Our Team

Challenges

The integration of molecular light-driven catalysts into soft matter matrices can give control over charge transfer processes, photochemical reactivity and degradation resistance. To-date, the knowledge-based design of these materials is challenging as there is a fundamental lack of understanding of the underlying mechanisms which control component interactions, photochemical properties and overall catalytic activity.

Project Targets

Our teams will develop molecular light-driven chromophores and catalysts, and establish concepts for their integration into soft matter matrices. Hierarchical nanostructuring into membranes, colloids, and thin films will give unprecedented control over substrate and product transport, and will be used to tune catalytic self-regulation, stimuli-responsiveness and triggered repair. In-depth experimental and theoretical studies will provide fundamental insights into the mechanisms which govern catalytic reactivity and stability. CataLight will therefore establish general design concepts for light-driven molecular catalysts in soft matter matrices.