# Measuring Microscopic Charge Transfer Rates in Heterogeneous Thin Films

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · University of Minnesota-Twin Cities (MN) · $525,000

## Abstract

With support from the Chemical Structure and Dynamics (CSD) program in the Division of Chemistry, Professor Aaron Massari at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is investigating the roles of molecular interactions in the charge transport characteristics of thin films for the development of efficient molecular electronic materials. Many promising thin film systems are highly heterogeneous with transport characteristics that vary wildly with position and length. Prof. Massari and his students will prepare polycrystalline and molecular thin films with systematically controlled structures and use two-dimensional IR (2D-IR) spectroscopy to measure their charge transport characteristics. Their studies will advance the understanding of how molecular structure and interactions in a thin film control the movement of electrical charges. This work will inform the design of electrical materials that benefit society as a whole by leading to devices that are less toxic and require less energy to produce. Prof. Massari is the Director of the Energy and U Show; a high-octane stage show that brings science to over 10,000 3rd–6th graders to the U of MN campus each year to learn about the First Law of Thermodynamics and college education.

This work will leverage the nonlinear nature of 2D-IR spectroscopy to extract charge transport dynamics from the naturally heterogeneous environments of thin films while electrically mobilizing charges with an AC voltage. The emphasis is on ground state

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2505782
- **Awardee organization:** University of Minnesota-Twin Cities (MN)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** KABJZBBJ4B54
- **PI:** Aaron M Massari
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** NANO NON-SOLIC SCI & ENG AWD, Energy Storage or Transmission
- **Estimated total:** $525,000
- **Funds obligated:** $525,000
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 09/01/2025 → 08/31/2028

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2505782

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2505782, Measuring Microscopic Charge Transfer Rates in Heterogeneous Thin Films. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-08 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2505782. Licensed CC0.

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