# Magic-Sized Clusters as Universal Intermediates for Nanomaterials Discovery

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · University of Washington (WA) · $780,000

## Abstract

With the support of the Macromolecular, Supramolecular, and Nanochemistry Program in the Division of Chemistry, Professor Brandi Cossairt of the University of Washington will find ways to make materials called nanocrystals with new, unique properties. She will achieve this by studying how nanocrystals grow from special starting materials known as magic-sized clusters. The fundamental chemistry knowledge of how the structure and composition of these clusters govern the properties of nanocrystals would enable the rational design of new nanomaterials for emerging applications.  This research could help create breakthroughs in cutting-edge technologies, including electronics, photonics, quantum information, and catalysis. In addition, Professor Cossairt will contribute to workforce development and education by providing interdisciplinary research training to graduate and undergraduate students, including those from local community colleges, organizing a regional nanoscience workshop, and creating open-access learning materials for new learners in nanoscience.

Professor Cossairt and her team will expand the library of known magic-sized clusters across different semiconductor families, develop chiral clusters that can transfer their chirality to larger nanostructures, pioneer methods for low-barrier compositional tuning, and develop a high throughput strategy for studying the conversion of magic-sized clusters to larger nanostructures. These efforts aim to transform the field of

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2505637
- **Awardee organization:** University of Washington (WA)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** HD1WMN6945W6
- **PI:** Brandi Cossairt
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** NANO NON-SOLIC SCI & ENG AWD, REU SUPP-Res Exp for Ugrd Supp
- **Estimated total:** $780,000
- **Funds obligated:** $780,000
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 07/01/2025 → 06/30/2029

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2505637

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2505637, Magic-Sized Clusters as Universal Intermediates for Nanomaterials Discovery. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-08 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2505637. Licensed CC0.

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