Lumi·Mol Lab Luminescent Materials for Sustainability

Research Topics

Luminescent lanthanide-based molecular materials

Design, synthesis, characterization and study of the photophysical properties of luminescent molecular materials, either single molecules and extended networks such as MOFs, HOFs and COFs, based on lanthanides, with particular focus on near-infrared emitters for application in photonics, specifically for signal amplification in telecommunication technology and quantum light sources, as well as visible emitters for anticounterfeiting and sensing. Heterolanthanide molecular materials, either as discrete molecules and extended frameworks are also developed. Interest is also directed towards the processing of these compounds as hybrid materials (doped glasses, polymers) and thin films for functional devices.

Luminescent lanthanide-based nanomaterials

This research line is oriented towards luminescent nanostructured materials with the aim to achieve more efficient emission performances by overcoming the limitations of molecular complexes (vibrational quenching) and novel potential applications. In particular, current research interests are focused on multilayered nanoarchitectures based on silica, fluorides and lead halide/lead free perovskites combined with luminescent lanthanide ions. These materials are deeply investigated through steady-state and time-resolved techniques, including ultra-fast transient absorption experiments.

Mono- and multifunctional molecular materials

Design, synthesis, characterization and study of the optical (linear and non-linear properties), magnetic and conducting properties of d and f metal complexes with suitable organic ligands showing simultaneous or cooperative multifunctionalities. In this framework, of particular interest in recent times, are square-planar Ni-triad complexes as NLO-phores, also showing unusual optical properties with anti-Kasha emissive behavior responsive to external stimuli (pH, presence of metal ions).

Green chemistry

This research line is addressed to the recovery, recycling and revalorization of noble and precious metals (Au, Pd, Ag, Cu) as well as lanthanides (Nd, Dy, Sm) from electronic waste with green chemistry approaches. Strategies for the efficient leaching of these metals from scrap materials have been studied with the use of opportunely functionalized ligands with the double role of chelating and oxidizing agents. The products of these treatments can afterwards be re-employed as valuable resources for applicative purposes (e.g. phosphors). More recently, strategies for the direct refunctionalization of Nd and Dy from end-of-life supermagnets as luminescent materials are developed in the framework of the PRIN2022 project “GREEn SM”.