Organic Dyes and Materials
Our research under the European Research Council (ERC) Starting Grant centers on the design, synthesis, and molecular engineering of advanced π-conjugated organic dyes and materials tailored for solar energy conversion. We view dyes as functional, programmable building blocks whose optical and electronic landscapes can be precisely tuned. By strategically modifying core architectures (such as pyrene, anthraquinone, and chromophore amphiphiles) we control how these molecules harvest light, govern excited states, and transition into organized nanostructures. This fundamental mastery allows us to sculpt custom one- and two-dimensional organic materials that serve as the highly efficient, light-harvesting foundations for our next-generation catalytic platforms.
By translating these molecular architectures into functional systems, we develop novel homogeneous and heterogeneous photocatalytic reactions aimed at the sustainable production of solar fuels and commodity chemicals. We utilize our custom-designed organic materials and frameworks to tackle high-impact chemical transformations under mild, light-driven conditions. Our recent breakthroughs include achieving the exceptionally selective semi-hydrogenation of acetylene to polymer-grade ethylene, and pioneering eco-friendly aqueous platforms that couple biomass upcycling (specifically converting glycerol into formic acid) with the simultaneous, green co-production of hydrogen peroxide. Through these light-driven processes, we aim to deliver atom-economical, zero-emission alternatives for the industrial chemical sector.
Dynamic Organic Materials
Beyond static applications, a major frontier of our ERC project lies in the creation of dynamic, out-of-equilibrium organic materials that mimic the adaptive behavior of living systems. We explore how supramolecular dye polymers can utilize stored and released electrons to mediate structural self-assembly, effectively creating adaptive nanostructures that physically respond to their electronic states. By controlling these aggregation states, we can trigger emergent phenomena like aggregation-induced photocatalysis or engineer switchable systems that selectively pivot between generating hydrogen or hydrogen peroxide. By integrating external chemical fuels like ATP, or combining light with mechanical forces, we are constructing smart, multi-responsive supramolecular superstructures capable of autonomous regulation and real-time functional adaptation.
