# A General Synthetic Platform for Defect-Mediated Surface Functionalization of 2D Transition Metal Dichalcogenides

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · Purdue University (IN) · $599,745

## Abstract

With the support of the Macromolecular, Supramolecular and Nanochemistry Program in the Division of Chemistry, Professor Christina W. Li of Purdue University will study the defect chemistry of two-dimensional transition metal chalcogenide (TMD) materials. TMDs are unique materials because they can exist stably as a single layer of atoms, which is the thinnest possible form of matter. They can exhibit a broad range of electronic properties depending on the composition and phase of the TMD and can consequently serve as electronic conductors, semiconductors, light absorbers, or catalysts. In addition, the ultra-thin nature of these materials makes their properties highly sensitive to defects on the surface. Under this award, Professor Li’s team will develop strategies to create defects on TMD surfaces in a controlled fashion and to utilize the defects for subsequent functionalization of TMDs to modulate their properties. Understanding the surface chemistry of these ultra-thin materials will guide the development of more efficient electronic and catalytic materials and will have important broader impacts on next-generation semiconductor and energy storage devices. In addition, the team will develop educational demonstrations based on these concepts targeted at K-12 students across Indiana, showcasing energy storage devices and batteries.

Under this award, Professor Li's team will study defect-mediated surface functionalization of two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenid

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2505999
- **Awardee organization:** Purdue University (IN)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** YRXVL4JYCEF5
- **PI:** Christina W Li
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** NANO NON-SOLIC SCI & ENG AWD
- **Estimated total:** $599,745
- **Funds obligated:** $599,745
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 07/01/2025 → 06/30/2028

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2505999

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2505999, A General Synthetic Platform for Defect-Mediated Surface Functionalization of 2D Transition Metal Dichalcogenides. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-09 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2505999. Licensed CC0.

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