Frank Würthner

Frank Würthner is a Professor at Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Germany, where he leads the Chair of Organic Chemistry II and directs the Center for Nanosystems Chemistry (CNC). His research focuses on designing functional dyes and developing supramolecular methodologies for creating advanced organic nanomaterials with applications in optoelectronics, photovoltaics, photocatalysis, and biomedical systems.

Research interests span:

• Supramolecular engineering of π-conjugated systems
• Functional dye chemistry and self-assembly
• Nanoscale architectures for energy conversion
• Photocatalytic water splitting systems
• Organic electronic and photonic materials
• Host-guest systems for photophysical modulation

Recent publications (2019-2025) demonstrate strong focus on exciton engineering, carbon nanomaterials development, supramolecular polymerization control, and advanced optoelectronic materials. Key trends include systematic exploration of dye aggregates, nanographene systems, energy transfer mechanisms, and applications in light-emitting devices and solar energy conversion.

Major scientific recognition includes:

• ERC Advanced Grant (awarded twice)

Leads the Würthner Group with extensive research facilities for synthesis, spectroscopy, microscopy, and device fabrication. The group collaborates internationally through initiatives like the International Research Training Group 2991 with IISER Thiruvananthapuram on supramolecular functional materials.