NSF EPSCoR Pre-Proposal Cover Page - Synthesis and Characterization of Hierarchical Structures and Self Assembly Polymer-Nanocomposite Membrane

Sep 13, 2026

NSF EPSCoR R II pre-proposal cover page detailing a 2013–2018 project period led by Alan Fuchs (University of Nevada, Reno). The project summary focuses on advancing membrane-based approaches at the energy-water-environment nexus through multidisciplinary collaboration across UNR, UNLV, UNLV-Harry Reid Center, and DRI. It aims to address sustainability challenges by integrating renewable energy with water processing devices and by synthesizing hierarchical self-assembled polymer-nanocomposite membranes for separation, energy conversion, and remediation uses, supported by microscopy core facilities.

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Project Summary

Intellectual Merit and Uniqueness

Project Description - Status and Overview

Membrane Filtration Materials and Processes

Nevada System of Higher Education NSF EPSCoR R II Pre-Proposal Cover Page 2013-2018 Project Period Name of Project: Synthesis and Characterization of Hierarchical Structures and Self Assembly Polymer-Nanocomposite Membrane for Renewable Energy, Water Treatment, and Environmental Remediation This project involves human or vertebrate animal subjects: YES NO_x_ Project Investigator (PI) Information: Alan Fuchs, Ph. D December 11, 2011 PI name PI signature Date University of Nevada, Reno Chemical and Materials Engineering PI Institution PI Department/Affiliation Mailstop 388 1664 North Virginia St Reno NV 89557 PIMailing Address City State Zip Code PI Phone: 775-327-2227 E-mail: [afuchs@unr.edu](afuchs@unr.edu) [Co-PI](Co-PI)’[s](s) Information: 21 Co-PI on Separate List Co-PI name Co-PI signature Date Co-PI Institution Co-PI Department/Affiliation Co-PI Phone: E-mail: Collaborating Faculty: | Faculty name | Institution | | --- | --- | | Faculty name | Institution | | Faculty signature | Date | | --- | --- | | Faculty signature | Date | Faculty name Institution Faculty signature Date Other Required Signature: Name, Lead Institution Authorized Organizational Representative Signature Date NSF EPSCoR Proposal – Synthesis and Characterization of Hierarchical Structures and Self Assembly Polymer-Nanocomposite Membrane for Renewable Energy, Water Treatment, and Environmental Remediation Project Summary Research activities at the energy-water-environment nexus results from the development of new approaches based on membrane processes. This research will be carried out by multiple institutions within Nevada; including: University of Nevada, Reno (UNR), University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), UNLV - Harry Reid Center (HRC), and Desert Research Institute (DRI) . Multidisciplinary activities from these institutions will provide solutions that will address the objectives and goals of this project. The research activities will also establish a core facility for microscopy within the NSHE System. New instrumention included in this core facility is: a transmission electron microscope, atomic force microscope, scanning electron microscope and other instruments. The intellectual merit and uniqueness of this proposal relates to addressing the challenges of water, environmental, and energy sustainability that can improve society and the economy while the population, energy and water demands continue to increase. An integrated system to fulfill the energy and water demands while achieving minimal environmental impact consists of powered renewable energy and water processing devices. For example, a system that consists of reverse osmosis (RO) membranes for water treatment and electric powered solar cells and/or fuel cells to supply energy needed for the RO membranes will be proposed. The contaminants in the waste products of this integrated system can be further treated with capture and release adsorbents to reduce the environmental effects. In addition, new membranes (and other advanced materials) will be synthesized for bio-fuels, solar, geothermal, fuel cell and battery applications. This new generation of advanced materials will be based on hierarchical design and self assembly. These membranes will incorporate non-covalent interactions to create unique morphologies and functionalities. These functionalities include super-oleophobic, electronic and ionic transfer, and controllable pore size. The super-oleophobic material properties will be useful for separations in the bio-fuels synthesis area. A sulfur-containing polymer material with electron transfer capability will be synthesized via non-covalent interactions on the backbone. These new materials, synthesized from fully aromatic polymers, which have high thermal stability are ideal for geothermal, fuel cell and battery applications. These novel materials will be fully characterized. The characterization techniques include:

FAQs

What project period and funding program does the cover page specify?

The document specifies a 2013–2018 project period under NSF EPSCoR R II.

What is the project’s main research focus?

It focuses on synthesis and characterization of hierarchical structures and self-assembled polymer-nanocomposite membranes for renewable energy, water treatment, and environmental remediation.

Which institutions collaborate on the research?

The project is carried out by multiple Nevada institutions including UNR, UNLV, UNLV-Harry Reid Center (HRC), and Desert Research Institute (DRI).

What core facility capability is planned as part of the project?

The project will establish a core microscopy facility within the NSHE System, including transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy.

Sep 13, 2026

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