Prof. Raquel Andreu

Department of Organic Chemistry
Faculty of Sciences. Building D, 3rd floor
University of Zaragoza – Campus San Francisco.
E-50009 Zaragoza, Aragón, SPAIN
Phone: +34 976 762282
e-mail: randreu@unizar.es

Research background and interests

My research career has been closely linked to molecular materials, with a particular focus on π-conjugated systems exhibiting optical, electrochemical and, more recently, photovoltaic properties. My doctoral research, carried out under the supervision of Prof. J. Garín, focused on the synthesis and characterization of tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) derivatives with redox, nonlinear optical (NLO) and liquid-crystalline properties, within a joint programme between the Universities of Zaragoza and Angers.

Following my PhD, I undertook postdoctoral training in Toulouse under a Marie Curie fellowship, working on the intermodulation of conductivity and nonlinear optics in molecular conductors, and later at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, further strengthening my expertise in organic synthesis. In 1999, I joined the Department of Organic Chemistry at the University of Zaragoza, where I currently hold a permanent academic position as Associate Professor.

Since then, my research activity has focused on the design, synthesis and characterization of donor–π–acceptor systems based on proaromatic donor units, with particular emphasis on 4H-pyranylidene derivatives. Since 2012, I have led a research line devoted to these systems, expanding their applications from second-order nonlinear optics to organogels, two-photon absorption for bioimaging and 3D-printing materials, as well as dyes for organic and dye-sensitized solar cells.