When Molecules Organize Themselves: Supramolecular Strategies for Light, Sensing and Beyond
Laura Rodríguez, Inorganic Chemistry Section, Faculty of Chemistry, Universitat de Barcelona
Monday 6 October 2025, 12.00 PM
ICMAB - Sala d'Actes Carles Miravitlles and ONLINE (Register here)
Abstract
Chemistry today is moving beyond individual molecules, exploring how they interact, recognize each other, and self-assemble into functional materials. Supramolecular chemistry provides a powerful toolkit to design systems in which weak interactions give rise to remarkable properties and applications. In this talk, I will present our journey in the design of coordination complexes and supramolecular assemblies, focusing on their ability to organize into more complex assemblies and responsive materials.
We will explore how luminescent complexes can be engineered for sensing, how self-assembled nanostructures can harvest and convert light, and how supramolecular systems can produce reactive oxygen species for selective applications. By connecting molecular design with macroscopic function, these studies reveal how chemistry at the nanoscale can address challenges in sensing, photophysics, catalysis, and sustainable technologies.
Ultimately, the lecture will highlight how “chemistry beyond the molecule” allows us to create functional supramolecular systems that bridge the gap between fundamental science and emerging applications in materials, energy, and environmental solutions.
Short bio
Laura Rodríguez completed her PhD in Chemistry at the Universitat de Barcelona (UB) in 2003, focusing on metallic clusters and supramolecular chemistry. Following a postdoctoral stay at Universidade Nova de Lisboa, where she acquired strong background on photophysics. Then, she returned to UB as faculty in 2008 and became Full Professor in 2020. Since 2015, she leads the Supra- and Nanostructured Systems (SUNS) group at UB.
Her research emphasizes the interplay between molecular design, self-assembly, and photophysical properties in gold(I) and platinum(II) complexes with a clear connection between organometallic and supramolecular chemistry and luminescence. Important efforts are being made in order to bridge fundamental supramolecular chemistry and functional materials, with a strong emphasis on knowledge transfer and innovation.
Hosted by Imma Ratera, from the NANOMOL-BIO group (Materials for Health Research Line)
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