The Army Research Laboratory (ARL) is offering funding through its Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) program, which focuses on fundamental electrochemical studies. This initiative aims to enhance the understanding and control of the physics and chemistry that govern electrochemical redox reactions and species transport. The research program is divided into two main thrusts: Redox Chemistry and Electrocatalysis, and Transport of Electroactive Species. The program supports innovative electrochemical synthesis, studies on microenvironmental effects on chemical reactivity, the development of quantitative models of electrochemical systems, and electrochemistry utilizing excited electrons.

The Redox Chemistry and Electrocatalysis thrust is dedicated to exploring how materials and their morphology affect electron transfer and electrocatalysis. The objective is to customize electrodes and electrocatalysts at the molecular level and to develop new spectroscopic and electrochemical techniques for analyzing electrode surfaces and specific surface species. Research in this area includes examining ionic conduction in electrolytes, electrocatalysis, interfacial electron transfer, and the activation of carbon-hydrogen and carbon-carbon bonds.

The Transport of Electroactive Species thrust supports research that aims to uncover mechanisms of transport through heterogeneous, charged environments such as polymers and electrolytes. The program's goal is to design customizable electrolytes using new polymers and ionic liquids while developing novel methodologies and computational approaches to study the selective transport of species within charged environments. This also includes research on transport through coatings, surface films, and polymer electrolytes.

Applicants are encouraged to conduct a preliminary inquiry with an ARL Technical Point of Contact (TPOC) before submitting a proposal. The recommended application process involves three steps: making an initial inquiry with the ARL TPOC, submitting a whitepaper for review, and submitting a full proposal. The preliminary inquiry stage helps applicants assess the alignment of their research with ARL's interests and available funding before committing significant effort to a full proposal. More detailed instructions are available in the complete BAA document.

The ARL BAA is a competitive solicitation procedure used to obtain proposals related to basic and applied research and development activities that are not associated with the creation of a specific system or hardware procurement. The funding opportunity seeks innovative solutions and scientific advancements in electrochemistry that align with the ARL’s research goals.

For technical inquiries, applicants may contact Dr. Matthew W. Glasscott via phone at (484) 883-5095 or email at matthew.w.glasscott.civ@army.mil.