Process Systems, Reaction Engineering, and Molecular Thermodynamics Grant

NSF

About this grant

The Process Systems, Reaction Engineering, and Molecular Thermodynamics program, part of NSF's Chemical Process Systems cluster, advances fundamental engineering research on chemical reaction rates and mechanisms, systems engineering, and molecular thermodynamics as they relate to design and optimization of chemical reactors and production of specialized materials. The program supports development of advanced optimization and control algorithms for chemical processes, molecular and multi-scale modeling of complex chemical systems, fundamental studies on molecular thermodynamics, and integration of these methods into design of novel chemical products and manufacturing processes. Research focus areas include chemical reaction engineering covering reactor design innovations (catalytic, membrane, micro-reactors, CVD/ALD systems), supercritical fluid reactions, novel activation techniques (atmospheric pressure plasmas, microwave radiation), multifunctional and intensified systems, nanoparticle synthesis, and biomass conversion. The program also emphasizes process design, optimization, and control through process systems science, process modeling, control theory and algorithms, with high-priority topics including process intensification, modular systems, smart manufacturing, large-scale CO2 capture and conversion, computational tools including quantum computing methods, real-time optimization with sustainability metrics, machine learning, and enterprise-wide optimization for resilient supply chains. Additional focus areas include reactive polymer processing integrating synthesis and processing to engineer nanoscale structures for environmental applications, and molecular thermodynamics combining classical thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, and atomistic simulations for improved processing and novel functional materials such as catalysts, polymers, solvents, and colloids. The ultimate goal is to enable development of more efficient chemical processes, improve environmental sustainability and water quality, and design functional materials with tailored properties.

Eligibility

Unrestricted eligibility is offered, meaning any type of entity above is eligible to apply, subject to any clarifications in additional eligibility information provided by NSF. Prior to submission of proposals outside the specific interest areas, it is recommended that the Principal Investigator contact the program director to avoid the possibility of the proposal being returned without review.

How it's scored

Proposals are evaluated on the novelty and/or potentially transformative nature of the proposed work compared to previous work in the field, importance in terms of engineering science, and potential impact on society and/or industry of success in the research. The novelty or potentially transformative nature of the research should be included in the Project Summary. Proposals not compliant with the Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide (PAPPG) will be returned without review.

Key requirements

• ✓Fundamental engineering research on chemical reaction rates, mechanisms, systems engineering, and molecular thermodynamics
• ✓Focus on reactor design innovations (catalytic, membrane, micro-reactors, CVD/ALD), process intensification, modular systems, and CO2 capture/conversion
• ✓Development of advanced optimization and control algorithms, molecular and multi-scale modeling, and integration into novel chemical product and manufacturing process design
• ✓Research must advance chemical process efficiency, environmental sustainability, and resilient supply chains

Funder contact

The notice names a programme contact you can speak to before applying.

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for Process Systems, Reaction Engineering, and Molecular Thermodynamics?

Eligibility covers organisations in US; university, research-institution. See the eligibility criteria above for the full conditions.

Relevant sectors

About this sector

Industrial decarbonisation funding helps heavy industry cut emissions through electrification, fuel switching, process change and efficiency. Support is often capital-intensive and tied to a specific site, with feasibility studies leading to larger deployment calls. Applicants need emissions baselines, engineering studies and a plan to keep production running during the change.