Grants / National Science Foundation / U.S. National Science Foundation

NSF PD-20-1179: Nanoscale Interactions

Closed Closed Opportunity NSF PD-20-1179 ☆ Save

This grant is closed. A newer notice from the same program is open now: Major Research Instrumentation Program: (MRI) (NSF 27-500). Status: Closes January 29, 2027 (83 days left). It is in our archive of U.S. National Science Foundation notices from 2025.

• Expected awards100
• Award amountsNot given on Grants.gov
• Cost sharingNot required
• Funding typeGrant

Key dates

Who can apply

This opportunity was open to any type of organization.

• Unrestricted (i.e., open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility"

More grants for nonprofits, colleges and universities, state and local governments, tribes, small businesses, businesses, individuals.

Is this a realistic fit?

• Most of the program's money (89% over five years) went to colleges and universities.
• No cost sharing or match is required.

What the grant funds

The Nanoscale Interactions program is part of the Environmental Engineering and Sustainability cluster, which also includes: 1) the Environmental Engineering program; and 2) the Environmental Sustainability program. The goal of theNanoscale Interactions program is to support research toadvance fundamental and quantitative understanding of the interactions of nanomaterials and nanosystems with biological andenvironmental media. Materials of interest include one- to three-dimensional nanostructures, heterogeneous nano-bio hybrid assemblies, dendritic and micelle structures, quantum dots, and other nanoparticles. Such nanomaterials and systems frequently exhibit novel physical, chemical, photonic, electronic, and biological behavior as compared to the bulk scale. Collaborative and interdisciplinary proposals are encouraged. Research areas supported by the program include: Characterizationof interactions at the interfacesof nanomaterials and nanosystems,including both simple nanoparticles andcomplex and/or heterogeneouscomposites and nanosystems, with surrounding biological and environmental media; Developmentof predictive toolsbased on the fundamental behavior ofnanostructures to advancecost-effective and environmentally benignprocessing and engineeringsolutions over full-life material cycles; Examinationof the transport, interaction, and impact of nanostructured materials andnanosystems on biological systems and the environment; and Simulationsof nanoparticle behavior at interfaces, in conjunction with experimentalcomparisons, and new theories and simulation approaches for determiningthe transport and transformation of nanoparticles in various media. Research in these areas will enable the design of nanostructured materials and heterogeneous nanosystems with desired chemical, electronic, photonic, biological, and mechanical properties for optimal and sustainable handling, manufacture, and utilization. NOTE:Studies that focus on fundamental research concerning atomic- and molecular-scale interfacial phenomena and engineering of interfacial properties, processes, and materials, particularly as relevant towards advancing industrial chemical or biochemical processes, may be more appropriate for theInterfacial Engineeringprogram (CBET 1417). Please consult with program directors prior to submission if you have questions about programmatic fit. Innovative proposals outside of these specific interest areas may be considered.

Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development.

Applying now

This notice no longer takes applications. Apply under the newer notice, NSF 27-500, which is open now.

The notice on Grants.gov keeps its full text and attachments, which is useful for planning a resubmission.