Exploring Photothermal Properties and Structural Changes of Naphthalene Diimides: Small Angle Neutron Scattering Investigation

The proposal aims to investigate the photothermal properties of naphthalene diimides (NDI) and their structural changes induced by pH variations using Small Angle Neutron Scattering (SANS). NDIs are known for their versatile properties and diverse applications, including in optoelectronics and nanomedicine, due to their ability to form stable radical anions and self-assemble. Six types of NDI molecules will be studied for their photothermal potential, with pH sensitivity offering precise control over their behavior. Photothermal experiments will involve irradiating NDIs in water with 365nm light to generate radical anions and measuring temperature differences at different pH levels. Additionally, SANS will be employed to analyze structural changes induced by pH variations and photothermal effects, providing insights into morphology, stability, and photothermal behavior for optimization. The proposed experiments will compare the scattering of 'best' and 'worst' performing NDIs before and after photothermal effects, offering comprehensive insights into their structural properties and photothermal performance.