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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 Performance

* Kinetics and Mechanisms of Key Catalytic Reactions

* Catalysis at Surfaces or in Reactor Process Streams

* Synthesis and Fabrication of Component Materials and Catalyst Composites

* Modeling and Fundamental Studies of a Catalyst or Catalytic Process

* Catalysts and Studies for Renewable Energy Systems.

These 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. Applications-driven studies, such as Biomass conversion catalysis, Electrocatalysis and Photocatalysis, involving energy interconversion devices or systems employing catalysts are highly desired.

Most studies will focus on the catalysis of one or more chemical reactions with products including molecules used for fuels, energy sources, feedstocks, fine chemicals, bulk chemicals and specialized materials. While proposals will be accepted in any of the above areas, 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 renewable energy sources and for transition to green or environmentally benign products and processes. Submissions investigating unique nanoparticle or biomimetic catalysis are welcome.

Projects are coordinated and may be jointly funded with other CBET and NSF divisional programs. Proposals developing technology involving catalysis + separation or catalysis + reaction engineering or catalysis + renewable energy systems may be submitted to Catalysis and Biocatalysis requesting 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 ultimately develop full proposals. Support of undergraduates, workshops and travel are opportunities to further research goals. CAREER proposals are enthusiastically received. All of these activities have specific rules pertaining, and should be discussed with the Program Director prior to submission.

The duration of unsolicited awards is generally one to three years. The typical annual award size for the program is $100,000. Proposals requesting a substantially higher amount than this, without prior consultation with the Program Director, may be returned without review. Small equipment proposals of less than $100,000 will also be considered and may be submitted during the annual submission window.

Innovative proposals outside of these specific interest areas can be considered. However, prior to submission, it is recommended that the PI contact the Program Director to avoid the possibility of the proposal being returned without review.

website: http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=13360&org=NSF&sel_org=NSF&from=fund