Investigation of the synthesis, characterization, and application of novel photoinitiators for photopolymerization reactions

• Grant number: 25/12721-1
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: November 01, 2025
• End date: October 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry
• Mobility Program: SPRINT - Projetos de pesquisa - Mobilidade
• Principal Investigator: Beatriz Eleutério Goi Carvalho
• Grantee: Beatriz Eleutério Goi Carvalho
• Principal researcher abroad: Jacques Lalevée
• Institution abroad: Université de Haute-Alsace , France
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia (FCT). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Presidente Prudente. Presidente Prudente , SP, Brazil
• City of the host institution: Presidente Prudente
• Associated researchers: Luiz Carlos da Silva Filho ; Valdemiro Pereira de Carvalho Júnior
• Associated research grant: 25/04536-0 - Development of Phenanthroline-Based Photoinitiating Systems for Eco-Friendly Reactions in Photopolymerization and 3D Printing, AP.R

Abstract

The proposed exchange aims to build a robust, multidisciplinary partnership between UNESP and the University of Haute Alsace, leveraging complementary expertise in synthetic organic chemistry, material science, photophysics, and polymer engineering. This collaboration will enrich the scientific, academic, and technological outcomes of both teams by intensifying knowledge transfer, training young scientists, and fostering innovation through international cooperation.At the core of the exchange is the development of next-generation photoinitiators that are more efficient, sustainable, and specifically tailored to the spectral properties of modern light sources currently employed in applications such as dental restoration and 3D printing (e.g., blue and violet LEDs). These photoinitiators are expected to address key limitations of current systems, including low photoreactivity under mild conditions, limited biocompatibility, and environmental concerns related to toxicity and waste. The novel compounds will be designed and synthesized at UNESP using green synthetic approaches, with a focus on metal-organic systems and quinoline-based chromophores.The photoinitiators developed will undergo a comprehensive evaluation at the Institut de Science des Matériaux de Mulhouse (IS2M), including advanced time-resolved spectroscopies (e.g., nanosecond/microsecond laser flash photolysis, steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence), radical generation kinetics, and photobleaching studies. In parallel, the IS2M team will apply computational chemistry methods (DFT and TD-DFT) and kinetic modeling to elucidate the photophysical and photochemical mechanisms involved, helping to rationalize structure-activity relationships and optimize molecular design.Furthermore, the project integrates a strong educational and dissemination component, promoting the co-supervision of graduate and postgraduate students, joint seminars, and the development of bilingual teaching modules on photopolymerization and sustainable photochemistry. These resources will be incorporated into the curricula at both institutions and made available through open educational platforms. In addition, the exchange program will ensure mutual access to advanced laboratory infrastructure (e.g., spectrometers, polymer reactors, LED irradiation setups) and computational clusters, thereby enhancing the technical capacity and international visibility of both institutions.Expected outcomes include the publication of high-impact scientific articles, presentation of joint work in international conferences, and the establishment of long-term collaborative frameworks, including student mobility programs, double-degree Ph.D. opportunities (e.g., cotutelle), and joint research proposals to European and Brazilian funding agencies. Overall, this project seeks not only to advance the frontier of photopolymerization science but also to contribute to the training of a new generation of scientists equipped to tackle global challenges through interdisciplinary and sustainable approaches. (AU)