Nanoclusters containing hybrid membranes for sensing and lighting clustobrane

Abstract

The Clustobrane project emerged from a discussion between E. Molina (Univ. Franca, Brazil) and Y. Molard (Univ. Rennes 1, France) during the 4th Interacional Conference on multifunctional, Hybrid and nanomaterials hold in Sitges (Spain) in march 2015 where the two project leaders first met. They decided there to prepare some proof of concept materials to elaborate a family of new functional hybrid matrices by sharing their material. Preliminary results validating the concept are actually considered for patenting. The objective of this proposal is to develop new materials for applications such as lighting, light therapy or light for plant growth. Emissive hybrid organic-inorganic type siloxane-polyether will be used to encapsulate highly deep red luminescent transition metal clusters and generate multifunctional hybrid materials. These materials are stable and non-toxic and have unique properties such as high mechanical strength, transparency, flexibility. The absorption ability of the polysiloxane matrix as well as the emissive properties of the resulting hybrids will be studied in depth during the project. (AU)