Hybrid materials, such as hybrid organic-inorganic perovskites (HOIPs), are composed of both organic and inorganic components. They represent a versatile family of compounds with tremendous potential for next-generation technologies. Their rich chemical diversity, combined with straightforward synthesis and fabrication methods, makes them promising candidates for optoelectronic, thermoelectric, and sensing applications. While most HOIPs adopt three-dimensional structures, low-dimensional analogues can be readily designed by incorporating bulky organic cations. These low-dimensional systems often display unusual thermal behavior, for example, melting at relatively low temperatures (200–300 °C) and, in some cases, forming metastable glassy (amorphous) phases upon cooling.
In the Functional Hybrid Materials Lab, we investigate how thermal processes drive structural and functional transformations in these materials. Our work spans the synthesis of novel hybrids, characterization of their thermally induced structural changes, and the study of how these transformations alter their physical properties. By understanding and harnessing these effects, we aim to develop innovative processing strategies and contribute to advancing sustainable, high-performance hybrid materials.