| Functional Polymer Design |
Polymer Photonics |
This laboratory develops new functionalities and reactivities of polymer materials at an internationally competitive level. We focus on: (1) Novel photo-functionalities: research on next-generation optical devices with dynamic holograms and nanostructures fabricated by two-photon excitation. (2) Novel functional fibers: Research on radiation-sensitive fibers using chromic dyes and oil-water separation membranes utilizing the characteristics of nanofibers. (3) Polymer reaction: Research on the degradation mechanism analysis and the life prolongation of polymer material for the realization of a sustainable society. In each area, students are independently engaged in a wide range of research activities, including the synthesis, evaluation and application of new polymeric materials, as well as joint research with companies to contribute to society and polymer industry needs. Students receive guidance which furthers their research understanding and enables them to solve academic problems. They also gain experience writing research papers and giving academic presentations at national and international conferences.
Research themes: Novel Photo-functional polymers, Novel functional fibers, Polymer sustainability, Functionalization by polymer reaction
Keywords:Organic photorefractive materials/Photofabrication /Novel functional fibers/Photochromism/Sustainability /Degradation analysis/Polymer reaction/Functionalization |
We research the mechanism of photo-electronic functions of organic materials by examining their photophysical and photochemical processes. The properties and functionality of materials are determined not only by the chemical structure of each component molecule, but also by its aggregate structures at the nano and micro scale. We synthesize various block copolymers and temperature-responsive polymers containing functional molecules using living polymerization and other methods. The properties of the material solutions, nanoparticles, and single molecules are evaluated using time-resolved laser spectroscopy and a confocal fluorescence microscope. We aim to develop novel photo-electronic functional materials and stimuli-responsive materials.
Research themes: Exploration of organic photo-functional materials and stimuli-responsive polymers and characterization of their physicochemical properties
Keywords: Luminescent nanoparticles/ Single molecule spectroscopy/ Stimuli-responsive Materials |
| Functional Organic Material Chemistry |
Polymer Physics |
Our objective is to develop innovative materials with advanced functionality based on organic synthetic chemistry technology that enables molecular structures to be designed with a high degree of precision. Specifically, we develop:
(1) Highly functional nanomaterials through the precision design of layered structures: Functional molecular groups form precisely arranged advanced layered structures within an organism. Activity coordinated between these structures produces advanced and complex functions. Our laboratory is developing a method to control molecular arrangement in the nano-spaces inside a material and based on the layered structures, to create materials with advanced functionality.
(2) High-performance gas separation membranes: The separation of gases by polymeric membranes has attracted remarkable attention for several decades. Compared to conventional separation processes, membrane-based gas separation is advantageous because of its low capital and operating costs, high energy efficiency, and ease of operation. We expect to apply the use of novel gas separation membranes developed in our laboratory to carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS), biogas purification, and other needs.
Research themes: Fabrication of highly functionalized nanomaterials through precise molecular design Preparation of novel gas separation membranes
Keywords: Organic syntheses/Nanomaterials/Photoenergy conversion/Gas separation membranes/Organic-inorganic hybrids
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To fabricate high-performance devices with superior photoelectric properties, we produce novel organic polymer semiconductor materials and grow their crystal samples. These crystals are used to develop devices with novel structures showing remarkable properties. We use a range of organic materials, mainly focusing on molecules called thiophene/phenylene co-oligomers, which are composed of combinations of thiophene and benzene rings. While proceeding with research for developing an organic semiconductor laser, we evaluate the fundamental properties of organic materials and their crystals, such as carrier mobilities, refractive indices, laser oscillations, and crystallographic structures. Unique properties of organic crystals have drawn the attention of domestic and international researchers. Recently, we have begun to apply our material and crystal findings to photovoltaic cell use.
Research themes: Crystal growth of organic semiconductors
Development of innovative optoelectronic devices using organic crystals
Keywords: Organic semiconductors/Crystal growth/Light emission properties/Electrical properties/Device development
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| Physical Chemistry of Excited Molecules |
Nanomaterials Solid State Chemistry |
Understanding the flow of optical energy, such as the relaxation process in which excited molecules produced by light absorption lose their energy, is essential to the study of the optical response of materials and applied technologies that use photochemical reactions and charge generation through light energy. Our laboratory focuses on the behavior of excited molecules and excited energy relaxation in organic nanoparticles, physicochemical phenomena related to high-intensity laser irradiation, the development of methods to measure chemical reaction intermediates, and their measurement. Particular emphasis is placed on research on optical physicochemical processes, such as fluorescence mechanisms of radical ions in the excited state, the movement of protons in and between excited molecules, and physicochemical phenomena from high temperatures and pressures related to laser-induced plasma in liquids and shockwaves.
Research themes: Applications of laser chemistry and laser spectroscopy related excited molecular states
Keywords: Excited state dynamics/Photochemical reaction intermediates/Laser applications
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We are developing flexible thermoelectric power generating materials which take advantage of subtle temperature differences to generate electricity.
We will contribute to the popularization of inspection devices that do not require recharging, by effectively converting the surplus thermal energy (waste/exhaust heat) around us to electricity.
Within this field of research we design carbon nanotubes and other new nano-thermoelectric materials, clarify the related foundational theories, and implement these materials in real-world applications.
We have proposed innovative design guidelines based on our active incorporation of the essence of organic and supramolecular chemistry into the field of electronic devices and energy materials.
Already, we are brainstorming ideas for developing materials with new functions and properties, where our ideas range from informatics (AI) -assisted material designs to the discovery of new materials through intuition and manual work.
Research themes: Development of Thermoelectric Materials: Energy Technologies to Support a Safe and Reliable Public Infrastructure
Keywords: Thermoelectric Power Generation / Energy Conversion / Carbon Nanotubes / Energy Harvesting / Nanotechnology
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| High-temperature Materials |
Amorphous Technology |
Our laboratory is concerned with the evaluation and the synthesis of ceramic materials. We focus on: 1) the measurement and analysis of mechanical properties and 2) the synthesis of ceramics using novel processes. In the first area, we study fracture mechanisms not only in monolithic ceramics, but also in composites and porous materials by investigating their fracture toughness, fracture energy, and other properties. We also have an interest in the influence of microstructures on mechanical properties. In the second area, we aim to develop energy-saving and environmentally friendly materials by using sol-gel techniques, mechanochemical phenomena, self-combustion sintering and other methods. One of our recent studies involves using a geopolymer technique to synthesize environmentally friendly materials such as zeolite and porous materials from rice husk waste. In our research, we investigate not only advanced ceramics, but also refractory materials, soil walls, and traditional ceramics such as porcelain and roof tiles. These traditional ceramics are investigated not as applied art, but from the perspective of cutting-edge science.
Research themes: Structural control and mechanical properties of ceramic materials/Development of functional materials by using waste
Keywords: Ceramics/Structural control/Fracture toughness/Evaluation of mechanical properties/Zeolite
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Our laboratory deals with inorganic solid materials. Specifically, we look at glass/amorphous materials and the surfaces and nano-structures of solid bodies. Research is conducted on easily fabricated inorganic glass/amorphous materials, ways to maintain their transparency over a wide range of wavelengths, and their chemical and environmental stability. With these excellent properties, they are indispensable for day-to-day life as well as state-of-the-art technology. We conduct basic research to understand these properties of glass at the atomic and molecular level and develop functional glass with innovative functions. In research on the surface and nano-structures of solid bodies, with the aim of discovering new functions of solid surfaces and nano-sized substances, high resolution power enables us to observe the surface structure of metals, semiconductors and insulating materials that are induced by the absorption of atoms and molecules and atmospheric control, and also to measure their properties. In these research activities, we mainly use scanning probe microscopies (scanning tunneling microscopy, non-contact atomic force microscopy).
Research themes: Discovery of new functions of solid surfaces and the fabrication of functional glass materials
Keywords:Discovery of new functions of solid surfaces and the fabrication of functional glass materials
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| Inorganic Materials Physical Chemistry |
Fine Particle and Powder Engineering |
In this research field, we are studying the manufacturing process and material development of inorganic materials from the viewpoint of physical chemistry. In particular, we are focusing on the melting process at high temperatures in glass production. In this process, the redox reaction of the glass components and the erosion reaction of the refractory by the glass melt have a great influence on the quality of the glass product, so understanding of the reaction process is extremely important. Crystallization of glass that occurs at high temperatures is a phenomenon that must be avoided as a glass material. On the other hand, it is possible to impart properties that cannot be obtained with glass through crystallization. We aim to develop new materials by understanding the various phenomena that occur at high temperatures.
Research themes: Creation of glasses as functional materials using melting and crystallization processes
Keywords:Crystallization / REDOX / Adhesion / Luminescence
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Our laboratory produces granular materials and ceramics to observe their microstructures and measure their properties. We study the factors (material factors and process factors) that affect the microstructures and properties of the ceramics we produce. The aim of our research is to develop a process (material design) to control these factors in producing ceramic materials with specific properties, with a focus on the following themes:
(1) Synthesis and evaluation of ceramics for water purification
(2) Development of an environmentally friendly ceramic manufacturing process
(3) Synthesis and evaluation of functional ceramic powders and porous ceramics
(4) A materials science approach to traditional ceramic powder processing
Research themes: Water purification by ceramics using various industrial wastes effectively
Keywords: Ceramic material science/Water purification/Waste/Phosphorus removal
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| Applied Quantum Chemistry to design Nanomaterials |
Our laboratory utilizes quantum chemistry approaches to design functionalized nanomaterials. Molecular orbital theory and density functional theory calculations, based on quantum theory, are performed to investigate chemical reactions and properties of materials at the atomic and molecular level for the purpose of obtaining structure-function relationships in nanomaterials. Finally, our laboratory proposes a strategy to construct novel functional nanomaterials, based on ideas obtained from the quantum chemistry calculations. In particular, our laboratory has focused on chemical behaviors occurring inside nanometer-scaled space in carbon nanotubes and zeolite catalysts.
Research themes: Application of Quantum Chemistry Calculations to Design Functionalized Nano-scaled Carbon Materials
Computational Chemical Approaches to Design Bio-mimicking Catalysts
Keywords: Quantum Chemistry Calculations/Nano chemistry/Electronic Properties/Carbon Nanotubes/Catalysts/Potential energy surfaces/Transition State/Metal-containing Zeolites
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