Daisuke Aoki

Innovative Toughening Strategy for Plastics Based on Ion Dynamics

Grant No.：JPMJAX24D1

Researcher

Daisuke Aoki

Outline

In order to make transportation equipment lighter and more durable, there is a need to establish toughening technology for plastics that achieves both high elastic modulus and toughness. In this research, we focus on the toughening of plastics through weak ion interactions and elucidate the ion dynamics of intermediate structures that link nanoscale molecular design and macroscale mechanical properties. We aim to construct a new model and molecular design guidelines for toughening plastics.

Keishi Akada

High-speed phenomena of colloids investigated by synchrotron radiation

Grant No.：JPMJAX24D2

Researcher

Keishi Akada

Outline

Particles in colloidal dispersions, ranging nm to µm size, are difficult for structural measurements due to their intermediate size, which is not suitable for X-ray diffraction and optical microscopy. To understand the physical properties of such mesoscale materials, this project conducts on structural measurements of colloidal suspensions using small-angle/ultra-small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS/USAXS). A combination of time-resolved rheology and SAXS measurements with high-brilliance synchrotron radiation provide a deep insight into the fast response phenomena of colloids in high-speed flow.

Hiroto Ozaki

A Molecular Theoretical Approach for Precise Control of Phase Separation

Grant No.：JPMJAX24D3

Researcher

Hiroto Ozaki

Outline

Phase separation in polymer systems has notable importance in biological phenomena. The present project aims to construct a molecular theory that can accurately predict the phase-separation structure of polymer systems by considering their molecular-scale properties without incurring excessive computational costs. Based on this theory, the present project seeks to establish a technique to precisely control the phase-separation structure of polymer systems at meso- or macro-scales by tuning molecular-scale properties, thereby contributing to accelerating the development of innovative new materials.

Miki Kajihara

Creation of innovative structural materials by hypervelocity impact of nanoparticles

Grant No.：JPMJAX24D4

Researcher

Miki Kajihara

Outline

The purpose of this research is to develop hypervelocity nanoparticle injection technology and particle flight speed measurement technology, and to achieve longer life and higher functionality in structural materials. We will establish a dynamic experiment method for nano-size and nanoseconds using laser ablation, and work to create new phenomena by utilizing the spatial and time scale dependence in particle impact. In particular, we will focus on structural materials with hierarchical structures, and consider improving macroscopic mechanical functions by introducing defects of various scales.

Yusuke Koide

Scission and recombination properties of surfactant micelles in flowing solutions for turbulence control

Grant No.：JPMJAX24D5

Researcher

Yusuke Koide

Outline

There has been a necessity for controlling turbulent flows flexibly to improve energy efficiency. This research focuses on turbulence suppression by a small amount of surfactants. This research will propose a novel guideline for turbulence control based on the control of micellar structures by revealing how surfactant micelles break and recombine in flowing solutions.

Ryuhei Kohno

Elasto-Magnonics on two-dimensional layered magnets

Grant No.：JPMJAX24D6

Researcher

Ryuhei Kohno

Outline

As exampled by a transistor, reversible control of physical properties leads directly to the development of innovative devices. In this study, we use a generic manipulation, that is, “strain” to control the magnetic phases and consequently the associated dynamical properties in a reversible manner. By focusing on two-dimensional layered materials with mechanical properties superior to those of bulk materials, we will realize wide-band magnetic resonance frequency modulation ranging from GHz to THz by mechanical strain, thereby paving the way to ultrafast magnetic devices, or “elastomagnonics”.

Hikaru Saito

Operando Spectroscopy of Photogenerated Active Species for Fabricating Efficient Reaction Sites of Photocatalyst Surfaces

Grant No.：JPMJAX24D7

Researcher

Hikaru Saito

Outline

Photocatalytic conversion of ubiquitous resources is a promising chemical technology for achieving sustainable energy conversion and production of valuable chemicals. For developing efficient photocatalytic systems, photocatalyst surfaces should be fabricated to promote surface redox reactions. However, it remains a challenge to optimize the photocatalyst surfaces due to the lack of microscopic insight into the photogenerated active species. In this research project, I employ various operando spectroscopies for identifying active species in the photocatalytic conversion of methane and water. In particular, I develop spectroscopic techniques for observing photogenerated holes that activate adsorbed methane and water species. Based on the knowledge obtained by the spectroscopic measurement, I will propose surface design guidelines and contribute to the fabrication of next-generation photocatalysts.

Yoichi Sasaki

Development of exciton fission-based groundbreaking light energy conversion devices

Grant No.：JPMJAX24D8

Researcher

Yoichi Sasaki

Outline

Exciton fission process of organic molecules has attracted attention as a means to double efficiency of light energy conversion devices. This work aims to develop groundbreaking light energy conversion devices by combining control of molecular assembly structure to facilitate triplet separation and design of light-matter interaction to control singlet dynamics.

Toshiki Shimizu

Trans-scale analysis of organic/inorganic nanocomposite materials in liquids

Grant No.：JPMJAX24D9

Researcher

Toshiki Shimizu

Outline

In nanocomposite materials derived from polymers and inorganic nanoparticles, understanding the relationship between microstructure (or their dynamics) and macroscopic properties at the trans-scale is important for the creation of innovative new materials. In this project, I will develop an in-situ transmission electron microscopy technique for “liquid” environment which is closer to a real system to obtain a molecular picture. This project aims at a systematic understanding of structure-property relationships in liquid samples by combining nanoscale information with macroscopic physical property analysis.

Kanami Sugiyama

Theoretical analysis of phase transition process of molecular crystals

Grant No.：JPMJAX24DA

Researcher

Kanami Sugiyama

Outline

The properties of molecular crystals depend on the crystal structure of the constituent molecules. It is important to elucidate not only the crystal structure but also the phase transition process. In this study, a new method to search for phase transition pathways based on a coarse-grained model is developed. Furthermore, the method is applied to analyze the mechanism of mechanochromism, in which the crystal structure changes in response to mechanical stimuli.

Izumi Takahara

Generative Materials Design through Deep Learning Multi-Scale Property Correlations

Grant No.：JPMJAX24DB

Researcher

Izumi Takahara

Outline

Understanding the correlation between functional properties at the macroscale and local properties emerging at the nanoscale is considered to be effective for materials design. This research aims to develop a model for the generative design of crystal materials by utilizing deep learning to capture the complex correlations between properties at these different spatial scales within the framework of generative models.

Yuta Takemasa

Non-bonding π conjugation: Unraveling Through-Space Conjugation

Grant No.：JPMJAX24DC

Researcher

Yuta Takemasa

Outline

The concept of “conjugation” has developed primarily through π-conjugated systems. In contrast, through-space conjugation without direct bonding remains underexplored. Understanding through-space conjugation is essential for achieving comprehensive control of electron systems at the macroscale, based on nanoscale molecular design. This research aims to construct through-space π-symmetric conjugated systems using lone pairs. High-throughput conductivity measurements will be employed to establish a “trans-scale” unified concept, bridging the nano- and macro-levels.

Haruki Nagakawa

Development of a nanoscale photoetching process for highly crystalline photocatalysts

Grant No.：JPMJAX24DD

Researcher

Haruki Nagakawa

Outline

Highly crystalline photocatalysts have fewer defects and distortions, which typically prevent carrier recombination. However, they tend to form relatively large particles in the submicron to micron range. As a result, the specific surface area is reduced, leading to disadvantages in substrate adsorption and carrier transport. To address this issue, this project aims to establish a nanoscale photoetching process for submicron-sized highly crystalline photocatalysts by utilizing the photocorrosion reaction, which has traditionally been considered undesirable.

Kazuma Nakajima

Polarized array design of ferroelectric nematic liquid crystal using polymer network with anisotropic shape

Grant No.：JPMJAX24DE

Researcher

Kazuma Nakajima

Outline

Ferroelectric materials are essential in modern society, utilized in diverse applications such as actuators and sensors. Enhancing their functionality requires precise control of polarization domains. Ferroelectric nematic liquid crystals (NFLCs) combine ferroelectric properties with the fluidity and self-organization of liquid crystals. This study explores controlling the polarization domains of NFLCs using a polymer network with shape anisotropy, aiming to design domain arrangements. The ultimate goal is to develop advanced soft ferroelectric devices with tailored domain configurations, contributing to the improvement of ferroelectric material performance in various technological applications.

Naoki Nohira

Innovation of Methodologies for Controlling Twinning Deformation in Shape Memory Materials

Grant No.：JPMJAX24DF

Researcher

Naoki Nohira

Outline

Twinning deformation imparts various high functionalities, including the shape memory effect. This study focuses on titanium-based shape memory alloys where, despite no changes in crystal structure or microstructure due to low-temperature heat treatment, significant changes occur in macroscopic deformation behavior. By investigating this phenomenon, the aim is to identify nanoscale changes near twin boundaries that control the macroscopic alteration of twin boundary mobility. This approach attempts to understand twin boundary movement from a trans-scale perspective.

Tomoyuki Hirano

Trans-Scale Design of Particle Layers using Flames

Grant No.：JPMJAX24DG

Researcher

Tomoyuki Hirano

Outline

Advancements in science and technology have led to the development of numerous innovative materials. However, challenges such as difficulties in large-scale synthesis and reduced functionality within devices and systems remain significant obstacles. This research addresses these challenges by developing a trans-scale material design approach. This approach involves synthesizing materials through processes suitable for industrial-scale applications and employing a one-step method that seamlessly integrates material production with device fabrication, ultimately creating genuinely functional and innovative materials.

Tomoya Fukui

Construction of two-dimensional block perovskites by seeded co-crystallization

Grant No.：JPMJAX24DH

Researcher

Tomoya Fukui

Outline

Block structures composed of different materials are expected to exhibit properties that are not observed in single-component systems. Block structures would be motifs that embody the concept of trans-scale, translating events that occur at the molecular level into macroscopic events. In this study, I will establish a methodology for block co-crystallization of two-dimensional hybrid perovskites and explore the macroscopic electronic and optoelectronic synergistic functions induced by nano-hetero interfaces.

Ryota Fukuzawa

Development of innovative electronic material measurement and evaluation processes using atomic force microscopes

Grant No.：JPMJAX24DI

Researcher

Ryota Fukuzawa

Outline

In this project, I approach the trans-scale understanding of electronic material properties from a nanoscale perspective. By employing atomic force microscopy with high spatial resolution, local analyses of electronic properties will be conducted by detecting the local force between a material and nanoprobe. Through the acquisition of various spectroscopic measurements of local electrostatic force on a global scale, spartial- and time-resolveed measurements will be performed, and I aim to achieve mutual understanding of nanoscale and macroscale properties.

Takao Fujikawa

Mathematical structural control of discrete self-assembly systems

Grant No.：JPMJAX24DJ

Researcher

Takao Fujikawa

Outline

Structures in which specific substances gather in an ordered manner and spontaneously form, like soap bubbles, are called ‘self-assemblies.’ Self-assemblies generally favor highly symmetrical, spherical structures, but this tendency limits structural diversity in material development. In this research, we aim to synthesize atypical discrete self-assemblies by combining the power of mathematics and chemistry, and to develop innovative materials by controlling transscale assembly phenomena.

Hayato Fujimoto

Creation of Carbon Materials by Controllable Arrangement of Arynes

Grant No.：JPMJAX24DK

Researcher

Hayato Fujimoto

Outline

Carbon materials consisting of aromatic rings linked in a geometric arrangement are attracting attention as fundamental materials in next-generation materials science due to their unique physical properties. In this research, I will establish a method for the creation of carbon materials by controllable arrangement of arynes.

Muneyuki Matsuo

Autonomous micropump

Grant No.：JPMJAX24DL

Researcher

Muneyuki Matsuo

Outline

Conventional supramolecular devices have been designed and developed by focusing on the equilibrium state or transient process to the equilibrium state. In this study, we will formulate self-organized microdevices by applying the self-oscillation that emerges with self-organization under nonequilibrium condition. Specifically, we will develop an inorganic membrane that self-grows and self-divides recursively by a synergy between the formation of soluble membranes and stable membranes. The technology rooted in such autonomy of molecules and atoms is independent of constraints such as large and complex devices and external energy supply. It is expected to become an innovative technological platform that contributes to material saving and energy conservation.

Kentaro Matsumoto

trans-scale polymerization simulation approach to integrate nano- and meso-scale

Grant No.：JPMJAX24DM

Researcher

Kentaro Matsumoto

Outline

In chain shuttling polymerization (CSP) system, polymerization reaction and polymer exchange between catalyst molecules simultaneously proceed. To understand the reaction mechanism of such polymerization system, we need to bridge the two gaps, that is, time-scale gap between molecular motion and polymerization reaction, and the spatial-gap between the nano-scale catalyst molecules and their distribution in meso-scale space. In this project, therefore, I will develop a trans-scale polymerization simulation method that simultaneously overcomes these two gaps, and elucidate the reaction mechanism to propose a guideline for new CSP systems.