Faculty Members and Research Themes - Chemistry and Materials Engineering

Research is conducted on metal and ceramic materials related to hard biological tissues such as teeth and bones. Biomaterials are used in very complex environments, requiring various functional properties. Material design is carried out from multifaceted perspectives, including not only constituent substances but also precise control of nano-order surface morphology and internal structure. Furthermore, development of novel bio-functional materials utilizing optical, electrical, and magnetic properties of substances is also progressing. Additionally, methods are being developed to quantitatively capture atomic arrangement disorder in crystals through ultra-precise measurement of electrical resistivity.

Light metal materials such as titanium, aluminum, and magnesium have high potential as structural materials, and further enhancement of reliability is required to enable their application in various uses. To improve strength and corrosion resistance without impeding the recyclability inherent to metallic materials, control of the micro-structure of materials becomes important. This laboratory conducts research on detoxification of impurity elements and strengthening mechanisms of ultra-fine grain materials, cultivating capabilities as engineers through understanding phenomena and acquiring analytical techniques.

To develop materials that consider resource and energy conservation in consideration of the global environment, material composite processes such as surface modification technology to functionalize material surfaces, joining technology to integrate target components to function as structures, and composite material technology to combine two or more substances to exhibit functions become important. This subject aims to acquire basic knowledge and applied technology related to these technologies through research guidance and literature surveys.

Research is conducted on the fabrication of composites with dispersed fine in-situ particles utilizing rapid solidification phenomena that enable grain refinement and formation of supersaturated solid solutions. Additionally, research is conducted on surface treatment technology to impart material properties such as corrosion resistance and wear resistance to metal material surfaces, and on materials development utilizing simulations by AI and machine learning. The aim is to acquire basic knowledge and applied technology in these areas.

Research is conducted on "manufacturing" via liquid states (melts) of metals/alloys, inorganic substances, or organic substances, and development of new alloys. Examples include casting, thermal spraying, dry smelting, or hardening of viscous bodies. All of these are processes involving reactions and wetting between melts and solids in contact with them (e.g., solidified phase of melt, molds, containers). Research on new processes and new materials is conducted focusing on flow and deformation of melts, as well as solid/liquid reactions and wetting. Examples include improvement of lost foam casting method, hardening phenomena of self-hardening molds for casting, and development of high-entropy alloys for casting.

Solid ionics, which deals with phenomena of high-speed ion movement in solids, especially ceramics, plays an important role in the practical application of energy conversion devices such as lithium-ion batteries and fuel cells. Ion conduction has characteristics different from electron conduction because material transport occurs along with current. Taking up lithium ion and oxide ion conductors, we are working on fundamentals and applications (lithium-ion secondary batteries) in the boundary area between inorganic materials chemistry and electrochemistry.

We are working on structure control of inorganic materials through "self-organization processes" by utilizing spontaneous assembly and arrangement of substances at nano- and micro-scale structures. We aim to create high-functional materials with novel physical properties by adding fine and precise hierarchical structures to inorganic materials through "self-organization." We deepen understanding of the relationship between material structure and properties by learning methods to synthesize inorganic materials with controlled nano/micro structures mainly through liquid-phase processes and evaluate their structure and properties.

Students learn basic matters about how physical properties of inorganic materials represented by ceramics and inorganic glass are governed by atomic arrangement, chemical bonds, and electronic structure, as well as methods for synthesizing functional inorganic materials with controlled physical properties. In particular, students learn about methods for designing and synthesizing inorganic thin film materials expected to play active roles as devices and inorganic materials with controlled nano-structures through liquid-phase processes. Furthermore, the scope is expanded to organic-inorganic hybrid materials where new physical properties are expected to emerge, and material design and synthesis methods based on inorganic materials chemistry are also studied.

Hydrogen energy is essential for solving global environmental and energy security issues. One of the important challenges for its realization is the storage and transportation of fuel hydrogen. Our laboratory is engaged in research and development of hydrogen storage materials also used in nickel-metal hydride batteries for hybrid vehicles as hydrogen storage media. We also examine the academic fundamentals necessary for understanding hydrogen storage materials as next-generation key devices, especially thermodynamics, crystal structure, and electronic/chemical bonding states.

We provide education and research on the control and modification of surface and interface properties of materials encountered in actual use environments, positioned in an interdisciplinary academic field between materials engineering and electrochemistry. Furthermore, while discussing information on advanced technologies, we also engage in education and research on high environmental barrier materials, environmental embrittlement phenomena, and functional thin films, cultivating qualities as engineers who can consider a "sustainable society" desired in the 21st century.

To address global environmental problems, it is necessary to significantly increase the energy share of renewable energy. Since renewable energy is often unstable in supply, measures to efficiently store it (such as hydrogen and batteries) are necessary. Our laboratory is advancing research on materials for medium-scale transportation, selective hydrogen separation, and heat storage, aiming to facilitate energy storage, transportation, and utilization. By understanding material properties, students acquire manufacturing processes, analysis, and analytical methods for materials.

While learning the fundamentals of photochemistry necessary to effectively utilize the cleanest and infinitely available solar energy, we develop novel photo-energy conversion devices. Specifically, to realize conversion of light energy to chemical energy (artificial photosynthesis in a broad sense) and conversion to electrical energy (solar cells), we conduct research on long-distance photoinduced energy and electron transfer using novel conjugated polymers as molecular wires, and develop applications as photon harvesting sites.

To realize a future energy utilization society, devices that store and generate electrical energy through clean chemical reactions are being researched, with various materials playing crucial roles. This course first reviews the fundamentals of electrochemistry to establish a theoretical foundation, then investigates the roles and mechanisms of action of each material in next-generation energy devices. Furthermore, students will engage with the cutting edge of high-performance battery and capacitor research to explore challenges and trends, while also developing advanced electrochemical analysis methods.

We outline the basic theory of interface chemistry and understand physicochemical phenomena related to interfaces, such as solution properties of surfactants, solubilization, adsorption, wetting, emulsification, fine particle dispersion systems, and interfacial electrical phenomena, while also outlining related issues. Through acquiring the ability to apply this understanding to actual nanomaterial synthesis and perform analysis, students deepen their understanding of the relationship between technology and the interface chemistry behind it.

To reduce environmental burden and ensure energy sustainability, it is necessary to develop photoelectric functional devices and power storage devices. By adjusting materials based on various molecular designs to develop these devices, it becomes possible to improve the energy conversion efficiency of photoelectric functional devices and increase the energy density of power storage devices, aiming to maximize device performance.

The focus is on research and development of various substances that function under extreme environmental conditions deviating from living environments such as temperature, pressure, and environmental load, particularly thermal control materials, and their evaluation, aiming for practical application in special applications such as artificial satellites.

With the aim of creating novel functional organic molecules, we perform "molecular design," "synthesis of target molecules," and "measurement and evaluation of physical properties." In particular, we aim for efficient synthesis of conjugated π-electron system compounds oriented toward organic functional materials, as well as synthesis of polycyclic aromatic compounds with novel structures and pioneering of new physical properties. We also conduct molecular design and prediction of physical properties using computational chemistry.

Organic transformation reactions using homogeneous metal complex catalysts generally have high reactivity and selectivity, attracting attention not only as industrially important processes but also as cutting-edge academic fields. This course provides lectures, exercises, and practical training on the development of novel organic reactions aimed at efficient synthesis of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, chemical products, etc. Research is also conducted on catalytic reactions utilizing characteristics of organometallic compounds and development of catalyst species with nano-controlled spaces, based on new perspectives not previously available in catalysis chemistry.

Organic chemical reactions are indispensable as science and technology supporting modern civilization, and it goes without saying that fine chemicals such as new drugs and fragrances are manufactured using organic chemical reactions. This course conducts research aimed at developing highly efficient organic chemical reactions that surpass conventional methods and pioneering novel reactions not previously achieved. Specifically, we conduct research and development on molecular design of novel asymmetric NHC ligands, establishment of their synthetic routes, and asymmetric catalytic reactions using transition metal complexes.

The aim is to develop new reactions and methods that form the basis for creating organic functional materials such as agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals, and to synthesize new functional substances using them. Specifically, we aim to pioneer novel synthetic and catalytic reactions utilizing characteristics of heteroatoms and organometallic compounds such as lanthanide metals and rhenium complexes, and establish highly selective and highly efficient molecular design methods based on these. Furthermore, using these reactions, we aim to synthesize compounds with more advanced functions.

To obtain basic knowledge necessary for development toward molecular electronics, we have researched compounds with extended systems that undergo multi-stage electron transfer, with electron transfer reactions at the molecular level as a keyword. Furthermore, in recent years, we are also researching lanthanide complexes with interesting properties such as selective separation of ions and emission switching. In the future, we plan to include biomolecules as research subjects by incorporating supramolecular chemistry approaches.

The objective is to design special-structure polymers, synthesize them, and derive novel functionalities. Application development of synthesized polymers is pursued as low refractive index materials, high refractive index materials, refractive index conversion materials, UV curable resin materials, resist materials, optically active materials, biodegradable materials, etc. Furthermore, new molecular design guidelines for enhancing their performance are discussed.

Research is conducted with the aim of designing, synthesizing, elucidating properties, and precisely constructing not mere molding material polymers but working polymers, i.e., highly functional polymers. Keywords include transition metal catalytic polymerization, conjugated polymers, helical polymers, and optically active polymers. These are fields with remarkable progress based on organic synthetic chemistry, polymer synthetic chemistry, organometallic chemistry, materials chemistry, etc.

Polymer synthesis through precise design of molecular structure is an indispensable technology for developing novel high-performance and highly functional polymer materials. Focusing particularly on three-dimensionally crosslinked polymers, we explain the relationship between three-dimensional molecular structure of polymers and functional expression. As one example, we also take up characteristic polymer materials with liquid crystals introduced into the polymer structure.

We synthesize and functionalize supramolecular assemblies bound by interactions such as hydrogen bonds and coordination bonds. By correctly understanding and controlling interactions between molecules, new functions not present in individual molecules constituting the assembly emerge. Particularly using (non-)natural amino acids as starting materials, we aim to create new supramolecular materials useful for environmental problems and advanced medicine by imparting a wide variety of functions such as molecular recognition ability, molecular storage capacity, stimulus responsiveness, and high adhesiveness.

Artificially synthesized materials are usually recognized as foreign bodies by living organisms, and therefore cannot function sufficiently in vivo. Living organisms instantly judge whether to accept materials or not. That is, how to design the surface of materials that first contacts living organisms becomes important. Therefore, we examine molecular design and precise surface control of new biocompatible polymer materials, and develop artificial organs, biosensors, drug delivery carriers, etc., utilizing the characteristics of these polymers.

Current medicine demands not only high therapeutic effects but also high QOL (quality of life) during and after treatment, reduction of burden on medical personnel, reduction of medical costs, and rapid, minimally invasive and accurate diagnosis. Medical progress is brought about not only by discoveries in medicine and biology but also by invention and improvement of medical materials and equipment, and such medical devices support medicine. We aim to create "smart biomaterials" that function in response to in vivo environments using polymers that decompose into non-toxic components in the body and are absorbed, and propose new medical devices and treatments that will transform next-generation medicine.

Biological tissues function with various types of cells regularly arranged using extracellular matrix as scaffolds. To realize tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, development of "technology to manipulate cells (adhesion, arrangement, aggregation, differentiation, proliferation, activation, inactivation, etc.)" is essential, and it must function in vivo where diverse proteins coexist. Based on structure control, we aim to establish fundamental technology for "manipulating cells" by creating artificial peptides/proteins that can exhibit excellent enzymatic tolerance and target receptor binding properties in vivo.

Elucidation of genome sequences has clarified not only proteins but also amino acid sequences of their physiologically active sites. Proteins are substances unique to organisms, their synthesis is performed in living cells and used for manifestation of life phenomena. Using peptides that mimic amino acid sequences of physiologically active sites of proteins and molecularly designed peptides, we aim to create materials for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.

Biofunctional molecules represented by nucleic acids, proteins, and glycans play very important roles in maintaining living organisms. In particular, glycans are known to be deeply involved in the early stages of life activities such as information transmission and substance recognition in vivo. This course synthesizes and functionally evaluates compounds (glycocluster compounds) that effectively utilize these functions, and develops them into pharmaceuticals and functional materials.

Biomolecules and cells maintain life activities through sensor, processor, and effector functions that autonomously alter their structure and function according to circumstances. Intelligent materials (or molecules) possessing these combined functions are anticipated for applications in medical, environmental, and energy fields. We aim for the broad application of smart polymers and intelligent materials, attempting to develop entirely new medical and environmental materials based on bio-inspired concepts.

Soft matter is a general term for soft substances such as polymers, liquid crystals, gels, colloids, biological membranes, and biomolecules. Soft matter can construct hierarchical structures from atomic scale to nano-scale and macro-scale, thereby expressing various functions. We aim to create novel soft matter using precise polymer synthesis and supramolecular chemistry, and develop applications to medical materials, etc.

With the progress of bioinorganic chemistry, action mechanisms of metalloproteins and metalloenzymes are being clarified. However, attempts to create artificial enzymes have not yet been sufficiently successful. In this course, using a method named "peptide origami" - metal complexes using peptides incorporating non-natural amino acids as ligands - we develop novel functional metal complexes. We aim to apply them to artificial photosynthesis including photochemical CO2 reduction catalytic reactions.

DNA, which records genetic information in vivo, has also come to attract attention as an attractive nanomaterial with the progress of single-molecule measurement techniques such as atomic force microscopy. Starting with nanostructures made by weaving or tying DNA double helices like bamboo strips in bamboo crafts, we introduce methods for constructing nanomaterials utilizing self-organization of biomolecules. Furthermore, we also take up organic chemistry methods applicable to biomolecules that are necessary for functionalizing these.

In biological molecular recognition, non-covalent interactions such as electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonds play major roles. Also, non-covalent interactions can be used as key elements in various stereoselective reactions, and by introducing these elements into various reactants and catalysts, highly accurate synthetic methods can be developed. From this perspective, the objective is to analyze identification of non-covalent interactions in molecular recognition sites and construct reaction systems applying these to molecular recognition sites.

Metal complexes are widely used in medical fields such as anticancer drugs and energy fields such as solar cells. To apply metal complexes to life chemistry and materials science, precise design and structural analysis of metal complexes become important. Therefore, we pursue applications to medical and energy fields by synthesizing and developing highly functional physiologically active complexes and photofunctional complexes, conducting precise structural analysis, and researching chemical properties of these complexes.

We conduct research on science generated by molecular assemblies (molecular science). Research is conducted using molecular dynamics calculations, one of the computational chemistry methods. Molecular dynamics calculations are methods that can directly observe molecular movements. Using this method, we are working on elucidating phenomena in polymer fracture and fuel cells.