# RUI: Towards a Better Understanding of Polyradical Electronic Structure: Harnessing Organic Building Blocks for the Design of Molecular Magnets

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · University of Richmond (VA) · $374,999

## Abstract

In this RUI project, funded by the Chemical Mechanism, Function, and Properties Program of the Chemistry Division, Professor Carol Parish of the Department of Chemistry at the University of Richmond will develop models to better understand the fundamental behavior of non-metallic molecule-based magnets.  Magnetic materials are critically important in the development and manufacture of devices for navigation, imaging, sensing, recording and geolocation. Magnets are widely used in applications ranging from electric motors, to hard drive data storage, to sound and video recording, to medical imaging.  The most common magnets in use today are metal alloys that extend across large, extended lattices. These conventional magnets are rigid, bulky and heavy. Magnets formed from organic materials are extremely flexible, malleable and lightweight; however, they are less well understood. This project will harness Professor Parish’s expertise in the proper characterization of molecules with unpaired electrons to design better materials for magnetic applications. The research will address three major questions in materials science: (1) How do remarkable properties of matter emerge from complex relationships at the atomic, magnetic, and electronic level? (2) How do we control material processes at the level of electrons? (3) How do we design revolutionary new forms of matter with tailored properties? The project is highly interdisciplinary, utilizing concepts from physical, materials and or

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2454078
- **Awardee organization:** University of Richmond (VA)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** RL3YF9NM92A3
- **PI:** Carol A Parish
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** QUANTUM INFORMATION SCIENCE, RES IN UNDERGRAD INST-RESEARCH
- **Estimated total:** $374,999
- **Funds obligated:** $374,999
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 09/01/2025 → 08/31/2028

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2454078

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2454078, RUI: Towards a Better Understanding of Polyradical Electronic Structure: Harnessing Organic Building Blocks for the Design of Molecular Magnets. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-08 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2454078. Licensed CC0.

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