A - Macromoléculas, Colóides e Fotoquímica
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Coordenador
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Alberto António Caria Canelas Pais Full Professor +351 239854466 |
O grupo de Macromoléculas, Colóides e Fotoquímica tem como objetivo global o estudo detalhado da estrutura e dinâmica de sistemas químicos desde a escala molecular até à macroscópica, e escalas temporais desde sub-picosegundos até segundos.
Colloids
Coordinator:Alberto Canelas Pais (pais@ci.uc.pt)
In the colloid area, we highlight the study of the interactions between metal ions, surfactants and polymers in aqueous solution, evaluating and controlling properties such as the beginning of self-aggregation, types of aggregates formed, and the rheological behavior. Considering the pharmacological applications and the development of luminescent sensors and optoelectronic devices, NMR studies in combination with other techniques, such as theoretical and luminescence studies are also performed. Novel fibers, soft nanoparticles and new polymeric thickeners are being designed and prepared by improved understanding of the delicate balance between hydrophilic (often electrostatic) and hydrophobic interactions.
Macromolecules
Coordinator:Artur Valente (avalente@ci.uc.pt)
We aim at the development of new polymeric materials including cellulose-based polymers functionalization, conducting and luminescent sensing polymers and bio-hydrogels for drug delivery and water remediation. This is complemented by a background on transport property analysis, involving inter-, intra- and thermal diffusion of multicomponent systems in aqueous solution and through polymers. Our interests go from biomolecules and polyelectrolytes to advanced materials involving supercritical CO2 and supramolecular structures. The group is also strongly dedicated to computational chemistry using different approaches, with the main purpose of relating theory and experiment.
Photochemistry
Coordinator:Sérgio Seixas de Melo (sseixas@ci.uc.pt)
The photochemistry subunit covers a wide range of areas involving the study of excited state species and decay processes. State of the art equipment for fs-ns transient absorption, fs-UC and ps- and ns- time resolved fluorescence are available for a broad range of studies. Topics addressed include fundamental studies involving photophysical processes in various systems including indigo derivatives, and practical applications. Host-guest interactions of curcubiturils with fluorescent probes, photoCORMs, TTA-UC molecular systems, Au(I) – coumarin complexes, supramolecular chemosensors, and ligands aiming to to inhibit DNA telomerase in cancer cells are also being explored.