This research fits into the general research topics of the LumiLab research group, and includes 2 important avenues:

• Photocatalysis for air purification: This technology is used for the breakdown of volatile organic compounds in the air. On the one hand, the optimal way to immobilize photocatalytic nanoparticles in an air flow is investigated. On the other hand, the efficiency of the technique is optimized by combination with a preliminary plasma treatment of the air flow.
• Synthesis of near-infrared emitting nanoparticles for medical imaging applications. Such particles can be used as an alternative to traditional radiation-based imaging techniques, and have potentially important applications in (cancer) surgery, immunotherapy and pharmaceutical theranostics.