MOSAIC to transform understanding of chemical reactions

A groundbreaking research center housed at the University of Chicago but bringing top researchers from institutions across Illinois is set to revolutionize science’s comprehension of chemical reactions.

The NSF Center for Multimodal Observations for Single Atom Imaging of Chemistry (MOSAIC) will develop groundbreaking electron microscopy-based techniques for observing chemical reactions in real-time, at the atomic scale. This unprecedented level of detail could unlock secrets about how reactions work, leading to breakthroughs in fields like catalysis, energy storage, and the development of new materials.

“The Center for Multimodal Observations for Single Atom Imaging of Chemistry brings together top researchers from across Illinois to develop groundbreaking electron microscopy based techniques for observing chemical reactions in real-time, at the atomic scale,” said Center Director Paul Alivisatos, a professor with the UChicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (UChicago PME) and the Chemistry Department. “This unprecedented level of detail could unlock secrets about how reactions work, leading to breakthroughs in fields like catalysis, energy storage, and the development of new materials.”

Alivisatos will helm a team of researchers representing UChicago, Argonne National Laboratory, the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). MOSAIC is funded by the Centers for Chemical Innovation (CCI) Program of the National Science Foundation.

“The MOSAIC team is composed of highly collaborative scientists from UChicago, ANL, UIUC, and UIC, each contributing complementary expertise,” said Prof. Robert Klie, head of the department of physics at UIC and associate director of the center. “Our collective strength lies in integrating state-of-the-art electron microscopy with advancements in machine vision, machine learning, and innovative materials synthesis and chemistry. By combining these teams with diverse expertise, we aim to bridge a critical gap in characterizing chemical reactions, enabling detailed analysis of reactions from the single-atom scale to the macroscale.”

Unveiling the Secrets of Chemistry at the Atomic Level

MOSAIC's core mission is to visualize chemical reactions in real-time at the single-atom level, an unprecedented feat that will empower scientists to unlock the secrets of reaction mechanisms. This groundbreaking capability is poised to drive advancements in fields ranging from catalysis and energy storage to chemical manufacturing.

“We understand this is a big challenge – and that's why we want to do this,” said UChicago Chemistry Department Chair Prof. Jiwoong Park, who also has an appointment with UChicago PME. “The payoff will be huge; just imagine what an ability to see atom-scale reactions could do for all of us. It can change the ways we do science for better energy, health and environmental solutions.”

The center will harness cutting-edge technologies, including advanced liquid cell platforms and state-of-the-art scanning and transmission electron microscopy (S/TEM), to delve into the intricacies of three key chemical systems: single-atom catalysts (SACs), clusters, and organic molecules.

MOSAIC will also incorporate advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) technologies to observe these reactions.

“Observing single atom reactions in dynamic situations is extremely difficult, like picking out a needle in a haystack,” said Argonne National Laboratory scientist Maria Chan, who will lead AI/ML for the center. “We plan to use artificial intelligence/machine learning, informed by theoretical modeling, to make processing the images and deciphering the physical processes possible.”

A standout innovation at MOSAIC is the use of Graphene Liquid Cells (GLCs), which allow for the direct observation of chemical reactions in liquids at atomic resolution. This breakthrough technology will enable MOSAIC to visualize chemical reactions at various scales, from single atoms to clusters and two-dimensional materials, setting the stage for transformative discoveries in the field of chemistry.

“The electron microscopy contrast from single atoms, especially in a solution reaction environment, is low,” said UIUC Prof. Qian Chen, who will lead the metal nanoparticle reaction studies using GLCs. “That's why we need all expertise on the team, from liquid phase electron microscopy to advanced nano-obseratory design using two-dimensional materials and artificial intelligence-aided data analysis, to enable real-time observation of reaction dynamics on the atomic level.”

Societal Impact and Educational Outreach

MOSAIC is dedicated to ensuring its advancements benefit society as a whole. Through collaborations with industry partners, the center aims to accelerate the translation of cutting-edge research into real-world applications, including the development of new catalytic processes, more efficient energy storage solutions, and innovative synthetic pathways for complex chemicals.

Beyond its research mission, MOSAIC is passionate about making science accessible to all. The center will develop educational multimedia materials in collaboration with local school districts and public libraries, fostering a diverse and inclusive scientific community that celebrates and understands science. The center is committed to actively recruiting and supporting students from underrepresented backgrounds, providing mentorship, and fostering collaborative learning environments.  

Funding: This research is supported by the National Science Foundation under Award No. 2420536 for the Center for Multimodal Observations for Single Atom Imaging of Chemistry (MOSAIC).

• A version of this story originally ran on the UChicago Physical Sciences Division website