Welcome to the NSF Center for Integrated Catalysis!

Transform chemical synthesis with tools to combine incompatible chemical reactions

About Us

The goal for the NSF Center for Integrated Catalysis (CIC) is to develop the fundamental chemistry to achieve the synthesis of sequence-defined polymeric materials from pools of abundant feedstocks in a single reactor using spatially separated and switchable catalysts.

Our Plan

We hope to achieve this goal in two distinct phases: in Phase I, currently taking place, we are striving to provide proof of concept that it is possible to couple synthesis of specific building blocks and polymerization to obtain new and unprecedented materials. After that, our plans for Phase II are to use an expanded, diverse team to take the concepts from Phase I to the next level by pushing the boundaries of catalysis.

Beyond research, we also aim to make our science accessible to communities around us with our outreach, which you can see in the tabs above! To increase accessibility to our research, we’ve created blog posts and a TikTok channel showcasing some of our reactions, as well as working more directly with communities through our summer REU program and Catalyzing eXploration in Chemistry (CXC) program.

Diversity Statement

The Center of Integrated Catalysis is strongly committed to promote equity, inclusion and diversity in scientific research and education. We strive to provide an inclusive and collaborative space for every individual to freely voice their different opinions, views and experiences. Our center believes that having individuals from various backgrounds is essential for achieving great science, and we work together with empathy to understand people’s needs and make them feel respected. Click here to learn more about our values.