The College of Arts and Sciences at Indiana University Bloomington is leading a newly expanded, multi-institutional research initiative focused on unlocking the untapped potential of nanocrystals-tiny crystalline particles so small that tens of thousands could fit across the width of a human hair. These tiny materials could one day help to generate clean fuels, build faster electronics, and transform chemical manufacturing.
The Center for Single-Entity Nanochemistry and Nanocrystal Design (CSENND), launched in 2022, has been selected for $20 million in Phase 2 funding through the National Science Foundation's prestigious Centers for Chemical Innovation program.
As it evolves into a larger research center, CSENND brings together scientists from 9 institutions-including Indiana University, Texas A&M University, University of Texas - Austin, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, University of Washington, Temple University, University of Pennsylvania, University of Rochester, and Purdue University-to explore how individual nanocrystals behave.
While research examines large batches of particles and looks at average behavior, CSENND focuses on studying nanocrystals one at a time. This "single-entity" approach reveals subtle differences that could unlock more precise and powerful technologies.
"Nanocrystals are fascinating materials with amazing potential to solve real-world problems," said Sara Skrabalak, director of CSENND and the James H. Rudy Professor and Robert & Marjorie Mann Chair in the College's Chemistry department. "But the challenge is that they are not all the same, and that inconsistency makes it harder to design them for specific purposes. Our team brings together experts in making, testing, and modeling these tiny materials so we can learn how to control and use them more effectively."
James H. Rudy Professor of Chemistry Sara Skrabalak
That is, nanocrystals often act very differently than the same materials do when they're in larger, everyday forms; such as metals, powders, or crystals someone can see with the naked eye. Their tiny size can change how they absorb light, conduct electricity, or participate in chemical reactions. For example, while gold metal usually looks shiny and yellow, gold nanocrystals can appear to be virtually any color. That's because, at the nanoscale, light interacts with particles in entirely different ways. It's not the material that changes-it's the scale.
These unusual properties aren't just interesting, scientists are unlocking boundless potential for these particles. By understanding how individual nanocrystals behave, scientists can design materials that help batteries charge faster, improve solar panel performance, or make chemical manufacturing cleaner and more efficient.
"Think of it like listening to a choir," Skrabalak explained. "If you only listen to the sound of everyone singing together, you can miss how each individual voice contributes. We're tuning in to those individual voices, so to speak."
Each Phase 2 partner brings leading-edge, specialized skills, from theoretical modeling, to high-resolution imaging, to cutting-edge material synthesis.
CSENND is also committed to public outreach and science education. For example, in Bloomington, the Center partnered with artist Erin Tobey to create a mural next to WonderLab Museum of Science, Health and Technology, highlighting to community members the concept of scientific scale. With Phase 2, these efforts will expand nationwide through collaborations with other artists and community groups.
"It has been incredibly rewarding to foster collaborations between different research groups, and I look forward to this network continuing to grow during Phase 2," Skrabalak added.
"Nanocrystals are like a microscopic goldmine of molecular treasures," said NSF Assistant Director for Mathematical and Physical Sciences David Berkowitz. "The NSF Center for Single-Entity Nanochemistry and Nanocrystal Design will be a unique scientific resource in the U.S. by creating AI-based capabilities to rapidly explore and pinpoint individual nanocrystals with valuable properties."
CSENND is part of the National Science Foundation's Centers for Chemical Innovation program, which supports fundamental research with high potential for transformative impact. Understanding nanocrystals could help shape a future with cleaner, faster, and more precise technologies.
"The Center is about more than just materials chemistry," Skrabalak said. "We are building a community of researchers and engaging the public in how the tiniest building blocks of matter can shape the future and improve lives."
