# CAREER: CAS: Rational Development of Titanium Photocatalysis for the Generation, Utilization, and Control of Heteroatom-Centered Radicals

> **NSF 01002627DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · SUNY at Stony Brook (NY) · $800,566

## Abstract

This project is developing catalysts based on earth-abundant titanium to promote value-adding chemical transformations of organic molecules driven by light. Photoactive metal catalysts are commonly used for organic synthesis. A key step in these reactions is the movement of electrons between the catalyst and the substrate. An alternative approach relying on catalyst-substrate interactions to turn on photoactivity will allow for new types of reactions and selectivities to be realized. Furthermore, while the former type of photocatalyst typically relies on rare precious metals, titanium is one of the most abundant metals in the earth's crust. Through rational design of the ligand environment on titanium, these catalysts can be fine-tuned to enable a multitude of valuable reactions. In addition, the project will support the expansion of an annual regional symposium focused on photochemistry to bring together researchers and students from various types of institutions to share science and provides opportunities to seed collaborations and facilitate the development of a near-peer mentoring network among students at local primarily undergraduate institutions and major research universities. Finally, the project will also support the development of a graduate-level course on photochemistry which crosses disciplinary silos to engender deeper understanding of this essential topic in modern chemical research.

This project will rationally develop titanium-based catalysts capable of 

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2541378
- **Awardee organization:** SUNY at Stony Brook (NY)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** M746VC6XMNH9
- **PI:** Jeffrey M Lipshultz
- **Primary program:** 01002627DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** CAREER-Faculty Erly Career Dev, Advanced Manufacturing
- **Estimated total:** $800,566
- **Funds obligated:** $800,566
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 07/01/2026 → 06/30/2031

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2541378

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2541378, CAREER: CAS: Rational Development of Titanium Photocatalysis for the Generation, Utilization, and Control of Heteroatom-Centered Radicals. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-08 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2541378. Licensed CC0.

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