Post-doctoral position (M/F) to study the EPR/time-resolved spectroscopy of diarylethene-functionalized polyoxometallates.

Diarylethenes (DAEs) are very well known for their robust photochromic properties, which include excellent fatigue resistance, thermal reversibility, and high quantum yield. The integration of diarylethenes into molecular cages has revealed unique features like photoresponsive encapsulation and efficient energy transfer. Polyoxometalates (POMs), primarily composed of early transition metals, are distinguished by their diverse structural forms and catalytic prowess, especially in redox reactions. Ritchie et al. have made a significant breakthrough by developing the first POM-DAE molecular cage. This cage contains multiple DAE ligands that undergo sequential electrocyclization post-illumination, confirmed via transient absorption and NMR spectroscopy. The transient absorption studies further disclosed additional photoproducts during the illumination process. These include a charge-separated electron-hole pair of DAE+• and POM- with a lifespan exceeding 200 µ-seconds. This finding suggests that POM-DAE combinations could open new avenues in photocatalytic applications by leveraging these long-lived charge-separated states. (collaboration Chris Ritchie, Monash University)
The researcher's mission will be to carry out a new measurement and analysis campaign on a series of POM-DAE samples using EPR spectroscopy and transient absorption spectroscopy - techniques available at LASIRE.

POM-DAE sample preparation under inert atmosphere
UV-VIs /IR/RMN analysis spectroscopy
EPR spectroscopy
femtosecond absorption spectroscopy
flash photolysis (µseconds)

The post-doc is a transversal action in the LASIRE laboratory between the two teams.
The experiment will be launched at C4 (EPR) and C8 (TA).
All chemical preparations will take place in a newly renovated laboratory.
For transient spectroscopy, the researcher will be supported by the research engineer.