Green Chemistry v2

Green Chemistry

We place green chemistry at the core of our research activity, developing sustainable strategies for the synthesis and processing of organic and polymeric materials. Our work spans benign-solvent chemistry, environmentally responsible molecular design, and scalable formulation approaches that enable π-conjugated materials to be synthesized and processed using water, alcohols, and other low-impact media. We also develop metal-free functional systems and emphasize intrinsic material stability to reduce toxicity, waste, and lifecycle impact. Within this broader framework, we explore streamlined catalytic coupling strategies, including direct arylation, as one of several tools to improve synthetic efficiency while maintaining industrial relevance.

Organic Semiconductors

We conduct research on organic semiconductors with a strong focus on molecular design, structure–property relationships, and application-driven functionality. Our activity spans small molecules, polymers, and functional dyes, whose optical and electronic properties are engineered through controlled π-conjugation, donor–acceptor architectures, and side-chain design. We place particular emphasis on processability, stability, and formulation, enabling organic semiconductors to be compatible with printing and solution-based fabrication techniques. Our work targets a broad range of applications, including optoelectronic devices and emerging photonic and bio-related technologies, bridging fundamental chemistry with practical performance requirements.

Catalysis

We carry out research in catalysis, with a growing emphasis on photocatalysis, aimed at enabling efficient, selective, and practical transformations for the synthesis of functional organic materials. Our work focuses on the rational design and optimization of catalytic systems that streamline key bond-forming reactions, reduce synthetic complexity, and improve reproducibility and scalability. We are particularly interested in catalytic and photocatalytic approaches compatible with benign solvents, mild conditions, and structurally diverse substrates, making them suitable for real-world applications. By integrating mechanistic insight with application-driven goals, we use catalysis as a strategic tool to support sustainable and high-performance materials chemistry.

Doping

We conduct research on doping in organic semiconductors with the goal of controlling charge generation, transport, and stability through both fundamental understanding and molecular design. A key focus is the elucidation of doping mechanisms, combining chemical insight with spectroscopic and materials analysis to clarify how charge transfer, ion formation, and microstructure govern macroscopic conductivity. In parallel, we design and synthesize new classes of molecular dopants tailored for efficiency, stability, and compatibility with solution processing. We also investigate hydrogen production and evolution processes associated with specific doping pathways, using them as both a mechanistic probe and a lever to engineer safer, more controllable, and more efficient doping strategies.

Luminescent Probes and Contrast Agents

We develop fluorescent probes based on organic and hybrid materials for advanced imaging and sensing, with particular emphasis on up-conversion and multiphoton processes that enable low-energy excitation and improved signal penetration. A distinctive component of our activity is the design and study of luminescent organic radicals, an emerging class of emitters that combines open-shell electronic structures with robust and tunable fluorescence. Through molecular engineering and photophysical analysis, we exploit radicals to achieve enhanced stability, unconventional emission pathways, and solid-state performance. In parallel, we design functional systems operating as X-ray contrast agents, linking optical and electronic structure to efficient high-energy radiative responses for imaging and diagnostic applications.

Nanomaterials

We conduct research on nanomaterials that integrates molecular design, self-assembly, and functional characterization to create nanoscale systems with tailored optical and electronic properties. A significant part of our activity focuses on perovskite-based nanomaterials, including nanocrystals and hybrid organic–inorganic architectures, where composition, surface chemistry, and dimensionality are engineered to control emission, charge transport, and stability. In parallel, we develop organic and hybrid nanostructures in which aggregation and interfacial effects are exploited to tune photophysical behavior. These nanomaterials are explored for optoelectronic, imaging, and sensing applications, with strong attention to processability and functional robustness.