# Collaborative Research: Unlocking New Properties of MXenes: From Optical Response to Novel Electronic Phenomena

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · Purdue University (IN) · $542,001

## Abstract

Nontechnical Description
This project will focus on developing new materials that can be customized to control how light behaves, thereby advancing optical technologies for applications in communication, information technology, energy, and sensing. Conventional optical materials are not easily tuned or adapted, which limits their use in reconfigurable devices. This research will utilize MXenes, a family of two-dimensional structures engineered to reflect, absorb, or guide light in precise ways. By combining advanced material-making, experimental testing, and computer modeling, the team will establish a novel design framework for producing customizable materials with exceptional optical properties. The framework will also include new digital tools for predicting materials behavior and minimizing trial-and-error during development. In addition to the research, the project will offer interdisciplinary training for graduate and undergraduate students and contribute to public science education by developing open-access learning resources through nanoHUB.org. These initiatives will help prepare a new generation of researchers in the field of advanced photonic materials.

Technical Description
The project aims to develop optical materials that are customizable, dynamically tunable, scalable, and reconfigurable while exhibiting advanced light-matter interactions, such as plasmonic behavior, epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) response, hyperbolic dispersion, and strong nonlinear effects. Con

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2532334
- **Awardee organization:** Purdue University (IN)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** YRXVL4JYCEF5
- **PI:** Alexandra Boltasseva
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** NANO NON-SOLIC SCI & ENG AWD, Nanomaterials, Optics and Photonics
- **Estimated total:** $542,001
- **Funds obligated:** $542,001
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 09/01/2025 → 08/31/2028

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2532334

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2532334, Collaborative Research: Unlocking New Properties of MXenes: From Optical Response to Novel Electronic Phenomena. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-07 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2532334. Licensed CC0.

---

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