This page is dedicated to the research activity developped in the framework of the OPERA project (Flag-ERA JTC 2019).
The consortium is working on the development of nanographene particles for quantum technologies, especially as quantum emitters. The duration of the project is 3 years (2021-2023)
In a recent article published in Nanoscale, in association with the theory team of D. Beljonne from Uni. Mons, collaborators from CEA NIMBE,and LPENS, we studied the effect of vibration and aggregation on the optical emission of Graphene Quantum Dots. This work is an important step toward a deep understanding of the photophysical properties of these small piece of graphene. It will thus contribute to their use as building blocks for future optoelectronics and quantum optics devices.
More details: https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR08279E
The NIMBE and LUMIN group just published a paper entitled “Thermally Induced Synthesis of Anthracene-, Pyrene- and Naphthalene-Fused Porphyrins”. Access to the paper.
Abstract: The synthesis of π-extended porphyrins containing anthracenyl moieties still represents an important challenge. Here, we report on the synthesis of a series of unsubstituted naphthyl-, pyrenyl- and anthracenyl-fused zinc porphyrin derivatives. To this aim, meso-substitued porphyrins are synthesized and the fusion of the PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon) on the β-positions are performed through thermally induced dehydro-aromatization. The fused zinc-porphyrin derivatives are fully characterized and their optical absorption and photoluminescence properties are reported. We also demonstrate that zinc can be removed from the porphyrin core, giving rise to pure C, H, N materials. This work constitutes the first step towards the synthesis of the fully-fused tetra-anthracenylporphyrin.
The OPERA annual meeting took place online today. 15 persons from the five groups involved in the project were present. Five interesting talks on the synthesis, calculations and optical experiments on graphene quantum dots have been given both by students, post-docs and PI. The discussions were fruitful!!
The consortium of OPERA publishes a paper entitled: “Negatively Curved Nanographene with Heptagonal and [5]Helicene Units”. The pdf file is available here
Abstract: Negatively curved nanographene (NG) 4, having two heptagons and a [5]helicene, was unexpectedly obtained by aryl rearrangement and stepwise cyclodehydrogenations. X-ray crystallography confirmed the saddle-shaped structures of intermediate 3 and NG 4. The favorability of rearrangement over helicene formation following radical cation or arenium cation mechanisms is supported by theoretical calculations. NG 4 demonstrates a reversible mechanochromic color change and solid-state emission, presumably benefiting from its loose crystal packing. After resolution by chiral high-performance liquid chromatography, the circular dichroism spectra of enantiomers 4-(P) and 4-(M) were measured and showed moderate Cotton effects at 350 nm (|Δε| = 148 M–1 cm–1).
The kick-off meeting of OPERA has been held on May 5th. Due to the COVID19 crisis, it has been done in visioconference.
