Research
The properties and functions of the materials that surround us are determined by the arrangement of atoms and molecules and their interactions. If we could freely design and control the various combinations, spatial arrangements, and even defects of the approximately 100 elements in the periodic table at the atomic level, we would be able to create a group of materials with completely new functions.
Based on the development of molecular inorganic materials with precise structures such as polyoxometalates and metal nanoclusters, our laboratory is working to pioneer a new field of materials science called “molecular ionics,” which controls the transport and reactions of electrons, ions, and molecules at the molecular scale through hybridization with organic molecules and hierarchical structural design.
The materials created in this way are expected to be next-generation functional materials that contribute to solving social issues such as energy and the environment, such as electrochemical energy conversion, photoresponsive devices, and catalyst systems that enable resource circulation. We will approach the essence of chemistry, where “material structure creates function,” by freely manipulating molecules while crossing multiple fields such as inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, electrochemistry, materials science, and device applications.