…we are a cross-disciplinary research group!
Photon-energy Management & Non-linear Photochemistry: We design and synthesize novel heavy-atom-free organic chromophores by tuning their molecular aromaticity and spin state(s). These chromophores are utilized for light-initiated processes such as photon-energy transfer, exciton transport, photosensitization, energy upconversion, etc.
Funding: NSF & UIC internal grants
Relevant publications
- J. O’Shea et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2024, DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c14303
- Y. Yun et al., J. Mat. Chem. C 2022, 10, 7093–7102.
- Y. Yun et al., . Photochem. Photobio. A2021, 418, 113412.
- Y. Yun et al., J. Phys. Chem. C 2020, 124, 12205–12216.
- S. Shokri et al., J. Phys. Chem. C, 2017, 121, 23377–23382.
- …more…
Triplet photophysicis, Aromaticity Switches, & Photocatalysis: We are exploring the use of new organic triplet chromophores and photocatalysts for visible-light-driven chemical transformations of inexpensive feedstocks into valuable bioactive compounds.
Funding: UIC internal grants
Relevant publications
- S. Maharjan et al., Adv. Synt. Cat., 2024, 366, 1–7. DOI: 10.1002/adsc.202400899
- Guang Yang, Sean Larmore, Joseph M. O’Shea, Phoenix S. Hillard, Barry Pemberton, Steven A. Lopez*, and A. Jean-Luc Ayitou*, Interplay Between Aromaticity and Triplet Photochemistry: p-Topology and Positional Effects on the Triplet Behaviors of Pro-Aromatic Thioamides, ChemPhysChem, 2026, 27(9), e202500743. (link)
Photoactive Hybrids & Supramolecular Platforms: We explore the photo-behavior(s) of composite materials, including hybrids, supramolecular assemblies, and solid-supported materials, for light-harvesting, conversion, photo-therapies, theragnostics, and photocatalytic applications. It is expected that exciton kinetics could be improved in these novel materials.
Funding: NSF & UIC internal grants
Relevant publications
- J. Morgan et al., J. Photochem. Photobio. A 2023, 99 (2), 761–768.
- S. Maharjan et al., J. Photochem. Photobio. A 2022, 424, 113648.
- J. Morgan et al., J. Photochem. Photobio. 2021, 98(1) 57–61.
- …more…
Photochemistry & Medicinal Chemistry: Development of synthetic methods to afford novel bio-active scaffolds for medicinal applications.
Funding: UIC internal grant
Relevant publications
…in preparation
Sustainability & Environmental Remediation: We are developing/engineering low-cost carbon-based materials and other hybrid photo-materials for catalysis and environmental remediation. These novel materials can be used to convert abundant feedstocks into valuable chemicals (ammonia, solar fuels, etc.).
Funding: CADFP & UIC John Nuveen Int’l grants
Relevant publications
…in preparation
