Abstract：

Our group is interested in the detection and activation of environmentally concerned small molecules. Recent studies have suggested serious health concerns associated with N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) exposure both through skin contact and inhalation in various industries. The standard sampling and detection method for DMF vapour in air requires lengthy procedures involving physical absorption/desorption of air samples and the use of gas chromatography. A reusable, selective, and easy-to-use sensor for DMF vapour is desirable. CO2 is an environmentally concerned species; on the other hand, it is also an abundant and inexpensive C1 feedstock for synthetic chemistry. The activation and conversion of CO2 have attracted much research interest for the above reasons. This lecture consists of two stories: (1) luminescence turn-on sensor for DMF vapour and (2) new route toward CO2 activation.