Project B09 is a subproject of the DFG Collaborative Research Centre “Light-Driven Molecular Catalysts in Hierarchically Structured Materials – Synthesis and Mechanistic Studies” (CataLight). The project focuses on the development of ultrathin molecular membranes whose properties can be precisely tuned through intermolecular interactions. The aim is to create functional layered systems that serve as well-defined platforms for the integration of molecular photosensitive (PS) and catalytic (CAT) units.

The membranes are based on Langmuir–Blodgett technology. Tailored amphiphilic molecules are organized at the air–water interface and subsequently transferred as two-dimensional layers. Stabilization of these layers is achieved either supramolecularly, for example via hydrogen bonding, or through targeted covalent crosslinking. This includes photochemical polymerization processes, such as those involving (meth)acrylates, as well as polycondensation reactions.

Following crosslinking, the Langmuir–Blodgett layers are chemically post-functionalized. This enables the selective attachment of molecular PS and CAT units to one of the two membrane surfaces, allowing controlled spatial arrangement of functional components within the membrane architecture.

The resulting systems span a wide functional range, from structurally stable support membranes and electrically conductive layers to membranes with integrated photosensitive functionality. In this way, the project provides fundamental contributions to the controlled fabrication and functionalization of molecular interfacial systems for photochemical and photocatalytic applications.

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