NaS group at Lund University

People

Facilities

Publications

GitHub

Introduction

The Nanochemistry and Spectroscopy group (NaS Group) is a recently established research team within the Department of Chemistry, Division of Chemical Physics, at Lund University. It was initiated in late 2022 following Dmitry's appointment as Assistant Professor (Biträdande Universitetslektor). As of 2025, the group's research efforts focus on nanomaterial synthesis and assembly (25%), optical, laser, and time-resolved spectroscopy and microscopy (50%), and X-ray scattering techniques (25%). The percentages are dynamic and refer to a snapshot of current activities; otherwise, they evolve with our curiosity, objectives of various projects, and the state of the art.

Our primary goal is to gain knowledge about the collective properties of nanomaterials. For example, we are currently making and studying mesocrystals made of luminescent colloidal nanocrystals for evidence of cooperative photoluminescence (superradiance, superfluorescence).

Thanks to external funding, the group has acquired specialized equipment, including gloveboxes for nanomaterial synthesis and assembly, a cryogenic optical setup, a circular dichroism (CD) and circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) spectrometer, along with various smaller instruments. Additionally, the group leverages the division's well-equipped chemistry laboratories and advanced time-resolved spectroscopy facilities, such as femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy and a picosecond streak camera.

Nanocrystal Synthesis and Self-Assembly

Colloidal nanocrystals are solution-processed materials at the intersection of atoms, molecules, and bulk crystals. When put together into artificial solids, also known as assemblies or superlattices, nanocrystals interact and display cooperative behavior, resulting in novel functionalities. Within this research direction, we are working to produce desired nanocrystals and control their self-assembly to enable these exciting opportunities.

Team: Matheus Ferreira (11/2023-), Baptiste Gastin (Summer 2024), Dr. Stefano Toso (09/2024-), Dr. Prasenjit Mandal (11/2024-)

Optical Spectroscopy and X-ray Diffraction

Optical spectroscopy and x-ray scattering are tools which enable understanding of what is going on with and in the nanocrystals, and give an idea what these materials are useful for. Within this research direction we apply and develop methods for advanced spectroscopic and structural studies of the nanomaterials and light-matter interactions. Naturally, it is a collaborative enterprise where we are fortunate to have opportunity to interact with the unique spectroscopy infrastructure at the Division of Chemical Physics and Lund University.

Team: Lorenzo Tallarini (09/2023-), Marzo López Cerón (Summer 2024), Robin Eriksson (Spring-Summer 2024), Dr. Stefano Toso (09/2024-), Dr. Prasenjit Mandal (11/2024-), Gioele Lapo (02/2025-)

Collective Properties

Synchronization of metronomes (video 1), fireflies (video 2), people (video 3) are some of the fascinating examples of collective phenomena rooted in energy release and feedback. Engineering such effects in artificial materials is challenging yet attractive because it tests exisiting paragidms of materials design and promises potentially novel functionalities. Within this research direction, we are working to get a better insight into phenomena of superradiance and superfluorescence of luminescent materials.

Photoluminescent Metal Halides

Inorganic and hybrid metal halides hold a special place in the landscape of light-emitting materials because of their diverse photophysics and structure-property tunability, resulting in bright photoluminescence phenomena. Within this research direction, we aim to explore and adapt novel metal halides for optoelectronic applications and basic insights into light-matter interaction.

Team: Dr. Yong Li (09/2023-), Chenxu Jiao (09/2024-06/2025)

Google Sites

Report abuse