# Chemical Control over the Formation and Reactivity of High Entropy Nanoparticles

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · Pennsylvania State Univ University Park (PA) · $570,071

## Abstract

With the support of the Macromolecular, Supramolecular and Nanochemistry Program in the Division of Chemistry, Professor Schaak of Penn State University will establish new ways of making nanoparticles that contain five or more metallic elements. Nanoparticles with such complex compositions are anticipated to have unique properties compared to those containing a smaller number of metals. These properties could be useful for applications that include catalysis and electronics. In this research project, Prof. Schaak and his research group aim to identity and understand how various combinations of chemical reagents interact and react to form compositionally complex nanoparticles. Using the knowledge gained from these studies, they will learn how to control nanoparticle composition, structure, shape, and size, which are features that can influence properties. Schaak and his group will also develop a series of nanochemistry-focused tutorials on compositionally complex nanoparticles and introduce automated synthesis and AI-driven exploration of chemical complexity into undergraduate classes.

The complex compositions of high entropy materials, which incorporate five or more principal elements, can give rise to synergistic chemical interactions that modify electronic structure and reactivity. Nanoparticles of these materials are especially promising for catalysis, given their high surface areas, but synthesizing them can be challenging because of the different reactivities and reac

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2505706
- **Awardee organization:** Pennsylvania State Univ University Park (PA)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** NPM2J7MSCF61
- **PI:** Raymond Schaak
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** NANO NON-SOLIC SCI & ENG AWD
- **Estimated total:** $570,071
- **Funds obligated:** $570,071
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 09/01/2025 → 08/31/2028

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2505706

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2505706, Chemical Control over the Formation and Reactivity of High Entropy Nanoparticles. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-08 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2505706. Licensed CC0.

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