Introduction

The fields of photophysics and photochemistry of metal complexes - and their associated spectroscopic methodology - have never been more topical. The efficient use of light as a renewable energy source on a large scale, including artificial photosynthesis, is becoming paramount, as is use of light scale for photocatalysis.  On a smaller scale, use of light in emission-based sensors for analytical and diagnostic applications, and as a means for information processing, transfer and data storage, and in OLED-type display devices, are all areas where real world applications either already exist or are close to development. The recent Dalton Transactions themed issue on 'Supramolecular Photochemistry' is a case in point.

Aims

This Discussion brought together people from a wide range of disciplines, from theory and ultrafast spectroscopy to medicinal chemistry and biology, but all with a shared interest in the use of light. Whilst the main focus of the meeting was on inorganic compounds and materials, it was inclusive and broadly-based to reflect the interdisciplinary nature of the field, and contributions from all photophysics-based disciplines were considered.

Themes 

• Solar energy
• Energy and electron transfer
• Applications of strongly emissive complexes
• Bond breaking and isomerisation                 

Scientific Committee

Professor Mike Ward, University of Sheffield, UK (Chair)
Dr Andrew Beeby, Durham University, UK
Professor Steve Faulkner, University of Oxford, UK
Professor Mike George, University of Nottingham, UK
Professor Tony Harriman, Newcastle University, UK
Professor Robin Perutz, FRS, University of York
Dr Zoe Pikramenou, University of Birmingham, UK
Dr Neil Robertson, University of Edinburgh, UK
Professor Tony Vlcek, Queen Mary University of London, UK
Dr Julia Weinstein, University of Sheffield, UK