Periodic Reporting for period 1 - PHOTOELECTROART (The photo-reactivity of artistic pigments: from the preservation of historical paintings to new opportunities as singlet oxygen generators)
Período documentado: 2022-06-01 hasta 2024-05-31
Singlet oxygen is a highly reactive oxygen species known for its strong oxidative properties. Certain materials, known as singlet oxygen generators, produce this compound when exposed to light and in the presence of oxygen. These generators are sometimes found in the pigments used in historical paintings. The singlet oxygen they produce can significantly impact the preservation of these artworks, as it reacts with binding media and other pigments, leading to degradation processes that threaten their integrity.
The primary objective of the PHOTOELECTROART project is to investigate the photo-reactivity of artistic pigments that generate singlet oxygen and to explore how this understanding can enhance the preservation of historical paintings containing these pigments. PHOTOELECTROART will employ an interdisciplinary approach, integrating photochemistry and infrared spectroscopy, including IR nanospectroscopy.
The outcomes of this research will profoundly enhance our understanding of the role of singlet oxygen in the deterioration of historical paintings. By providing detailed insights into the degradation reactions that have occurred over time, the project will help identify effective preservation strategies for cultural heritage. Additionally, the findings will offer new information on the conditions that promote singlet oxygen generation from these pigments, contributing to innovative applications in fields such as wastewater treatment and medical therapies, where high singlet oxygen production is beneficial.
The primary objective of the PHOTOELECTROART project is to investigate the photo-reactivity of artistic pigments that generate singlet oxygen and to explore how this understanding can enhance the preservation of historical paintings containing these pigments. PHOTOELECTROART will employ an interdisciplinary approach, integrating photochemistry and infrared spectroscopy, including IR nanospectroscopy.
The outcomes of this research will profoundly enhance our understanding of the role of singlet oxygen in the deterioration of historical paintings. By providing detailed insights into the degradation reactions that have occurred over time, the project will help identify effective preservation strategies for cultural heritage. Additionally, the findings will offer new information on the conditions that promote singlet oxygen generation from these pigments, contributing to innovative applications in fields such as wastewater treatment and medical therapies, where high singlet oxygen production is beneficial.
The effect of singlet oxygen generated by the studied pigments on the degradation of painting layers will be analyzed using FTIR spectroscopy, which is capable of characterizing a wide range of molecular changes. These degradation reactions are expected to occur in very localized areas, particularly at the interfaces between pigment particles and other materials, necessitating high-resolution techniques.
To achieve the required resolution, conventional FTIR spectroscopy (spot size ≈30x30 µm²) will be combined with advanced methods: Synchrotron Radiation coupled FTIR (SR-FTIR, spot size ≈10x10 µm²), Optical Photothermal Infrared (O-PTIR) spectroscopy (spot size <1x1 µm), and Photo Thermal Infrared (PTIR, spot size ≈20x20 nm).
To achieve the required resolution, conventional FTIR spectroscopy (spot size ≈30x30 µm²) will be combined with advanced methods: Synchrotron Radiation coupled FTIR (SR-FTIR, spot size ≈10x10 µm²), Optical Photothermal Infrared (O-PTIR) spectroscopy (spot size <1x1 µm), and Photo Thermal Infrared (PTIR, spot size ≈20x20 nm).