유영민 연구실

The operational stability of photo- and electroactive molecules is of prime importance. We employ synthetic, steady-state and time-resolved spectroscopic, electrochemical, and quantum chemical techniques to establish factors that control the intrinsic stability of molecules.

We focus on unconventional molecular catalysts, such as radical ions and low-valent metal complexes, for activating redox-resistant substrates. Primary interests are placed on understanding catalysis mechanisms, and developing organic transformation protocols.

Molecules that can selectively absorb and produce circularly polarized light enable novel applications, such as 3D displays, quantum informatics, asymmetric photocatalysis, encryption, and chiral sensors. We are developing novel materials with large values of quantum yields and dissymmetry factors.

We develop molecular probes that can selectively detect biological species that are intimately involved in signal transmission in the human body. Further, we are also interested in photo(pro)drugs for photomodulation of neuronal and cellular signaling.

We initiated our research to develop photoresist materials for extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography for high throughput production of semiconductors.

YouLab focus on organic molecular and polymeric materials with unique advantages for creating functions. The structure can be modified through synthetic techniques for fine tuning of electronic and photonic properties.

We employ inorganic chemistry knowledge, particularly organometallic chemistry, to develop novel metal-containing molecules and polymers for photonic and electronic applications.

Late transition metals, including Ru, Pd, Os, Ir, and Pt, and coinage metals of Cu, Ag and Au are of our prime interest. Molecules and polymers containing these metals offer unique d orbitals for photonic and electronic functions.

We employ state-of-the-art spectroscopic technique for understanding excited-state behaviors including fluorescence, intersystem crossing, phosphorescence, electron transfer, energy transfer, and photochemical reactions.