Welcome to The Etherington Lab!
Research
The Etherington Lab advances organic photonics through fundamental photophysical understanding of thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) materials, charge transfer states, and light-emitting molecular systems.
At a Glance
Our Research Mission
Research Capabilities
State-of-the-art facilities and unique expertise in organic photonics characterization
Fluorolog-QM system with time-resolved capabilities (TCSPC), steady-state measurements and photoluminescecne quantum yield (PLQY)
Low-temperature cryostat for spectroscopy to liquid nitrogen temperatures.
Complete photophysical package: ΞEST, PLQYs, excited state kinetics, emission/absorption spectra
International Collaborations
π¬π§ Durham University
Prof. Andy Monkman
Long-standing collaboration on TADF materials and photophysics. Joint publications in Nature Communcations, JACS and Angewandte Chemie.
π―π΅ University of Osaka
Dr Youhei Takeda
International collaboration funded by Japan Science and Technology Agency on advanced TADF systems for bioimaging
π―π΅ Kitasato University
Prof. Go Watanabe
Molecular dynamics of quinine salts
π¬π§ University of Oxford
Prof. Paul McGonigal
Molecular design and synthesis expertise. Joint work on aggregation-induced emission systems with publications in JACS, Angewandte Chemie and Chemical Science.
Research Themes
Investigating the fundamental photophysics of TADF materials for next-generation OLEDs and novel light-emitting applications. Our work focuses on understanding spin-vibronic coupling and optimizing reverse intersystem crossing rates.
Exploring the relationship between molecular architecture and charge transfer state properties. We design novel donor-acceptor systems to control energy gaps and emission characteristics for targeted applications.
Developing spectroscopic approaches to accurately measure ΞEST in organic emitters. Understanding these energy gaps is crucial for designing efficient TADF materials and predicting device performance.
Applying our fundamental understanding of organic emitters to develop new materials for biological imaging. Collaborating with the Hudson group and the Takeda group as part of a JST-funded ASPIRE grant to create TADF-based probes with enhanced imaging capabilities.
Featured Publications
J. Phys. Chem. B (2024)
A Modular Approach to Tuning Emissive N-Quinolyl Through-Space Charge Transfer States Using sp3-Scaffolds
Fundamental structure-property relationships regarding the N-aryl distance required for charge transfer
J. Mater. Chem. C (2022)
From phosphorescence to delayed fluorescence in one step: tuning photophysical properties by quaternisation of an sp2-hybridised nitrogen atom
Breakthrough in tuning photophysical properties through molecular modification.
Recent Seminars & Talks
π€ Kyushu Univerity - Japan (2024)
Presented latest work on charge transfer and TADF for Prof. Adachi's group at OPERA and Prof. Albrecht's group at Kyushu University.
βοΈ University of Osaka - Japan (2025)
Presented latest work on charge transfer and TADF in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Osaka.
π Kitasato University - Japan (2025)
Presented latest work on charge transfer and TADF for Prof. Watanabe's group at Kitasato University
Research Impact
π‘ Energy-Efficient Displays
TADF materials enable OLED technology with improved efficiency for smartphones, TVs, and flexible displays.
π₯ Medical Imaging
Developing organic emitters for biological imaging applications to enable visualization of cellular processes and disease markers.
π± Sustainable Materials
Purely organic light-emitting materials are alternatives to precious metal-based systems, reducing environmental impact.
Research Projects
Active Projects
TADF systems for bioimaging applications
Investigating dibenzophenazine-based emitters showing both local and charge transfer emission. Understanding mechanisms for bioimaging applications.
Cage Linker Systems for charge transfer, room-temperature phosphorescence and TADF
Designing caged-chromophore systems to understand fundamentals of charge transfer for OLED applications.
Solid-state synthesis for pure and doped BaS for optoelectronic applications
Greener and alternative synthetic routes for preparation of chalcogenide perovskite materials for optoelectronic applications.
Past Projects
Through-Space CT in N-Quinolyl
Modular approach to tuning emissive through-space charge transfer states using sp3-scaffolds.
Homoconjugation in TADF
Simultaneous enhancement of TADF and photoluminescence quantum yield via homoconjugation. Collaboration with Loughborough and Edinburgh
Quaternisation Control
From phosphorescence to delayed fluorescence in one step via quaternisation of sp2-hybridised nitrogen. Published in J. Mater. Chem. C.
Research Funding
Current Funding
JST ASPIRE International Collaboration
Multi-year international collaboration program with University of Osaka on advanced TADF systems and device applications.
Funding History
Royal Society Research Grant
Meet the Team
π¨βπ¬ Principal Investigator
Dr Marc Etherington
Assistant Professor
Spectroscopist specializing in organic photonics, TADF materials, and photophysical chemistry.
π PhD Students (3)
Ruth Pollard - N-quinolyl charge transfer systemsAidan Matthews - Cage linker systems
Will Tetlow - Chalcogenide perovskites
π Recent Achievements
Ruth Pollard: RSC Poster Prize (2024)International presentations at ICEL 2024
First-author publications for students
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