Unprecedented light stimuli-responsive systems: achieving molecular control over aggregation of aromatic diimide amphiphiles.

• Grant number: 25/12403-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: August 01, 2025
• End date: July 31, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Chemical Engineering - Chemical Technology
• Principal Investigator: Eduardo Rezende Triboni
• Grantee: Thaisa Brandão Ferreira de Moraes
• Host Institution: Escola de Engenharia de Lorena (EEL). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Lorena , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 24/09719-2 - Supramolecular Systems and Nanochemistry: Mechanistic Approaches, Application in Crystallization and Optoelectronics, and Mitigation of Environmental Pollutants., AP.R

Abstract

we propose to develop novel naphthalenediimide amphiphiles (NDI-as) that has an unprecedented aggregation phenomenon: they can aggregate solely under the influence of UV light. Traditionally, triggering NDI-as aggregation required intrinsic factors like concentration, anions, radical generators, solvent effects, or the presence of co-formers. However, our innovative compounds dramatically simplify the process of NDI-as aggregation formation, eliminating the need for these complex factors.A primary goal is to design new NDI-as and unveil the photomechanisms underlying their remarkable photoaggregation as well as utilize this fundamental understanding to advance the development of novel molecules and implementation into technological devices. We already predict that these systems can be potentially used in diverse range of practical applications such as molecular electronic devices like organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) and sensors, photocells, and molecular machines.