Interfacial Engineering

The Interfacial Engineering program is part of the larger Chemical Process Systems cluster, working alongside other projects such as the Catalysis program, Electrochemical Systems program and the Process Systems, Reaction Engineering, and Molecular Thermodynamics program. The primary objectives of the Interfacial Engineering program are to support fundamental research surrounding interfacial phenomena and engineering at the atomic and molecular level. This research will inform improvements in chemical process efficiency and resource utilization.

The program particularly seeks proposals that take an innovative approach to long-standing challenges or address emerging research and technologies. Collaboration and interdisciplinary proposals are also encouraged, particularly those that blend theory, modeling, and experimentation. Key areas of interest within the program include chemical separations, biological separations, interfacial phenomena at engineered interfaces and surfaces, and nanoconfinement and engineered surfaces. Depending on the nature of the research, inquiries into electrochemical system performance, nanomaterial and nanosystem interactions, or multiphase systems may be better suited for one of the other programs within the cluster.

Before submitting, potential investigators are encouraged to consult with program directors to ensure their proposal is a good fit for the program. Awards through the Interfacial Engineering program typically have a duration of up to three years. Single-investigator award budgets usually support one graduate student and up to one month of principal investigator time per year. Larger budgets, particularly for multiple investigator projects, must be discussed with the Program Director prior to submission.

A range of specific grant opportunities are also available within the program, including Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) program proposals, which have a five-year duration and a July submission deadline. Proposals for Conferences, Workshops, Rapid Response Research (RAPID), EArly-concept Grants for Exploratory Research (EAGER), and Grants for Academic Liaison with Industry (GOALI) are also considered. These kinds of proposals can be submitted at any time during the year, but they need prior discussions with the program director.

Proposals must comply with the Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) or they risk being returned without review.