PHOTOACTIVE AND LUMINESCENT MOLECULES AND MATERIALS FOR TECHNOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS

Our research is focused on the design, synthesis and investigation of photo-active molecules, supramolecular systems and nanomaterials with specific light-driven functionalities, which are of interest for many technological applications. In particular: LUMINESCENT METAL COMPLEXES. Due to their chemical and optical versatility these compounds are of widespread interest for energy conversion, electroluminescent devices (LEC, OLED), probing of drug and cellular systems, and sensors. We work on both transition metal (Cu, Ir, Ru) and lanthanide (Eu, Tb) materials. CARBON NANOSTRUCTURES. We have a consolidated experience in the investigation of multicomponent architectures containing functionalized C60's and featuring photoinduced energy- and electron transfer for solar energy conversion devices. Our interest is also concerned with carbon nanotubes as scaffolds for luminescent compounds and polymers, to be developed for lighting technologies. SUPRAMOLECULAR PHOTOACTIVE NANOMATERIALS. We have prepared new organic materials to be used as scaffolds or active components of molecular devices capable of elaborating chemical information and afford useful functions, mainly via light stimulation. Our research has been carried out in the frame of past and present national and European projects. The development of these materials are of interest both in fundamental science and for real life applications, such as efficient lighting, imaging and telecommunications.