1. Phthalocyanines and Related Porphyrinoids: Chemistry and Physical Properties
Our group focuses on developing molecular materials based on phthalocyanines (Pcs), leveraging their unique optical, electronic, and magnetic properties alongside synthetic versatility, nanoscopic size, and processability. These thermally and chemically stable macrocycles exhibit strong red/NIR absorption, high fluorescence quantum yields, and rich redox chemistry, making them valuable for state-of-the art applied field. Their research spans Pc synthesis, post-functionalization, and detailed physicochemical studies to advance technological applications.
Coord. Chem. Rev. 2021, 428, 213605.
Chem. Soc. Rev. 2017, 46, 4464-4500.
Adv. Energy Mater. 2017, 7 (10), 1601700.
J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2016, 138 (39), 12963−12974.
Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. Eng. 2016, 55 (37), 11020-11025.
J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2015, 137, 12914-12922.
2. Multicomponent Systems Based on Porphyrinoids for Artificial Photosynthesis, Photoinduced Electron Transfer, and Up/Down Energy-Conversion Processes
This research line explores porphyrinoid-based multicomponent systems designed to mimic natural photosynthesis, facilitate efficient photoinduced electron transfer, and enable energy up/down-conversion. We integrate various porphyrinoids with photoactive systems, such as fullerenes, to optimize charge separation and energy transfer. As triplet sensitizers, porphyrinoids enhance up-conversion technologies, while their combination with singlet fission materials like pentacene improves the efficiency of down-conversion processes for advanced solar energy applications.
Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2024, 63 (8), e202315064.
J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2023, 145 (17), 9548-9563.
Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2023, 62 (5), e202214543.
Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2021, 60 (3), 1474-1481.
Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2020, 59 (42), 18786-18794.
Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2019, 58 (41), 14644-14652.
Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2018, 57 (50), 16291-16295.
3. Nonplanar aromatic systems: Subphthalocyanines and related compounds
Subphthalocyanines (SubPcs) are unique non-planar π-conjugated systems with a 14-π electron skeleton that exhibit groundbreaking optoelectronic properties. Their conical shape enables distinct self-assembly patterns, making them ideal for steering nanostructured materials. We harness their unique features in technologies inaccessible to planar compounds—we escape from flatland. For instance, we develop polarized semiconductors, advanced chiral materials with applications in CPL emission and detection, and nanocapsules for molecular recognition and the selective separation of both chiral and achiral fullerenes. Our research also focuses on fine-tuning their electronic properties through axial ligand exchange, peripheral functionalization, and controlled expansion or contraction of the π-system. In this regard, notable examples include fused SubPc oligomers and Subporphyrazines, molecules whose synthesis and applications our group has mastered over the past years.
Chem. Sci. 2024, 15, 13760-13767.
Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2023, 62, e202311255.
Trends Chem. 2023, 5 (5), 353-366.
ACS Materials Lett. 2023, 5 (2), 543-548.
Chem. Soc. Rev. 2022, 51, 9482-9619.
J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2020, 142 (50), 21017-21031.
Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2020, 59 (47), 21224–21229.
J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2020, 142, 7920-7929.
J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2014, 136, 14289-14298.
Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2011, 50, 3506-3509.
Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2020, 59 (8), 3127-3130.
4. Porphyrinoids for Molecular Photovoltaics, Electronics, and Spintronics
The versatile chemistry of porphyrinoids and their tunable electronic properties make them pivotal materials in photovoltaics, organic electronics, and spintronics. Our research explores their role as photoactive semiconductors and charge transport materials in organic and perovskite solar cells. Moreover, we design chiral porphyrinoids as spin filters for chiral spintronic applications involving the CISS effect. Throughout these objectives, we leverage their structural flexibility and ability to form supramolecular architectures. By developing tailored porphyrinoid derivatives for integration into molecule-sized circuits, we pave the way for next-generation electronic devices. A key focus of our research is unveiling the structure-property relationship, essential to unlocking the full potential of these compounds.
RRL Solar 2024, 8 (16), 2400371.
CCS Chemistry 2024, 6, 276–296.
Chem. Sci. 2023, 14, 4273-4277.
Adv. Energ. Mater. 2020, 10, 2002536.
Nanoscale Horiz. 2020, 5, 1415-1419
Chem. Soc. Rev. 2019, 48, 2738-2766.
Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2019, 58, 4056-4060.
Sci. Adv. 2017, 3, e1701017.
Adv. Energy Mater. 2017, 7 (7), 1601733.
Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2017, 56 (1), 148–152.
5. On-Surface Synthesis of Advanced Molecular Materials Based on Porphyrinoids
Our group explores the on-surface synthesis (OSS) of porphyrinoid-based molecular architectures, leveraging surface confinement to achieve unprecedented electronic and magnetic properties. By guiding covalent coupling and supramolecular assembly at the nanoscale, we design 0D, 1D, and 2D nanostructures with tailored optoelectronic functionalities. This approach enables the fabrication of open-shell π-systems, chiral networks, and extended conjugated frameworks, unlocking new possibilities for molecular electronics, spintronics, and quantum materials.
Small 2025, 21 (2), 2408085
Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2025, 64, e202420572.
J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2022, 144 (36), 16579-16587.
J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2022, 144 (28), 12725-12731.
Adv. Sci. 2022, 9 (19), 2105906.
Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2021, 60 (29), 16208-16214.
Chem. Sci. 2021, 12, 247-252.
J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2020, 142, 18109-18117.
Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2020, 59 (3), 1334-1339.
6. Porphyrinoids for Biomedicine: Photodynamic Therapy of Cancer, Atherosclerosis, and Bacteria Photoinactivation
The Torres group has pioneered the use of porphyrinoids, particularly phthalocyanines (Pcs) and subphthalocyanines (SubPcs), as photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy (PDT). Their research, supported by major EU-funded projects, has led to promising advances in treating atherosclerosis using Pc-dendrimer conjugates, now advancing toward clinical trials. Additionally, the group has developed porphyrinoid biohybrids, including viral capsid-encapsulated Pcs and protein-cage photoactive crystals, expanding their biomedical applications. Their contributions, including patents and high-impact publications, position porphyrinoids as key players in next-generation light-driven therapies.
Eur. J. Med. Chem. 2024, 285, 117214.
J. Med. Chem. 2023, 66 (5), 3448–3459.
Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2023, 62 (24), e202300511.
Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2022, 61 (31), e202206900.
Sci. Adv. 2022, 8 (14), eabm2094.
J. Med. Chem. 2021, 64 (23), 17436-17447.
Chem. Soc. Rev. 2020, 49, 1041-1056.
Chem. Soc. Rev. 2018, 47, 7369-7400.
Adv. Funct. Mater. 2018, 28 (24), 1705938.