# CAS: CAREER: Synthetic Designs Toward Wavelength-Tunable Production of Reactive Intermediates for Selective Photooxidation

> **NSF 01002425DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (VA) · $650,000

## Abstract

With support from the Chemical Structure, Dynamics & Mechanisms B Program of the Chemistry Division, Shabnam Hematian of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro aims to develop a new class of photocatalysts to transform cheap and unreactive raw materials into value-added chemicals. These potential catalysts exploit the oxidizing power of oxygen in the air, as a green terminal oxidant, and the energy of light as a sustainable reagent for forming new and difficult-to-access chemical bonds. The goal of this research is to control the photochemical outcome and reaction selectivity through modulating the energy of the light source. Results from this project have the potential to enable faster and tunable reactions which are relevant in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and other fine chemicals. This work provides a solid interdisciplinary training platform in the fields of photochemistry, synthesis, spectroscopy, redox, and kinetics for scientists at all levels. This group is also well-positioned to provide the highest level of education and training to engage students in science early in their careers (i.e., local high school and community college students as well as first-year undergraduate and graduate students), promoting recruitment and retention in the chemistry field. 

The discovery of effective homogeneous photocatalysts for the selective oxidation of substrates under mild conditions using dioxygen as the terminal ox

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2539860
- **Awardee organization:** Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (VA)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** QDE5UHE5XD16
- **PI:** Shabnam Hematian
- **Primary program:** 01002425DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** CAS-Critical Aspects of Sustainability, CAREER-Faculty Erly Career Dev, Advanced Manufacturing, SusChEM, REU SUPP-Res Exp for Ugrd Supp
- **Estimated total:** $650,000
- **Funds obligated:** $539,228
- **Transaction type:** Continuing Grant
- **Period:** 07/01/2025 → 07/31/2029

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2539860

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2539860, CAS: CAREER: Synthetic Designs Toward Wavelength-Tunable Production of Reactive Intermediates for Selective Photooxidation. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-07 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2539860. Licensed CC0.

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