Texas A&M Chemists Receive $20M NSF Grant to Advance Nanocrystal Research

As research partners in the nationally acclaimed Center for Single-Entity Nanochemistry and Nanocrystal Design (CSENND), Dr. Lane Baker, Professor and Dr. Carl D. McAfee '90 Endowed Chair in Analytical Chemistry, and Dr. Xin Yan, Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry, have been awarded $20 million in Phase 2 funding from the National Science Foundation’s Centers for Chemical Innovation program. The award supports Baker and Yan—alongside collaborators from eight other institutions nationwide—in unlocking the unique potential of nanocrystals for next-generation sustainable technologies.

Nanocrystals are so small that tens of thousands can span the width of a human hair. Their size dramatically alters how they interact with light, electricity, and chemical reactions, making them promising candidates for a wide range of applications. “By studying them individually, we can better understand their unique properties,” said Yan, “and use that knowledge to develop new technologies in clean energy, electronics, and manufacturing.”

The award also expands CSENND’s national education and outreach efforts, connecting scientists, artists, and community groups to share the science of the nanoscale with the public. “This project highlights Texas A&M’s leadership in collaborative, transformative science,” Baker said. “We’re excited to help shape the future of nanomaterials research and its real-world impact.”

This work is supported by the National Science Foundation's Division of Chemistry, award #2503933.