Chemical Process Systems

Society relies on chemical processes to turn raw materials into useful products. The Chemical Process Systems (CPS) program invests in fundamental research on chemical and biochemical processes to make them moreefficient, sustainable, and resilient. New CPS technologies for manufacturing, biotechnology, critical minerals, energy, food, and other national priorities will help make the U.S. more competitive and secure. 

Research supported by the CPS program covers the full breadth of chemical and biochemical process innovation. It spans reaction engineering and molecular thermodynamics; reactor design; catalysis; electrochemical systems; separations; and process design.  The program encourages proposals that connect the molecular scale to process and plant scales. 

The CPS program explores active-site structure and function, reaction mechanisms, in situ and operando characterization, durability, and device-level integration. Microreactors, membrane and catalytic reactors, atmospheric plasmas, and other novel configurations are of interest.  

The program supports research in catalysis and electrochemical systems to produce, use, and store energy, to reduce waste, to process polymers, and to synthesize fuels and chemicals. This includes process and materials innovation to support the nuclear fuel cycle.   

The CPS program also targets chemical and biological separations that are efficient and scalable. Research includes the design of membranes, sorbents, and specialized interfaces. Advances can be used in gas separations, the recovery of critical minerals, bioprocessing, and protein and water purification.  

The program supports research in process design and optimization that uses tools such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and uncertainty quantification. CPS research also explores quantum information science and engineering; quantum simulation and sensing, for example, may accelerate the discovery of materials and improve process models. 

Partnerships: To speed discovery and innovation, NSF partners with federal agencies, industry, international groups, and others. Current opportunities are at NSF ENG Partnerships.