Larsen Lab
Inorganic and Supramolecular Photochemistry
Research
In the Larsen Lab, we seek to harness visible light to solve global issues in energy, sustainability and health.
We specialise in the synthesis, spectroscopic study and photochemical application of novel photoactive compounds (organic molecules, coordination compounds, supramolecular ensembles) with targeted properties for emerging photophysical, photochemical and photobiological applications – including conversion of solar energy to chemical fuels, photochemical catalysis, photon upconversion and photoactivated chemotherapy.
Our research interests range from fundamental understanding of photophysical and photochemical processes to real-world applications. Our research generally falls within four key themes (see links below), with projects tailored to meet the desired learning outcomes and skills development of the individual student/researcher. Key skills developed in the Larsen Lab include:
- Organic Synthesis
- Coordination Chemistry
- Supramolecular Chemistry
- Photochemistry
- Molecular Spectroscopy
- Laser Spectroscopy
- X-Ray Spectroscopy
- (Spectro)Electrochemistry
- Computational Chemistry
- Data Processing/Analysis
- Critical Thinking
We are located in modern, dedicated synthetic labs on the 10th floor of the Science Centre at the University of Auckland, equipped with Schlenk lines for working under an inert atmosphere and a glovebox for especially sensitive chemistry. We have access to NMR, mass spectrometry and X-ray crystallography facilities, among others. Within the School of Chemical Sciences, we have access to steady-state UV-Vis-NIR, FTIR and emission spectrometers, and electrochemical workstations. We are also associated with the Photon Factory, the University of Auckland’s dedicated ultrafast laser facility, and regularly utilise international synchrotron and X-ray free electron laser (XFEL) user facilities.
Research Themes
Sustainable Photochemistry
In this theme, we explore the use of photochemistry as an enabling technology for sustainable catalysis, the development of sustainable photocatalysts based on earth-abundant metal complexes, and photochemical approaches towards pollution remediation.
Supramolecular Photochemistry
In this theme, we explore new paradigms for photoinduced energy/charge-transport at the molecular scale using supramolecular chemistry, and leverage these new approaches to mimic key steps of natural photosynthesis.
Photoresponsive Molecules
In this theme, we explore new molecular scaffolds and mechanisms for the photorelease of small molecules and caged drug molecules for targeted delivery to tumour sites.
Understanding through Spectroscopy
In this theme, we utilise molecular spectroscopies, ultrafast laser spectroscopies and cutting-edge X-ray spectroscopies and scattering techniques to gain deeper insight into the electronic structure, excited state landscape and photophysics of photoactive molecular and supramolecular systems