Solid State and Materials Chemistry (SSMC)

This multidisciplinary program supports basic research in solid state and materials chemistry comprising the elucidation of the atomic and molecular basis for materials development and properties in the solid state spanning the entire range from the nanoscale to the bulk. Areas of interest include but are not limited to (1) development of original materials design principles, approaches to innovative design, synthesis, assembly, bulk crystal and/or film growth; (2) characterization of novel organic, inorganic, and/or hybrid materials exhibiting new phenomena or superior behavior, and/or providing new scientific insights into the correlation between structure/composition and properties in the solid state; (3) investigations of surface and interfacial effects on materials system structures and properties. Research encompassing multi-component materials systems and/or a strong mesoscale aspect with regard to properties is particularly encouraged. Development of environmentally safe and sustainable materials, new organic solid state materials, and fundamental studies of novel materials and materials systems for efficient energy harvesting, conversion and storage are welcome. Research in the area of lithium ion battery materials will be considered for funding, if a systematic fundamental materials investigation with the potential to yield transformative results is proposed. The SSMC program works closely with other programs within the Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS) and Engineering (ENG) directorates to accommodate the multidisciplinary nature of proposal submissions.