CAREER: Elucidating Structural and Physical Factors that Govern the Temperature Dependence of the Redox Potential in Molecular Compounds

NSF Award Search · 01002627DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT · $800,000 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

In this CAREER project, Professor Agnes Thorarinsdottir of the Department of Chemistry at the University of Rochester is developing transition metal coordination compounds with highly temperature-sensitive electrochemical properties. Thermoelectric devices are important for the advanced manufacturing of instruments for energy generation, cooling and heating, wearable electronics, and healthcare. The fundamental knowledge gained from this project will enable a transformative approach to the design of next-generation thermoelectric devices that can convert waste heat into electricity for immediate or later use and employ electricity for cooling applications, as well as electrochemical temperature sensors that can operate continuously in remote locations. The goal of this research is to exploit the well-defined structures and synthetic modularity of transition metal complexes to elucidate design principles for molecular compounds that display electrochemical properties that are highly sensitive to temperature changes. Beyond the technical contributions that lie at the interface of inorganic chemistry, materials chemistry, and electrochemistry, the project integrates an educational plan that seeks to educate students and the general public on topics in energy and electrochemistry pertinent to everyday activities and engage students across multiple training stages in hands-on scientific research. These educational efforts will be accomplished through a combination of in-person and online educational activities, including videos, forums, games, workshops, and research opportunities for students, thereby reaching a broad audience of scientists, non-scientists, and students at all levels. Gaining fundamental understanding of factors that govern the temperature sensitivity of the electrochemical potential of molecular compounds is critical to enable the realization of next-generation thermoelectric devices and electrochemical temperature sensors. This project will harness

Key facts

NSF award ID
2542274
Awardee
University of Rochester (NY)
SAM.gov UEI
F27KDXZMF9Y8
PI
Agnes Thorarinsdottir
Primary program
01002627DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
All programs
CAREER-Faculty Erly Career Dev, Advanced Manufacturing
Estimated total
$800,000
Funds obligated
$800,000
Transaction type
Standard Grant
Period
07/01/2026 → 06/30/2031