photoluminescence spectrometer

• Subject Area: Molecular Chemistry
• Term: since 2026
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 579953454

As part of this programme, a photoluminescence spectrometer is to be acquired to enable both steady-state and time-resolved measurements in solution, solids and thin films under variable sample conditions (temperature, atmosphere). For the research groups based at the Institute of Inorganic Chemistry (IAC), time-resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy is a key method for characterizing newly developed molecular and polymer compounds. It provides information on excitation and emission spectra, fluorescence and phosphorescence lifetimes, and quantum yields, and allows the investigation of important phenomena such as aggregation-induced emission (AIE), thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF), and room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP). The applicants’ research groups are working on the development of novel inorganic-organic functional materials, in particular boron-containing systems, with applications in optoelectronics, sensor technology, catalysis, energy storage, photovoltaics, and biomedicine. By incorporating boron into π-conjugated structures, electronic and further properties can be specifically controlled (e.g., increased electron affinity, improved stability). The focus is on new synthesis routes to conjugated organoboranes and polymers, sustainable polymer materials with recyclable building blocks, and novel macrocycles and hybrid polymers. Poly(iminoborane)s are being investigated as precursors for high-performance ceramics. Another focus is on the synthesis of chiral boron-containing molecules such as helicenes and spiro compounds or chiral polycyclic aromatics with other main group elements or transition metals. Due to their chirality and their ability to exhibit circularly polarized luminescence (CPL), they show great potential for applications in CP-OLEDs, transistors and bioimaging. In addition, luminescent coinage metal complexes, clusters and functionalized boron clusters are being investigated, which acquire new (opto)electronic properties through electronically active substituents and serve as the basis for future high-performance materials. These projects require the spectrometer to be equipped with an integrating sphere, various detectors and pulsed excitation light sources, as well as a cryostat and additional sample holders, to precisely determine absolute quantum yields, lifetimes and temperature-dependent emission properties in the UV-Vis-NIR range. The luminescence spectrometer at the IAC, purchased in 2012, can no longer be used reliably due to defects and a lack of compatibility with modern components. A replacement is therefore urgently needed in order to successfully carry out current and planned projects and to ensure the international competitiveness of research at the site.

• DFG Programme: Major Research Instrumentation
• Major Instrumentation: Photolumineszenzspektrometer
• Instrumentation Group: 1850 Spektralfluorometer, Lumineszenz-Spektrometer (außer Filterfluorometer
• Applicant Institution: Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg
• Leader: Professor Dr. Holger Helten