance, such as energy efficiency, product yield, and process intensification. Key areas of interest include electrochemical energy storage and electrochemical production and conversion systems. Research on high-energy density and high-power density batteries, including advanced systems with metal anodes, solid-state electrolytes, and multivalent chemistries, is particularly encouraged. Projects centered on commercially available battery systems, such as lead-acid, nickel-metal hydride, or lithium-ion batteries for consumer electronics, are not within the program's scope. Electrochemical and photochemical systems for chemical production are also of interest, especially those that improve process intensification and environmental sustainability. The program supports fundamental science addressing topics such as advanced fuel cell systems, flow batteries for stationary energy storage, and photocatalytic or photoelectrochemical processes for hydrogen production or carbon dioxide reduction. Projects should develop a molecular-level understanding of chemical reaction and transport phenomena barriers to system-level performance. Research should articulate how it advances the current state of the art and contributes to economic feasibility and environmental benefits. Proposals with integrated experimental and theoretical approaches are encouraged, as are collaborative projects, particularly those involving industrial technologists through Grant Opportunities for Academic Liaison with Industry (GOALI). Proposals focusing on electric-field-driven separations should be directed to the Interfacial Engineering program, while thermal management studies for energy storage devices should be submitted to the Thermal Transport Processes program. Proposals must highlight the novelty and transformative potential of the research and explain its significance for engineering science, society, and industry. These points must be included in the Project Summary. Awards typically last up to three years, supporting one graduate student and up to one month of principal investigator time annually. Larger budgets should be discussed with the program director before submission. Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) program proposals are encouraged, with a five-year award duration. Proposals for Conferences, Workshops, and Supplements should be discussed with the program director before submission. The program also accepts proposals for Rapid Response Research (RAPID), EArly-concept Grants for Exploratory Research (EAGER), and GOALI initiatives, but these must be pre-approved by the program director. Proposals must comply with the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG). Submissions are accepted year-round, though PIs should contact the program director before submitting proposals under EAGER, RAPID, or GOALI mechanisms. For inquiries, applicants can contact Carole J. Read at cread@nsf.gov or Catherine Walker at cawalker@nsf.gov.