Projects per year
Personal profile
Personal Statement
Background
Bob studied at Durham University for his MChem (2009) and PhD (2013, with Prof. Andrew Beeby). He then held Alexander von Humboldt [Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg with Prof. Todd Marder] and Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851 [University of Oxford with Prof. Stephen Faulkner] Fellowships.
In 2018 he joined the University of Strathclyde as a Chancellor's Fellow and Lecturer in Chemistry.
Research Interests
We are interested in the design, synthesis, photophysics, and applications of conjugated materials with uses ranging from fluorescent dyes in super-resolution microscopy to photosensitizers for phototherapy. See Research Interests tab for further details.
Committee Membership
Bob is Secretary of the RSC Photophysics and Photochemistry Group and member of the SCI Young Chemists' Panel and the RSC Glasgow and West of Scotland Local Section Committees.
Research Interests
Overview
We are interested in the excited-state properties of molecular materials in condensed phases, both from a fundamental viewpoint and for applications in light-emitting devices, solar-energy harvesting, bio-imaging and phototherapies. Our work combines synthetic chemistry, optical spectroscopy, and theoretical calculations.
We have experience with a wide range of materials, including transition metal complexes (in particular those of rhodium and iridium), main-group compounds (particularly phosphorus- and boron-based), lanthanide complexes, and organic chromophores, such as pyrene derivatives. We also have a strong interest in two-photon absorption spectroscopy, including the design of new materials with large two-photon absorption cross-sections, and in near-infrared emission.
On-going Projects
Our most recent work has focussed on the development of fluorescent dyes for super-resolution microscopy (particularly STED and STORM), fluorescent probes for reactive oxygen species, and photosensitizers for phototherapy of cancer. We are also exploring new synthetic routes for functionalized phthalocyanines.
Industry Engagement
We are always interested to hear from potential industry partners. If you have a project in mind that includes the development, synthesis, characterization or application of conjugated or light-emitting molecules, please contact Bob by email to discuss how our research may help you.
Expertise & Capabilities
We design conjugated molecules for a range of applications and have capabilities for their air-free synthesis and characterisation.
In addition to extensive experience in steady-state absorption and emission spectroscopy across the visible and near-infrared regions, we have experience in time-resolved fluorescence measurements (TCSPC, TAS), including capabilities for variable temperature measurements (77-373 K). Our work is often underpinned by other methods including electrochemistry and DFT/TD-DFT calculations.
We are also involved in several collaborative projects accessing central facilities for neutron spectroscopy [ISIS and ILL] and (super-resolution) fluorescence microscopy [ESRIC and Central Laser Facility].
We are always interested in establishing new collaborations with academics or industry.
Education/Academic qualification
Doctor of Philosophy
Award Date: 16 May 2013
Master of Chemistry, University of Durham
Award Date: 1 Jul 2009
External positions
Secretary of the RSC Photophysics and Photochemistry Group
1 Sep 2017 → 31 Aug 2020Fingerprint
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Network
Projects
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Industrial Case Account - University of Strathclyde 2020 | Braddick, Henry
Tomkinson, N., Edkins, R. & Braddick, H.
EPSRC (Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council)
1/10/20 → 1/10/24
Project: Research Studentship Case - Internally allocated
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Research Output
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Iridium-catalysed 3,5-bis-borylation of phthalonitrile enables access to a family of C4h octaarylphthalocyanines
Mulholland, K. D., Yoon, S., Rennie, C. C., Sitch, E. K., McKay, A. I., Edkins, K. & Edkins, R. M., 4 Aug 2020, In: Chemical Communications. 56, 60, p. 8452-8455 4 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile -
Self-assembly of minimal peptoid sequences
Castelletto, V., Seitsonen, J., Tewari, K. M., Hasan, A., Edkins, R. M., Ruokolainen, J., Pandey, L. M., Hamley, I. W. & Lau, K. H. A., 21 Apr 2020, In: ACS Macro Letters. 9, 4, p. 494-499 6 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Letter › peer-review
Open AccessFile5 Citations (Scopus)8 Downloads (Pure)
Activities
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Synthesis and Photophysics of High-Symmetry Phthalocyanines
Robert Edkins (Speaker)
26 Jun 2019Activity: Talk or presentation types › Oral presentation
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UK-IT JOINT MEETING ON PHOTOCHEMISTRY 2019
Robert Edkins (Participant)
24 Jun 2019 → 26 Jun 2019Activity: Participating in or organising an event types › Organiser of major conference