Molecular and Mesomorphic Materials Research Group (GPM₃)

The Research Group on Molecular and Mesomorphic Materials (Grupo de Pesquisa em Materiais Moleculares e Mesomórficos – GPM₃) of the Department of Chemistry at UFSC is specialized in the synthesis and characterization of new organic molecules aimed at different applications, with a primary focus on the development of liquid crystals. In addition to this core research line, the group also works on the preparation and investigation of materials with luminescent properties, including fluorescence, thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF), ESIPT processes, among others, as well as photochromic systems based on photoisomerization processes.

In addition, GPM₃ conducts research focused on the development of new synthetic methodologies for the preparation of heterocyclic compounds and non-symmetric molecules, expanding the scope of applications and the versatility of the materials obtained.

The research group, certified by CNPq (see here), was founded in 1983 with the arrival of Prof. Hugo Gallardo in Florianópolis. In 2019, Prof. Eduard Westphal, a former student of Prof. Hugo Gallardo, joined the Department of Chemistry at UFSC and became a member of the research group. During this period, the laboratory, then known as the Liquid Crystal Synthesis Laboratory, was restructured and became known as the Research Group on Molecular and Mesomorphic Materials (GPM₃).

In 2025, Prof. Franciela Arenhart Soares joined the research group after the approval of her project within the scope of the CNPq Conhecimento Brasil program (CNPq Call No. 21/2024), further strengthening the scientific activities and research capacity of GPM₃.

 

A bit about the group’s history:

Coming soon…