Research Projects

The proposed research addresses pressing challenges in energy conversion and cancer therapy by designing multifunctional porphyrin-based metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and covalent organic frameworks (COFs). Traditional catalysts like metal oxides and bimetallic systems suffer from issues such as poor conductivity, structural degradation, and environmental toxicity. Similarly, conventional photosensitizers in photodynamic therapy (PDT) face problems such as low selectivity, poor light absorption in the therapeutic window, poor solubility and prolonged photosensitivity. This project aims to overcome these limitations through the development of eco-friendly, stable and highly functionalized porphyrin-based hybrid frameworks. The scientific objectives of this project are: 1. To synthesise metalloporphyrins by incorporating electroactive transition metals (e.g., Mn(III), Fe(III), Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II)) via green synthetic methods. 2. To modify these metalloporphyrins with functional groups that enhance water solubility, light absorption, and photosensitivity. 3. To construct porphyrin-based COFs integrated with doped graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) for improved conductivity and environmental stability. 4. To develop single/bimetallic porphyrin-based MOFs and composites with graphene oxide for enhanced electrocatalytic performance. 5. To optimise structural and photophysical properties for applications in electrocatalysis and PDT. The central hypothesis is that integrating metalloporphyrin units into porous frameworks (COFs/MOFs) and further combining them with conductive supports (e.g., doped g-C₃N₄, graphene, CNTs, etc.) will lead to synergistic enhancement in electrochemical and therapeutic performance. These materials will offer abundant accessible active sites, high conductivity, chemical stability and tuneable porosity-enabling multifunctional applications in clean energy and healthcare. Major experiments will include:  Synthesis of pi-extended porphyrins using oxidative fusion developed in our lab.  Development of A₂B₂- and A₄-type porphyrin-based COFs using triazine and phthalimide linkers.  Synthesis of B, S and P-doped g-C₃N₄ and their integration with porphyrin COFs.  Fabrication of porphyrin-based MOFs via solvothermal methods and hybridisation with graphene oxide.  Characterisation using spectroscopy, microscopy, BET surface analysis, and electrochemical techniques.  Evaluation of electrocatalytic activity for ORR, HER, OER and CO₂RR and supercapacitor applications.  Assessment of ROS generation efficiency, light absorption, and PDT performance under controlled irradiation. This project is expected to significantly advance the fundamental understanding of structure–property–function relationships in porphyrin-based materials. It will provide insights into how coordination environment, framework topology, and support materials influence electrocatalytic and photosensitizing performance. The potential significance is substantial:  In electrocatalysis, the work will lead to new low-cost, high-performance catalysts for green hydrogen production, CO₂ conversion and fuel cells, replacing rare and toxic metals.  In biomedical applications, the project may result in biocompatible, highly efficient photosensitizers for cancer treatment with minimal side effects.  The dual functionality of the proposed materials places this work at the forefront of both energy and healthcare research, opening avenues for high-impact publications in top-tier journals such as Nature Catalysis, Adv. Mater., JACS and ANIE. The research findings will also be actively disseminated at prominent national and international conferences to foster collaboration and engage with the global scientific community. This project offers a non-trivial, interdisciplinary approach to develop next-generation materials with scalable synthesis, multifunctionality and strong potential for real-world applications in sustainable energy and PDT.