Cultural Heritage and Responsive Materials

The research group is focused on the design of molecules and materials able to respond to external stimuli and to contribute to the sustainable conservation of Cultural Heritage. Photochemistry, physical chemistry, and the principles of supramolecular chemistry are applied to (i) study photo, electro, and thermal-induced reactions in responsive materials; (ii) preserve materials incorporated in Cultural Heritage objects, which requires research to determine their original chemical and physical state and to identify agents and mechanisms of change and degradation; and (iii) identify complex aged materials and to address questions of context and meaning in their use, as well as the impact of previous and contemporary interventions.

The interdisciplinary environment conveys an integrated approach, in which top-notch materials and techniques are applied in the development of endurable materials.