Vincenzo Balzani is Emeritus Professor of Chemistry at the University of Bologna, Italy. His scientific activity is documented by eight books and ~650 scientific papers in the fields of photochemistry, supramolecular chemistry, molecular machines, and solar energy conversion. The high international reputation of his studies and the appreciation for his innovative work is testified by various awards and the great number of invitations (more than 300) to present lectures and seminars all over the world.

Paola Ceroni is Professor at the University of Bologna. Her current research is focused on photochemistry of supramolecular systems and photoactive nanocrystals for imaging and energy conversion. She has published ~200 scientific papers and book chapters, in addition to authoring and editing several books on topics in photochemistry and supramolecular systems.

Alberto Juris is former Associate Professor of General and Inorganic Chemistry at the University of Bologna. His research activity focused on photochemistry and photophysics of mono- and polynuclear transition metal compounds, including those with dendritic structure, solar energy conversion processes, and luminescent sensors.

INTRODUCTION
Photochemistry and Photophysics in Science and Technology
Historical Notes
A New Dimension of Chemistry and Physics
The Nature of Light
Absorption of Light
Quantum Yield, Efficiencies, and Excited-State Reactivity

ELEMENTARY MOLECULAR ORBITAL THEORY
Introduction
The Hydrogen Atom
Polyelectronic Atoms
From Atoms to Molecules
Electronic Structure of Homonuclear Diatomic Molecules
Electronic Structure of Heteronuclear Diatomic Molecules
Simple Polyatomic Molecules and Elements of Group Theory
Typical Organic Molecules
Transition Metal Complexes

LIGHT ABSORPTION AND EXCITED-STATE DEACTIVATION
Light Absorption
Jablonski Diagram
Excited-State Deactivation
Chemical Reactions
Kinetic Aspects
Solvent and Temperature Effects
Selected Molecules
Semiconductors

EXCITED STATES: PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
Excited State as a New Molecule
Lifetime
Energy
Geometry
Dipole Moments
Electron Transfer
Proton Transfer
Excimers and Exciplexes

FROM MOLECULES TO SUPRAMOLECULAR SYSTEMS
Supramolecular (Multicomponent) Systems and Large Molecules
Electronic Interaction in Mixed-Valence Compounds
Electronic Interaction in Donor-Acceptor Complexes
Electronic Stimulation and Electronic Interaction in the Excited State
Formation of Excimers and Exciplexes in Supramolecular Systems

QUENCHING AND SENSITIZATION PROCESSES IN MOLECULAR AND SUPRAMOLECULAR SPECIES
Introduction
Bimolecular Quenching
Quenching and Sensitization Processes in Supramolecular Systems
Energy Transfer
Role of the Bridge
Catalyzed Deactivation

MOLECULAR ORGANIC PHOTOCHEMISTRY
Introduction
Alkenes and Related Compounds
Aromatic Compounds
Carbonyl Compounds
Photochemistry of Other Organic Compounds

PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOPHYSICS OF METAL COMPLEXES
Metal Complexes
Photophysical Properties
Photochemical Reactivity
Relationships between Electrochemistry and Photochemistry
Luminescent Metal Complexes
Photochemical Processes

INTERCONVERSION OF LIGHT AND CHEMICAL ENERGY BY BIMOLECULAR REDOX PROCESSES
Light as a Reactant
Light as a Product
Conversion of Light into Chemical Energy
Chemiluminescence
Electrochemiluminescence
Light Absorption Sensitizers
Light Emission Sensitizers

LIGHT-POWERED MOLECULAR DEVICES AND MACHINES
Molecules, Self-Organization, and Covalent Synthetic Design
Light Inputs and Outputs: Reading, Writing, and Erasing
Molecular Devices for Information Processing
Molecular Devices Based on Energy Transfer
Molecular Devices Based on Electron Transfer
Light-Powered Molecular Machines

NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL PHOTOSYNTHESIS
Energy for Spaceship Earth
Natural Photosynthesis
Artificial Photosynthesis
Water Splitting by Semiconductor Photocatalysis

EXPERIMENTAL TECHNIQUES
Apparatus
Steady-State Absorption and Emission Spectroscopy
Time-Resolved Absorption and Emission Spectroscopy
Absorption and Emission Measurements with Polarized Light
Reaction Quantum Yields and Actinometry
Other Techniques

LIGHT CONTROL OF BIOLOGICALLY RELEVANT PROCESSES
Introduction
Vision
Light, Skin, and Sunscreens
Photochemical Damage in Living Systems
Therapeutic Strategies Using Light
Photocatalysis in Environmental Protection
DNA Photocleavage and Charge Transport
Fluorescence
Bioluminescence

TECHNOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOPHYSICS
Introduction
Photochromism
Luminescent Sensors
Optical Brightening Agents
Atmospheric Photochemistry
Solar Cells
Electroluminescent Materials
Polymers and Light
Light for Chemical Synthesis

GREEN (PHOTO)CHEMISTRY
Definitions, Origins, and Motivations
Photochemistry for Green Chemical Synthesis
Photocatalysis
Photocatalysis in Synthesis
Photocatalytic Pollution Remediation
Use of Solar Energy in Green Synthesis

RESEARCH FRONTIERS
Introduction
Aggregation-Induced Emission
Phosphorescence from Purely Organic Materials by Crystal Design
Synthesis of a 2D Polymer
Photocontrolled Relative Unidirectional Transit of Nonsymmetric Molecular Wire through a Molecular Ring
Molecular Rotary Motors Powered by Visible Light via Energy Transfer
Cooperation and Interference in Multifuncion Compounds
Singlet Fission
One-Color Photochromic System
Photonic Modulation of Electron Transfer with Switchable Phase Inversion
Dye-Sensitized Photoelectrosynthesis Cells (DSPECs)

Index