Helena Isabel Seguro Nogueira

• FRSC (Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry, UK)
• Scopus: 7003980133
• Orcid: 0000-0003-3701-0846
• Researcher ID: A-3490-2012
• Institutional Adress: University of Aveiro, Department of Chemistry, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal

Assistant Professor with Aggregation at the Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro (UA), Portugal, and a researcher at CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials. Ph.D. in Inorganic Chemistry (1996), at Imperial College, University of London, UK. Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC) UK, since 2014.

At CICECO, was the coordinator of Group 1 - Inorganic Functional Nanomaterials and Organic-Inorganic Hybrids (research Line 1), in the period 2017-2021. Coordinator at UA of the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree in Sustainable Catalysis (SuCat), in 2020-2024. Director of the Master in Chemistry at UA, in 2017-2023. Member of the Scientific Committee of the Doctoral Program in Nanosciences and Nanotechnology, in 2015-2023.

Has been developing research on polyoxometalate chemistry and SERS (Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering). Present research interests focus on polyoxometalate based materials, in particular lanthano-polyoxometalates, organic-inorganic hybrid materials and nanostructured materials. SERS has been explored in research studies on metal nanoparticle assemblies with relevance in trace analysis and biodetection. Confocal Raman microscopy, combined with AFM, has been explored for imaging of nanostructured materials (2017 WITec Paper Award).

Published 124 papers, 3 book chapters and a patent, with ca. 5670 citations (h-index 38), and gave 18 invited talks at international conferences. Supervised 6 PhD Thesis and 5 Post-doctorates. Coordinated 2 FCT financed projects and was a member in other 12 projects. Member of COST Action CM1203: “Polyoxometalate Chemistry for Molecular Nanoscience” (PoCheMoN), and Management Committee representative for Portugal 2012-2016.

 ACADEMIC DEGREES

• "Licenciatura" in Chemistry, University of Coimbra, Portugal, 1987.
• "Mestrado" in Materials Engineering, University of Aveiro, Portugal, 1992.
• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Chemistry, Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, University of London, UK, 1996.
• "Agregação" in Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Portugal, 2023.

PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES

At the University of Aveiro has assumed the following positions: Research scholarship (1987-1990), Assistente Estagiária (1990-1992), Assistente (1992-1997), Assistant Professor (1997-2002), Assistant Professor with full nomination (2002-2022). Assistant Professor with Aggregation (2023 to present).

PhD student at Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, University of London, UK (1993-1996).

 PRIZES AND AWARDS

• Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC), UK (since 2014).
• Diploma of Imperial College (DIC) in Inorganic Chemistry, London, UK (1996).
• Best scientific works at ASPIC94 - Annual Symposium of Postgraduate Inorganic Chemists, Royal Society of Chemistry, London, UK (1994).
• PhD scholarship from Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, Portugal (1993-1996) for PhD studies at Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine.

AREA OF SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITY

Inorganic Chemistry: Polyoxometalate based materials, in particular lanthanopolyoxometalate organic-inorganic hybrid materials and nanostructured materials. Coordination chemistry of second and third row transition metals and the lanthanides.

Raman spectroscopy: Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) for the study of metal nanoparticle assemblies with relevance in trace analysis and biodetection. Confocal Raman microscopy, combined with AFM and SNOM, for imaging of nanostructured materials.

DOMAIN OF SPECIALIZATION

Research was developed on the coordination chemistry of aromatic ambidentate ligands (such as picolinates and nicotinates) with second and third row transition metals and the lanthanides. The use of derivatised [60]fullerene ligands in the coordination to lanthanides was also explored. The preparation of new polyoxometalates was studied associated to its use as ligands in d and f metal complexes. The use of polyoxometalates as oxidation catalysts was investigated.

[Chem. Commun., 2004, 2656]

[Chem. Commun., 2006, 2953]

Lanthanopolyoxometalates were used as building units to make luminescent nanosized materials, including film assemblies and polyoxometalate-anion-pillared layered double hydroxides.

Raman spectroscopy, SERS in particular, was used for the investigation of the adsorption modes and orientation of molecules on metal nanoparticle surfaces.

PRESENT RESEARCH INTERESTS

Polyoxometalates have been used as inorganic components in the construction of hybrid organic-inorganic functional materials, the preparation of new polyoxometalate-lanthanide-organic systems has been achieved.

[Eur. J. Inorg. Chem., 2009, 5088]

The incorporation of organic-inorganic hybrid compounds, based on lanthanopolyoxometalates, into nanosized SiO2 has been explored for the preparation of photoluminescent materials. The association of the polyoxometalate/SiO2 core/shell nanoparticles to specific antibodies, for the use as luminescent biomarkers, is under investigation.

[J. Mater. Chem., 2010, 3313]

The preparation of new lanthanopolyoxometalate based nanocomposites is under investigation using substrates such as graphene, polymers or polysaccharides.

[RSC Advances, 2012, 9443]

Preparation of new SERS substrates of silver and gold nanoparticles incorporated in organic polymers and graphene. Confocal Raman microscopy, combined with AFM and SNOM, has been explored for imaging of nanostructured materials (WITec alpha300 RAS+ instrument).

[J. Raman Spectrosc., 2016, 1239]

Coordinator at UA of the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree in Sustainable Catalysis - SuCat, funded by the Erasmus+ program, in the period 2020-2024. Director of the Master in Chemistry at UA (2017-2023). Member of the Scientific Committee of the Doctoral Program in Nanosciences and Nanotechnology (2015-2023). Director of the Master in Materials Science and Engineering, and Local Coordinator at UA of the Erasmus Mundus European Master in Materials Science - EMMS (2006-2008).

Has been responsible for several theoretical courses, including Inorganic Chemistry I, Advanced Inorganic Chemistry, Catalysis, Heterogeneous Catalysis, Materials Chemistry and three laboratory courses.

Teaching at the Chemistry Department of the University of Aveiro has been one of the main activities since 1990. The teaching experience has involved various curricular units of Bachelor, Master and Doctorate degrees at UA. Has been supervising Master and Doctorate Theses, and final undergraduate Projects.

Post-doctorates:

• Sara Isabel Augusto Fateixa Caria, 2014-2019.
• Carlos Miguel Cardeal Enes Granadeiro, 2011.
• Rodrigo De Paula, 2010.
• Paula Cristina Ramos Soares e Santos, 2005-2010.
• Maria de La Salete da Silva Balula, 2004-2005.

PhD students:

• Maria João da Costa Martins, “Hybrid nanostructures of graphene materials and polyoxometalates for photodriven applications”, 2017-2023.
• Sandra Maria Alves da Cruz, “Graphene based nanocomposites as probes for biodetection by SERS”, 2010-2014.
• Filipe Miguel de Almeida Marques dos Santos, “New materials based on substituted polyoxotungstates containing d and f metals”, 2008-2014.
• Carlos Miguel Cardeal Enes Granadeiro, “Polyoxometalates: from discrete clusters to networks and materials”, 2007-2010.
• Paula Cristina Ramos Soares e Santos, “Novel lanthanide luminescent systems: from coordination compounds to nanomaterials”, 2001-2005.
• Susana Maria de Ornelas Quintal, “Synthesis, characterization and applications of transition metal complexes with N, O and S donors”, 1997-2002.

Master students:

• Otílio Fernando Mulandeza, “Imagiologia de Raman para a avaliação da qualidade de comprimidos de paracetamol”, Mestrado em Química, 2018/19.
• Filipe André Lemos, “Novos catalisadores heterogéneos com base em polioxometalatos”, Mestrado em Química, 2015/16.
• Joana Lia Cardoso de Sousa, "Novos materiais contendo polioxometalatos suportados e sua aplicação em catálise oxidativa", Mestrado em Química (Especialidade de Materiais Derivados de Recursos Renováveis), 2008/09.
• Filipa Lourosa Sousa, "Novos Sistemas Luminescentes de Polioxometalatos Contendo Lantanídeos", Mestrado em Ciência e Engenharia de Materiais, 2002/03.

Research scholarships: Sandra Cruz (1999-2000); Paula Santos (2000-2001); Anabela Ferreira (2002); Carlos Garcia (2003); Filipa Sousa (2001-2003); Manuela Rodrigues (2004); Carlos Granadeiro (2005-2006); Joana Sousa (2007-2010).

Coordination of research projects:

• "Polyoxometalates: from discrete clusters to networks and materials" (POCI/QUI/58887/2004) 2005-2008.
• "Novel lanthanide luminescent systems: from supramolecular to nanomaterials" (POCTI/35378/QUI/2000) 2000-2003.

Participation in research projects:

• “BIOMAG - Magnetic bionanocomposites for micropollutant removal and water reuse” (CENTRO-01-0247-FEDER-181268), started in 2022.
• “Smart Green Homes” (POCI-01-0247-FEDER-007678) 2016-2020.
• "FOTOCATGRAF - Graphene-based semiconductor photocatalysis for a safe and sustainable water supply: an advanced technology for emerging pollutants removal" (UTAP-ICDT/CTM-NAN/0025/2014) 2015-2018.
• “SUNPAP - Scale-up nanoparticles in modern papermaking” (CP-IP - Large-scale integrating project, financed by the European Commission in the scope of the FP7-NMP program) 2009-2012.
• "Nanochemistry of magnetic/luminescent composites for in vitro medical diagnosis applications" (PTDC/QUI/67712/2006). University of Aveiro, 2008-2011.
• "Nanostructrured hybrid organic-inorganic assemblies: development of layer-by-layer and single-layer heteropolyoxotungstate modified electrodes" (POCI/QUI/56534/2004) 2005-2008.
• "FAME - Functionalised Advanced Materials Engineering of hybrids and ceramics" (NoE - Network of Excellence, financed by the European Commission in the scope of the FP6-NMP2004 program) 2004-2008.
• “Controlling the length scale trough “chimie douce”: from inorganic functional materials to organic-inorganic hybrids” (POCTI/CTM/46780/2002) 2003-2007.
• “New polyoxotungstate/organic cation associations: synthesis and catalytic applications” (POCTI/QUI/38377/2001) 2002-2005.
• “Nanoenginneering of magnetic-luminescent particles for cell labeling and separation techniques” (financed by the Research Institute of the University of Aveiro) 2002-2005.
• “Studies on the interaction of organic molecules with metal nanoparticle surfaces” (financed by the Senate of the University of Aveiro) 1998-2000.

Oral communications by invitation:

1. “Lanthanopolyoxometalate functionalization of reduced graphene oxide mediated by surface-grafted ionic liquids” - H. I. S. Nogueira. 7^th Frontiers in Metal-Oxide Cluster Science Symposium (FMOCS VII), Tarragona, Espanha, 11-14 Abril 2023.
2. “Raman imaging: SERS studies and biodetection” (Keynote Lecture) - H. I. S. Nogueira. 4^th Workshop on Characterization and Analysis of Nanomaterials (realizado por teleconferência), Universidade de Aveiro, Portugal, 2-4 Fevereiro 2022.
3. “SERS studies for biodetection using hybrid nanostructures” (Keynote Lecture) - H. I. S. Nogueira, S. Fateixa, T. Trindade. 14º Encontro Nacional de Química Física da SPQ (realizado por teleconferência), Universidade de Coimbra, Portugal, 2021.
4. “Raman imaging in SERS studies” (Keynote Lecture) - H. I. S. Nogueira. 3^rd International Conference on Nanomaterials Science and Mechanical Engineering (realizado por teleconferência), Universidade de Aveiro, Portugal, 7-10 Julho 2020.
5. “Raman scattering” (Keynote Lecture) - H. I. S. Nogueira. 2^nd Workshop on Characterization and Analysis of Nanomaterials (realizado por teleconferência), Universidade de Aveiro, Portugal, 7 Julho 2020.
6. “Polyoxometalate/graphene nanocomposites for the photocatalytic degradation of water pollutants” - H. I. S. Nogueira, M. J. Martins, A. C. Estrada, T. Trindade. 43^th International Conference on Coordination Chemistry (ICCC2018), Sendai, Japão, 30 Julho - 4 Agosto 2018.
7. “Raman scattering: SERS and Raman imaging” (Keynote Lecture) - H. I. S. Nogueira. 3^rd International Summer School on Multifunctional Smart Coatings and Surfaces, Universidade de Aveiro, Portugal, 16-20 Julho 2018.
8. “Raman imaging in SERS studies” (Keynote Lecture) - H. I. S. Nogueira. 14^th Confocal Raman Imaging Symposium, WITec (Wissenschaftliche Instrumente und Technologie GmbH), Ulm, Alemanha, 25-27 Setembro 2017.
9. “Raman scattering and SERS” (Keynote Lecture) - H. I. S. Nogueira. 2^nd International Summer School on Multifunctional Smart Coatings and Surfaces, Universidade de Aveiro, Portugal, 24-28 Julho 2017.
10. “Raman imaging and SERS studies on polyoxometalates and its nanocomposites” (Keynote Lecture) - H. I. S. Nogueira. 4th Frontiers in Metal-Oxide Cluster Science Symposium (FMOCS IV) and 3rd European Conference on Polyoxometalate Chemistry for Molecular Nanoscience (PoCheMoN 2016), Newcastle upon Tyne, UK, 12-15 July 2016.
11. “AFM and Raman imaging of polyoxometalate based nanocomposites” - H. I. S. Nogueira. COST action CM1203 - WG2&3 Workshop Toward POM based molecular devices, University Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France, 30-31 October 2015.
12. “Raman imaging on transparent polyoxometalate composites” - H. I. S. Nogueira. Workshop “3D Raman Imaging Meets AFM and SEM”, UA, Aveiro, Portugal, 23 de julho de 2015.
13. “POM hybrid materials: effects on the photoluminescent properties of lanthanopolyoxometalates” (Keynote Lecture) - H. I. S. Nogueira. 3rd Frontiers in Metal-Oxide Cluster Science Symposium (FMOCS-2014) and 2nd European Conference on Polyoxometalate Chemistry for Molecular Nanoscience (PoCheMoN 2014), Maffliers, France, 12-15 July 2014.
14. “Lanthanopolyoxometalate organic-inorganic hybrid materials” - H. I. S. Nogueira. Joint Working Group Meeting 2013 of the COST action 1203 on “Polyoxometalate Chemistry for Molecular Nanoscience - PoCheMoN”, UA, Portugal, 12-14 Setembro 2013.
15. “Lanthanopolyoxometalate composite materials with natural polymers”, H. I. S. Nogueira. 1^st European Conference on Polyoxometalate Chemistry for Molecular Nanoscience (PoCheMoN 2013), Tenerife, Espanha, 15-19 Maio 2013.
16. “Lanthanopolyoxometalate organic-inorganic hybrid materials”, H. I. S. Nogueira. Frontiers in Metal-Oxide Cluster Science (FMOCS-2012), Lanzarote, Espanha, 18-22 Novembro 2012.
17. “Functional nanoparticles: synthesis, surface modification and characterization” - H. I. S. Nogueira. 9^th ISEG - International Symposium on Environmental Geochemistry, Workshop “Nanomaterials, Environment and Health”, UA, Portugal, 15 Julho 2012.
18. "Polyoxometalates: let there be light!" – H. I. S. Nogueira. ENERMAT Scientific & Training Event on Nanomaterials and Hybrid Materials, Aveiro, Portugal, 24-25 November 2011.
19. “Lanthanopolyoxometalate based materials” - H. I. S. Nogueira. International Polyoxometalate Symposium, University of Jacobs, Bremen, Alemanha, 2009.
20. “From micro Raman mapping to probing single molecules by Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering” - H. I. S. Nogueira. Workshop on High Resolution Imaging Techniques, UA, Aveiro, Portugal, 28 março 2009.
21. “Lanthanopolyoxometalate based materials” (Lição Plenária) - H. I. S. Nogueira. 7ª Conferência de Química Inorgânica da Sociedade Portuguesa de Química (SPQ), 30 de Novembro a 1 de Dezembro, Fátima, Portugal, 2007.
22. “Nanostructured metals in surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy” (Keynote Lecture) - H. I. S. Nogueira. 8º Encontro Nacional de Química Física da SPQ, Luso, Portugal, 2007.
23. “Nanometals and molecular detection by Raman spectroscopy” - H. I. S. Nogueira. Seminário no âmbito do plano doutoral em Bioengineering Systems, no Instituto Superior Técnico, Lisboa, integrado nos Programas de Doutoramento MIT-Portugal, 2007.
24. "Complexos metálicos de ligandos aromáticos ambidentados: aspectos estruturais e potenciais aplicações biomédicas" - H. I. S. Nogueira. Inserida no ciclo de Conferências Professor Vítor Madeira, do Departamento de Bioquímica da Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia da Universidade de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal, 2003.
25. “Probing single molecules and metal nanoparticles interactions by surface-enhanced Raman scattering” - H. I. S. Nogueira. Kick-off Meeting of the Working Group "Physico-Chemical Processes at the Interface of Inorganic/Polymer Nanocomposites" in COST D19 Action, Departamento de Química, UA, Aveiro, Portugal, 2002.
26. “Coordination studies on aromatic ambidentate ligands with transition metals and on silver colloids” (Keynote Lecture) - H. I. S. Nogueira. 2^nd International Conference on Progress in Inorganic and Organometallic Chemistry, Polanica Zdrój, Polónia, 1997.

Other oral communications:

1. “Polyoxometalate hybrid materials: effects on the photoluminescent properties of lanthanopolyoxometalates” - H. I. S. Nogueira, 8^th EuChemS - Chemistry Congress, Lisboa, Portugal, 28 de Agosto a 1 de Setembro 2022.
2. “Raman imaging in SERS studies of silver loaded textiles” - H. Nogueira, S. Fateixa, T. Trindade, XXXIV European Congress on Molecular Spectroscopy (EUCMOS2018), Coimbra, Portugal, 19-24 Agosto 2018.
3. “Raman imaging and SERS studies on polyoxometalates and its nanocomposites” - Sara Fateixa, Filipe Lemos, Tito Trindade and H. I. S. Nogueira, 11^th Inorganic Chemistry Conference and 1^st Meeting of the Inorganic and Bioinorganic Chemistry Division of SPQ, Sintra, Portugal, 7-8 October 2016.
4. “SERS studies using hybrid nanostructures” - H. I. S. Nogueira, P. A. Marques, T. Trindade, Savvy workshop "Applications of SERS to biodetection", Centro de Investigación Cooperativa en Biomateriales - CIC biomaGUNE, San Sebastián, Espanha, 29-30 Agosto 2013.
5. “Polyoxometalates in silica nanoparticles: multifunctional core/shell materials” - H. I. S. Nogueira, XXII Encontro Nacional da Sociedade Portuguesa de Química, Braga, Portugal, 3-6 Julho 2011.
6. “Lanthanopolyoxometalate based materials” - H. I. S. Nogueira, 5^as Jornadas do CICECO (Centro de Investigação em Materiais Cerâmicos e Compósitos), UA, Portugal, 2008, O16, 30.
7. “Trends on the coordination chemistry of aromatic ambidentate ligands with d and f elements” - H. I. S. Nogueira, 36^th International Conference on Coordination Chemistry, Mérida, México, 2004, p. 297.
8. “Surface adsorption and assembly of silver nanoparticles studied by the technique of SERS” - H. I. S. Nogueira, P. Santos, S. M. G. Cruz, P. J. Ribeiro-Claro e T. Trindade, II Congresso Ibérico de Espetroscopia, Coimbra, Portugal, 2002, W20(OC).
9. “Lanthanopolyoxometalates: synthesis, characterisation and applications in oxidation catalysis” - H. I. S. Nogueira, F. Sousa e A. Cavaleiro, NATO Advanced Study Institute on Polyoxometalate Molecular Science, Tenerife, Espanha, 2001.
10. “Coordenação de ligandos aromáticos ambidentados com metais de transição e em colóides de prata” - H. I. S. Nogueira e W. P. Griffith, 3ª Conferência de Química Inorgânica da SPQ - Síntese, Reatividade e Estrutura em Química Inorgânica, Fátima, Portugal, 1997, p. O14.
11. “Preparation and properties of WO₃ for ceramics applications” - H. I. S. Nogueira, Ana M. V. Cavaleiro, J. D. Pedrosa de Jesus, D. C. Dias e J. L. Baptista, Actas do XI Encontro Anual da SPQ, Lisboa, 1988, 2, 691-704.

POLIOXOMETALATES AND NANOSTRUCTURED MATERIALS

• “Lanthanopolyoxotungstates in silica nanoparticles: multi-wavelength photo-luminescent core/shell materials” - C. Granadeiro, R. Ferreira, P. Santos, L. Carlos, T. Trindade, H. I. S. Nogueira, J. Mater. Chem. 2010, 20, 3313-3318. (https://doi.org/10.1039/B919691A) Citations/Scopus=49

 The preparation of morphological well-defined core/shell nanoparticles is achieved by the hydrolysis of tetraethoxysilane in the presence of POMs using a reverse microemulsion method. The POMs used are decatungstolanthanoates of [Ln(W₅O₁₈)₂]⁹⁻ type (Ln(III) = Eu, Gd and Tb). Photoluminescence studies show that there is efficient emission from the POM located inside the SiO₂ shells, through excitation paths that involve O → Eu/Tb and O → W ligand-to-metal charge transfer. It is also shown that the excitation of the POM containing europium(III) may be tuned towards longer wavelengths via an antenna effect, by coordination of an organic ligand such as 3-hydroxypicolinate. 

• “Lanthanopolyoxometalates as building blocks for multi-wavelength photoluminescent organic inorganic hybrid materials” - C. Granadeiro, R. Ferreira, P. Santos, L. Carlos, H. I. S. Nogueira, Eur. J. Inorg. Chem. 2009, 5088-5095. (https://doi.org/10.1002/ejic.200900615) Citations/Scopus=44

Organic–inorganic hybrid materials were prepared by combining Wells–Dawson-derived lanthanopolyoxometalate clusters and the 3-hydroxypicolinate ligand. Photoluminescent properties resulting from a synergetic combination of both organic and inorganic moieties were observed. The Eu^III inorganic moiety (left) and Eu and Tb^III hybrid materials, under 366 nm radiation, are pictured. Photoluminescence measurements on the prepared hybrid materials were performed showing the intra-4f^N emission in the visible (Eu^III, Tb^III compounds) and in the near-infrared (Er^III compound) spectral regions, being, in all the cases, sensitized by both the picOH ligand and the polyoxometalate moiety. 

• “Iron(III)-substituted polyoxotungstates immobilized on silica nanoparticles: novel oxidative heterogeneous catalysts” - J. Sousa, I. Santos, M. Simões, J. Cavaleiro, H. I. S. Nogueira, A. Cavaleiro, Catalysis Communications, 2011, 12, 459-463. (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.catcom.2010.11.005) Citations/Scopus=52

Silica nanoparticles supporting polyoxometalates (POMs), namely an iron(III) mono-substituted Keggin-type polyoxotungstate of formula α-[PW₁₁Fe^III(H₂O)O₃₉]⁴⁻ and the sandwich-type B-α-[(PW₉O₃₄)2Fe^III₄(H₂O)₂]⁶⁻ were synthesized. The POM/SiO₂ nanocomposites were obtained by alkaline hydrolysis of tetraethoxysilane using a reverse micelle and sol–gel technique. The catalytic activity of POM/SiO₂ nanomaterials was tested in the epoxidation of geraniol using H₂O₂ as oxygen donor. 

• “Hedgehog-shaped {Mo368} cluster: unique electronic/ structural properties, surfactant encapsulation and related self-assembly into vesicles and films” - S. Garai, A. Merca, S. Bhowmik, H. El Moll, H. Li, F. Haso, H. I. S. Nogueira, T. Liu, L. Wu, P. Gouzerh, Achim Müller, Soft Matter 2015, 11, 2372-2378. (https://doi.org/10.1039/C4SM02662D) Citations/Scopus=12

The hedgehog-shaped {Mo368} cluster shows unique electronic (extremely high extinction coefficient) and structural features, especially regarding its size, the high number of delocalized electrons which allows to measure the surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectrum and the option for coordination chemistry inside the cavity. Its relative instability in aqueous solution can be overcome by embedment in a hydrophobic shell of dimethyldioctadecylammonium cations.

• “Novel cerium(IV) heteropolyoxotungstate containing two types of lacunary Keggin anions” - F. Sousa, F. Paz, A. Cavaleiro, J. Klinowski, H. I. S. Nogueira, Chem. Commun. 2004, 2656-2657. (https://doi.org/10.1039/B409034A) Citations/Scopus=65

A novel V-shaped polyoxotungstate is formed when Ce(IV) metal centres bridge monolacunary [PW₁₁O₃₉]^7- anions to an unusual 1,4-bilacunary [PW₁₀O₃₈]^11- anion which appears with an unprecedented bridging structural motif. The structure of the title compound was elucidated by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and consists of discrete V-shaped anionic complexes, [Ce₂(PW₁₀O₃₈)(PW₁₁O₃₉)₂]^17-, ca. 1.5 x 2.2 nm in size and constructed from bilacunary [PW₁₀O₃₈]^11- and monolacunary [PW₁₁O₃₉]^7- polyanions bridged by Ce(IV) cations.

RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY AND SERS (Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering)

• "Hybrid nanostructures for SERS: materials development and chemical detection” - S. Fateixa, H. I. S. Nogueira, T. Trindade, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys. 2015, 17(33), 21046-21071. (https://doi.org/10.1039/C5CP01032B) Citations/Scopus=149

This review focuses on recent developments in hybrid and nanostructured substrates for SERS (surface-enhanced Raman scattering) studies. Thus substrates composed of at least two distinct types of materials, in which one is a SERS active metal, are considered here aiming at their use as platforms for chemical detection in a variety of contexts. The materials described include polymer nanocomposites containing metal nanoparticles and coupled inorganic nanophases. Chemical approaches to tailor the morphological features of these substrates in order to get high SERS activity are reviewed. Finally, some perspectives for practical applications in the context of chemical detection of analytes using such hybrid platforms are presented.

• "Polymer based silver nanocomposites as versatile solid film and aqueous emulsion SERS substrates" - S. Fateixa, A. Girão, H. I. S. Nogueira, T. Trindade, J. Mater. Chem. 2011, 21, 15629-15636. (https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2011/jm/c1jm12444g)  Citations/Scopus=32

Nanocomposites containing Ag nanoparticles (average diameter ∼11 nm) dispersed in poly(tert-butylacrylate) were prepared by in situpolymerizationvia miniemulsions and constitute active and versatile SERS substrates (both as aqueous emulsions and as cast films). The main advantage of these types of materials is related to the potential to scale up and the widespread use of handy substrates, using technology already available. This requires homogeneous composite substrates with SERS activity and this was demonstrated here by means of confocal Raman microscopy. 

• “Surface modification of graphene nanosheets with gold nanoparticles: the role of oxygen moieties at graphene surface on gold nucleation and growth” - G. Goncalves, P. Marques, C. Granadeiro, H. I. S. Nogueira, M. Singh, J. Grácio, Chem. Mater. 2009, 21 (20), 4796-4802. (https://doi.org/10.1021/cm901052s) Citations/Scopus=855

Gold nanoparticles are effectively grown at functionalized graphene surfaces using a simple chemical method in aqueous medium. The nucleation and growth mechanism depends on the degree of oxygen functionalization at the graphene surface sheets, no gold nanoparticles are obtained at totally reduced graphene surfaces. Additionally, our studies indicate that the graphene/gold nanocomposites are potential substrates for SERS (surface enhanced Raman scattering) in particular for single gold nanoparticle SERS studies.

COORDINATION CHEMISTRY OF BLOCKS d, f  AND MULTIDIMENSIONAL CRYSTALINE NETWORKS

• “Novel lanthanide luminescent materials based on complexes of 3-hydroxypicolinic acid and silica nanoparticles” - P. Santos, H. I. S. Nogueira, V. Félix, M. Drew, R. Ferreira, L. Carlos, T. Trindade, Chem. Mater. 2003, 15(1), 100‑108. (https://doi.org/10.1021/cm021188j) Citations/Scopus=234

New lanthanide complexes of 3-hydroxypicolinic acid (HpicOH) were prepared:  [Ln(H₂O)(picOH)₂(μ-HpicO)]·3H₂O (Ln = Eu, Tb, Er). The crystal structure of [Eu(H₂O)(picOH)₂(μ-HpicO)]·3H₂O  was determined by X-ray diffraction. The Eu(III) compound is highly luminescent and acts as a photoactive center in nanocomposite materials whose host matrixes are silica nanoparticles.

•  “Polynuclear molybdenum and tungsten complexes of 3‑hydroxypicolinic acid and the crystal structures of (ⁿBu₄N)₂[Mo₄O₁₂(picOH)₂] and (ⁿHex₄N)₂[Mo₂O₆(picOH)₂]” - S. Quintal, H. I. S. Nogueira, H. Carapuça, V. Félix, M. Drew, J. Chem. Soc., Dalton Trans. 2001, 3196-3201. (https://doi.org/10.1039/B103348B) Citations/Scopus=53

New polynuclear molybdenum(VI) and tungsten(VI) complexes with 3-hydroxypicolinic acid (HpicOH) have been prepared. The tetramolybdate (ⁿBu₄N)₂[Mo₄O₁₂(picOH)₂]  containing two coordinatively bound picOH^- anions is a rare example of a discrete tetranuclear molybdenum-oxo cluster showing a Mo₄O₁₂ core with the molybdenum centres bonded through oxo bridges only, the organic ligands being in a peripheral position. 

• “Photoluminescent lanthanide-organic bilayer networks with 2,3-pyrazinedicarboxylate and oxalate” - P. Santos, L. Cunha-Silva, F. Paz, R. Ferreira, J. Rocha, L. Carlos, H. I. S. Nogueira, Inorg. Chem. 2010, 49(7), 3428-3440. (https://doi.org/10.1021/ic902522j) Citations/Scopus=94

The hydrothermal reaction between lanthanide nitrates and 2,3-pyrazinedicarboxylic acid led to a new series of two-dimensional (2D) lanthanide-organic frameworks: [Ln₂(2,3-pzdc)₂(ox)(H₂O)₂]_n [where 2,3-pzdc²⁻ = 2,3-pyrazinedicarboxylate, ox²⁻ = oxalate, and Ln(III) = Ce, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, or Er]. The structural details of these materials were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction (for Ce³⁺ and Nd³⁺) that revealed the formation of a layered structure. Photoluminescence measurements were performed for the Nd³⁺, Sm³⁺, Eu³⁺, and Tb³⁺ compounds which show, under UV excitation at room temperature, the Ln³⁺ characteristic intra-4f^N emission peaks.