# Rational Design of Intrinsically Semiconducting Coacervates via Aqueous Liquid/Liquid Phase Separation of Conjugated Polyelectrolytes

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · University of California-Santa Cruz (CA) · $452,422

## Abstract

With the support of the Macromolecular, Supramolecular, and Nanochemistry Program in the Division of Chemistry, Dr. Alexander Ayzner of the University of California, Santa Cruz will determine the molecular characteristics that govern the structure and electronic properties of liquids that have both viscous and elastic properties, called coacervates, composed of conjugated (semiconducting) polyelectrolytes (CPEs). Such liquids are promising candidates to serve as aqueous photochemical reactors and compartments in artificial photosystems that mimic natural photosynthesis. To develop a foundational understanding of such systems, the influence of ions on the nature of the electronic states and their movement within the system will be interrogated across a series of CPE structures using a combination of thermodynamic and optical techniques. Once the fundamental characteristics that govern such states of soft matter are determined, artificial reaction centers will be incorporated into the CPE coacervates to improve their light harvesting characteristics. The lifetime of the charged carriers and the efficiency of their generation will be elucidated using a combination of optical characterization techniques. This research will develop the next generation of STEM professionals by training graduate and undergraduate students, as well as promising high school students via the state-wide California science summer school program.

CPEs exhibit fascinating aqueous phase behavior that spa

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2506169
- **Awardee organization:** University of California-Santa Cruz (CA)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** VXUFPE4MCZH5
- **PI:** Alexander Ayzner
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** —
- **Estimated total:** $452,422
- **Funds obligated:** $452,422
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 09/01/2025 → 08/31/2028

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2506169

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2506169, Rational Design of Intrinsically Semiconducting Coacervates via Aqueous Liquid/Liquid Phase Separation of Conjugated Polyelectrolytes. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-08 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2506169. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NSF Awards dataset](/datasets/nsf-awards) · CC0 1.0*