June 8, 2001

 

 

 

Memo to:      Potential Applicants for Funding

 

From:             Prof. J. M. DeSimone, Director

                        Prof. R. G. Carbonell, Co-Director

                        Prof. G. W. Roberts, Technical Program Coordinator

                       

NSF Science and Technology Center for

                        Environmentally Responsible Solvents and Processes

 

Re:  Request for Technical Proposals for Center Funding for the Period

11/1/2001-10/31/2003

 

 

This memorandum is an invitation to submit proposal(s) for research funding by the NSF Science and Technology Center for Environmentally Responsible Solvents and Processes under Cooperative Agreement CHE-9876674.  There will be two solicitations.  In the first, the primary subject of this memorandum, we solicit proposals for two-year programs supporting one or more of three “Application Domains” (Macromolecular Synthesis and Engineering; Dissolution and Deposition; and Small Molecule Systems described below).  Approximately 90% of annual operating funds will be used to support these projects.  Participation in the first solicitation will be limited to existing Principal Investigators and their Departmental colleagues plus invited researchers whose expertise complements our existing programs and needs. Remaining funds will be allocated to projects supported under the second solicitation, which will encompass “seed programs”.  The latter generally will be smaller projects aimed at assuring vitality of the Center through continual renewal and expansion into diverse areas not presently covered by Center programs. Outside departments and institutions will be included.  Details of this second solicitation will be issued in August 2001.

 

 

Table of Contents

 

I.     Summary                                                                                                             1

 

II.    Background                                                                                                       2

 

            A.  CERSP vision, mission and goals

            B.  Application Domains

            C.  Overarching goals and general objectives

            D.  Strategic targets

            E.  Matrix of application domains and functional efforts

 

III.    Pre-proposal                                                                                                     5

 

            A.  Purpose

            B.  Format and Content

 

IV.   Proposal Format and Content                                                                      5

 

            A.  Project Title and Principal Investigator(s)

            B.  Research plan

                        1.  Overall objective

2.  Approach

                        3.  Relation to overarching Center goals

a.  Overarching goal(s) supported

b.  Position in research matrix

                        4.  Potential impact

            C.  Connectivity

                        1.  Related work

                                    a.  Other Center proposal(s) supported (past and planned)

                                    b.  Additional Center goals (other than primary) supported

                                    c.  Additional functional efforts supported

                        2.  Collaborations planned outside the Center

                        3.  Resource and/or facilities sharing

D.  Education and Outreach

            1.  Past K-12 support

            2.  Proposed K-12 support

            3.  Participation in PDP (past and proposed future)

E.  Funding

            1.  Standard funding option selected

            2.  Additional and complementary funding

 

V.    Selection criteria                                                                                               8

 

VI.   Expectations                                                                                                     8

 

VII.  Schedule and Inquiries                                                                                   9

 

VIII. Appendix.  Details of Strategic Needs                                                      10

 

 

                                                                        ii

I.      Summary of RFP Announcement for NSF Science and Technology

Center for Environmentally Responsible Solvents and Processes

 

This flyer announces an invitation to submit proposal(s) for research funding by the NSF Science and Technology Center for Environmentally Responsible Solvents and Processes under Cooperative Agreement CHE-9876674.  This solicitation for proposals is for two-year programs supporting one or more of three “Application Domains” including:

 

Work in this area relates to all aspects of polymer synthesis and selected downstream processes.  The goal is to develop fundamental understanding of kinetic and transport mechanisms,

thermodynamics, phase equilibria, and factors affecting polymeric materials’ structure and function in CO2-related systems in order to demonstrate feasibility of sustainable polymerization and processing technology.

Work in this area focused on useful in cleaning or lithographic processes; deposition, such as might be useful in making films, coatings or devices; and materials which might be employed in either of these processes.  The goal is to develop fundamental understanding of phenomena involved in dissolution of materials and formation of thin films, coatings and structures at CO2 interfaces in order to demonstrate feasibility of sustainable processes, materials, and devices.

This domain includes a wide variety of research areas such as inorganic and biological catalysis.  The overarching goal is to develop fundamental understanding of small molecule reactions and synthesis, separations and materials formation in supercritical and near-supercritical CO2-based systems in order to identify sustainable new processes involving small molecules as candidates for further development.

.

Schedule and proposed selection criteria are given below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Schedule for Proposal Submission

 

            Videoconference review with faculty                                              June 14*

            Pre-proposal titles due (intent to respond)                                     June 28

            Proposals due                                                                            Aug    6

            Final selection of projects                                                             Sep  13

            Funding commences                                                                    Nov    1

 

*  A videotape of this conference will be available for those unable to attend.

 

 

Selection Criteria for Technical Projects

 

            Primary Criteria                                               Secondary Criteria                             

 

Fit to strategic plan                                            Collaboration plan                     

Potential impact                                                 K-12 outreach record and plan      

Scientific merit                                                   Outside funds attracted                         

 

Approximately 90% of annual operating funds will be used to support these projects.  Participation in this solicitation will be limited to existing Principal Investigators and their Departmental colleagues plus invited researchers whose expertise complements our existing programs and needs.  For a detailed RFP, contact Vicki Haithcock at vph@email.unc.edu

 

                                                            1

II.  Background

 

A.  CERSP Vision, Mission and Goals

 

The vision, mission and goals of the Center have been developed through several iterations, in conjunction with stakeholder groups, including industrial partners, National Lab affiliates and faculty and with guidance of our External Advisory Board.  These are given in Table 1, and the strategic planning process which defined these is detailed on our website www.nsfstc.unc.edu

(Research Areas/Strategic Planning of Research).

 

 

 

Table 1.  CERSP Science and Technology

Vision, Mission, and Goals

 

CERSP Science and Technology Vision

 

Enabling a revolution in green chemistry through cutting-edge science and engineering

 

CERSP Science and Technology Mission

 

 

To identify and enable a new generation of sustainable processes, especially for improved products, by developing and encouraging the application of a robust body of fundamental knowledge in CO2-related science and technology

 

CERSP Science and Technology Goals

 

 

 

 

 

 

ØTo create a strong body of integrated basic knowledge targeted at supporting

selected applications in macromolecular synthesis and engineering;

dissolution and deposition; and small molecule systems

 

ØTo explore new frontiers in basic science and technology for environmentally

responsible solvents and processes

 

 

B.  Application Domains

 

The ”selected applications” referenced in Table 1 give rise to “application domains” which support the goals of the CERSP.  These domains are

Over thirty-five potential application targets have been identified within these domains.  The first of these relates to all aspects of polymer synthesis and selected downstream processes.  The second relates to dissolution, such as might be useful in cleaning or lithographic processes; deposition, such as might be useful in making films, coatings or devices; and materials which might be employed in either of these processes.  The third domain, “Small Molecule Systems”, includes a wide variety of research areas such as inorganic and biological catalysis.  Selection of these domains by the faculty was further validated by an independent survey of members of the Kenan Center for Utilization of CO2 in Manufacturing. 

 

Applications are viewed as a test bed for evaluation of ideas.  PIs should be alert to fundamental issues that may be generalized and have impact well outside the target application.

 

                                                                        2

C.  Overarching Goals and General Objectives

 

In keeping with CERSP’s strategic plan, all technical programs should be aligned with the vision, mission, and goals in Table 1 and with the overarching goals listed in Table 2. 

 

 

 

Table 2.  Overarching Goals of Application Domains

 

 

Overarching Goal of Application Domain I:
 Macromolecular Synthesis and Engineering

 

 

 

To develop fundamental understanding of kinetic and transport mechanisms,

thermodynamics, phase equilibria, and factors affecting polymeric materials’

structure and function in CO2-related systems

 

 

In order to demonstrate feasibility of sustainable polymerization and

processing technology

 

Overarching Goal of Application Domain II:
Dissolution and Deposition

 

 

 

To develop fundamental understanding of phenomena involved in dissolution

of materials and formation of thin films, coatings and structures at CO2 interfaces

 

 

In order to demonstrate feasibility of sustainable processes, materials, and devices

 

Overarching Goal of Application Domain III:
Small Molecule Systems

 

 

To develop fundamental understanding of small molecule reactions and synthesis, separations and materials formation in supercritical and near-supercritical CO2-based systems

 

 

In order to identify sustainable new processes involving small molecules

as candidates for further development

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

D.  Strategic Targets

 

During the initial two years’ operation of the Center, certain strategic targets have become apparent.  The list in Table 3 is offered as guidance as to where greatest programmatic impact is expected, organized by Application Domain.  Details are given in the Appendix.  As “impact” is one of the key factors in project selection, proposals addressing these issues may be expected to receive stronger attention.  However, this list is not intended to be the sole focus of the Center, just a stimulus for ideas. Some iteration with potential PIs is anticipated during the selection process so as to avoid overlap while assuring that key topics are covered.  A “pre-proposal title” or intent to respond is requested by June 28 so PIs can be alerted to modify their targets if necessary before spending a great deal of time in preparing the proposal.  (See Section III.)

 

                                                                        3

 

 

Table 3.  Strategic Targets#

 

Macromolecular Synthesis and Engineering

*  Low delta P separation of monomers from high P CO2 streams

*  Synthesis of water-soluble polymers

*  Theory and model to predict phase equilibria

*  Control of polymer properties

*  Low temperature free radical initiators

Dissolution and Deposition

*  “Dry” microelectronic processes/devices such as

             CMP                            CVD                             quantum dots

             lithography                   metal films                    nanoporous films

*  Coatings for biomedical applications

Small Molecule Systems

*  CO2 activation

*  Use of CO2/H2O emulsions for chemical synthesis, separations and materials formation

*  Synthesis of pharmaceuticals

*  Synthesis and recovery of products from fermentation broths

*  Organic transformations avoiding solvents

*  Oxidation and hydrogenation in CO2

*  Powder and particle technology

*  Extraction of products from organic and aqueous solvents and solid phases

*  Design of surfactants to solubilize organics in dry CO2

*  Use of CO2 for petroleum processing

Cross-cutting

            *  Sensors

            *  Low-cost, light-weight equipment for high pressure

            *  Cost effective surfactants

            *  Rapid fluid handling

 

# Details for most of these are given in the Appendix

 

E.  Matrix of application domains and functional efforts

 

In order to facilitate collaboration within cross-cutting or functional groups (e.g., surfactant studies) proposers will be asked to use the functions listed in Table 4 to communicate to evaluators and colleagues the combination of function and application reflected in your proposal.

 

 

Table 4.  Technical Task-Function Interaction Matrix

 

Function                                                          Task (Application Domain)

                                                                        |Macromolec    |Dissol/Deposit |Small Molec    |  

Surfactants & interfacial phenomena                    |____________|____________|____________|     

Separations processes                                       |____________|____________|____________|

Modeling and simulations                                   |____________|____________|____________|

Spectroscopy                                                    |____________|____________|____________|

Kinetics and mass transport                               |____________|____________|____________|

Thermodynamics                                               |____________|____________|____________|

Reactor design                                                  |____________|____________|____________|

Other (specify)                                                   |____________|____________|____________|

 

                                                                                                4

III.   Pre-proposal

 

A.  Purpose

 

The pre-proposal is a brief concept statement.  Its purpose is to provide a mechanism for early dialog among Center leadership and potential respondents.  This stage is intended to provide guidance to respondents in preparing the best set of proposals possible.  There are at least three mutual benefits for respondents and the Center. (1) Excessive overlaps can be avoided in proposals.  More positively stated, opportunities for close collaboration can be identified between respondents who propose similar work.  (2) At an early stage, gaps can be identified in project areas that need to be filled.  If no one within the constituent university departments is able or willing to fill those gaps, it may be necessary to identify and invite outside researchers to participate.  (3) It may be possible to identify potential collaboration targets between researchers from different fields working on different aspects of similar areas.  For example, theorists developing molecular models would do well to focus on systems of interest to experimentalists in related areas.  And experimentalists should provide bases to test developing models.

 

These pre-proposals will be reviewed and prompt feedback given to guide you in preparing an effective and successful proposal.

 

B.  Format and Content

 

Respondents are to submit pre-proposals by June 28, 2001 (as electronic copies, preferably in MS Word 2000 format) to Prof. George Roberts at groberts@eos.ncsu.edu and to Vicki Haithcock at vph@email.unc.edu.  Respondents are requested to maintain a copy for their records   (If any computer incompatibilities exist these will be dealt with individually.)

 

     1.  Project title and Principle Investigator(s)

 

Please be brief but descriptive in developing your title.  Use no more than 12 words, terms (e.g.,

CO2) or abbreviations.  If more than one PI is named, please indicate which is to be considered

lead investigator.  Please include contact information (phone, FAX, e-mail).

 

     2.  Research Concept

 

This section should be 6-8 lines, including a brief statement of research objective and your proposed research approach.

 

 

IV.  Proposal Format and Content

           

 

Respondents are to submit proposals in the following format.  An electronic form is available at www.nsfstc.unc.edu (The Center/Research Proposal Form).  An electronic copy of the full proposal is to be sent as outlined in Section III above by August 6, 2001.

 

A.  Project Title and Principal Investigator(s)

 

Please be brief but descriptive in developing your title.  Use no more than 12 words, terms (e.g.,

CO2) or abbreviations.  If more than one PI is named, please indicate which is to be considered

the lead.  Please include contact information (phone, FAX, e-mail).

 

                                                                        5

 

B.  Research Plan

 

This section should be 2-3 pages and include all of the following elements.

 

     1.  Overall objective

           

The overall research objective should be stated in a brief paragraph.  In addition, a one-line synopsis should be included which can be directly excerpted in listing the Center’s key objectives.

 

     2.  Approach

 

What specifically do you plan to do?  What is your strategy?

 

     3.  Relation to overarching Center goals

 

All research programs selected in the first solicitation must be clearly aligned with one or more of the three Application Domains listed above.  Some projects may relate to predictive models (mathematical or physical); diagnostic or characterization tools and techniques (e.g., for measurements); and/or broadly applicable equipment and/or processes.  As the Center’s work is fundamental, this is expected and encouraged.  However, it should also be clear how that model, tool or technique will be used directly to achieve the goals of at least one Application Domain.  (If your proposal does not support one of these Domains but supports higher-level Center vision, mission and goals, it may be a candidate for “seed” funding.)

 

a.  Overarching goal(s) supported

 

With which of the three overarching goals (Table 2) does your project best align?  There may be more than one, but pick the one where the success (or failure) of your project would have the greatest impact.  This alignment will be used in our official reporting to NSF and on our website but will not affect collaborative opportunities or group meeting assignments.  Collaboration is expected within cross-cutting functions as well as application domains and thus grad students and post docs are expected to attend as many weekly seminars as possible.

 

b.  Position in the research matrix

 

Please refer to Table 4 in the Background section.  Copy the matrix and complete it as follows.  Find the functional area(s) that most nearly describe(s) your proposal.  Mark the boxes in the matrix where the functional area contributes to an application.  Use “@” for very important and “o” for somewhat important.  Leave blank if there is little or no overlap.  For example, if your proposal would measure polymerization kinetics using a spectroscopic technique, there would be an “@” in the box where spectroscopy and macromolecules intersect.  However, that technique might also be used to follow dissolution kinetics.  Depending upon the likelihood of this application, either “@” or “o” would go into that box.  If the technique could also be used to follow an organic condensation reaction in CO2, that box would be appropriately marked as well.  For each mark that is made in the matrix, there should be a brief explanation.

 

     4.  Potential impact

 

What difference will your project make?  How will the Center benefit/suffer if your proposal is/is not funded?  The matrix above and connectivity section below should be considered.

 

                                                                

                                                                        6

 

 

C.  Connectivity

 

If this proposal extends an existing project, briefly, what new collaborations have you established as a result of your funding to date? Whether new or existing project, what new ones are planned?

Sharing of graduate students and/or post-docs on related projects is an excellent way to develop connectivity.  PIs are encouraged to collaborate on proposals to develop such connections.

 

     1.  Related work

            a.  Other Center proposal supported (past and planned)

            b.  Additional Center goals (other than primary) supported

            c.  Additional functional efforts supported

     2.  Collaborations planned outside the Center

     3.  Resource and/or facilities sharing

 

D.  Education and Outreach