1.0 Overview

Chemistry is central to the operation of the Army Research Office (ARO). Explosives, propellants, fuel cells, and batteries function by converting chemical energy into mechanical and electrical energy. Macromolecules, especially elastomers, provide materials for equipment. Protection of the Soldier against chemical agents requires the detection, identification, and destruction of such chemicals, and the design and construction of barriers to their passage. The destruction of toxic wastes represents another chemical problem faced in the restoration of military real estate and the safe demilitarization of surplus munitions. We invite proposals for research to advance our understanding of chemical materials and processes with a strong prospect for use in future Army technology.

1.1. Electrochemistry and Advanced Energy Conversion

The Army relies on power sources to support many different weapons systems, communications, and other devices. Power sources under development are primarily batteries and fuel cells, although other high-performance power sources are of interest. This program supports fundamental chemical studies of materials and processes that limit the performance of current or enable future power sources. Topics include ionic conduction in electrolytes, electro-catalysis, fuel processing, interfacial electron transfer, transport through coatings, surface films and polymer electrolytes, and activation of carbon-hydrogen and carbon-carbon bonds. Novel electrochemical synthesis, investigations into the effect of microenvironment on chemical reactivity, and quantitative models of electrochemical systems are also encouraged.

Technical Point of Contact: Dr. Robert Mantz, e-mail: robert.a.mantz@us.army.mil, (919) 549-4309

1.2. Organic Chemistry and Organized Media

This program supports basic research in the detection and decontamination of toxic materials and Soldier protection. Fundamental research aimed at eliminating toxic materials and protecting the Soldier from toxic materials is needed. New, more efficient, and environmentally benign organic reactions, both catalytic and stoichiometric are needed. Of particular interest are nitration and oxidative and nucleophilic displacements at phosphorus and sulfur for the destruction of toxic organic compounds. Selected mechanistic studies that promise new insights to the pathways of the above reactions are encouraged as are new synthetic pathways with reduced production of waste by-products.

Technical Point of Contact: Dr. Jennifer J. Becker, e-mail: jennifer.j.becker@us.army.mil, (919) 549-4224

1.3. Polymer Chemistry

The focus of this program is high-risk, high-impact fundamental research with Army relevance. Of particular interest are studies of macromolecular architecture and functionality in order to understand how the molecular level affects bulk properties and material performance. This includes research on new monomers, branching and composition effects, supramolecular assembly, and macromolecular hierarchy. Additionally, of joint interest with the Mechanical Behavior of Materials Program in the Army Research Office (ARO) Materials Science Division, are research efforts seeking to generate statistically valid bulk mechanical behavior data with small polymer samples.

Technical Point of Contact: Dr. Douglas Kiserow, e-mail: douglas.kiserow@.us.army.mil, (919) 549-4213

1.4. Surfaces and Catalysis

This program supports fundamental research on the decomposition and interaction of molecules on well-characterized surfaces and catalysts. The fundamental characterization of reactions of organic functional groups on surfaces and catalysts is of great interest. The development of new methods to investigate the interactions of organo-phosphorus, -sulfur, and nitrogen molecules on surfaces is also of interest. Development of reactive multifunctional materials including coatings and fabrics are included in this program. Research areas of interests include nanoparticle reactivity, the reaction mechanisms of hazardous materials with plasmas, and the fate of toxic materials on surfaces in the environment. A particular area of interest is in the interface between nanostructures and bio-molecules including bio-colloids to generate advanced materials.

Technical Point of Contact: Dr. Jennifer Becker, e-mail: jennifer.j.becker@us.army.mil, (919) 549-4224

1.5. Theoretical Chemistry

Predictive computational methods for chemical processes (e.g., combustion) and properties and molecular architectures (e.g., crystal structures, mechanical moduli) are of great interest to support Army requirements for insensitive munitions, for propellants and explosives with greater energy density, and for multifunctional materials. Novel approaches to increase the accuracy of models of intermolecular forces are of great interest. We seek improvement of the efficiency of calculations by focusing on those elements of the models involved that provide the most information; especially methods that go beyond linear sensitivity analysis.

Technical Point of Contact: Dr. Douglas Kiserow, douglas.kiserow@us.army.mil, 919-549-4213

1.6. Experimental Physical Chemistry