Kazutomo Suenaga

Synthesys and characterization of nano-space materials

Research Director

Kazutomo Suenaga

Collaborator

Hiroki Ago	Distinguished Professor Faculty of Engineering Sciences Kyushu University
Yusuke Nakanishi	Assistant Professor Graduate School of Science Tokyo Metropolitan University

Outline

We synthesize novel low-dimensional materials in one or two dimensional nano-space sucha as inner structure of nanotube or layered materials, by using various chemical reactions. We also develop the characterization techniques to reveal atomic arrangements and electronic properties of single quantum object.

Tatsuya Tsukuda

Creation of Hierarchical Nanomaterials Science Based on Superatoms

Research Director

Tatsuya Tsukuda

Collaborator

Takuya Nakashima	Professor Graduate School of Science Osaka Metropolitan University
Koji Harano	Principal Researcher Center for Basic Research on Materials National Institute of Materials Science

Outline

This project aims to establish academic foundation for new materials science based on superatoms by utilizing multiple techniques of atomically-precise synthesis, advanced structural analysis, and theoretical calculation. We will first produce a series of superatoms with atomically-defined structures and elucidate the origin of novel optical and catalytic properties. Then, we will develop targeted-synthetic methods of quasi-molecules made of superatoms (superatomic molecules) and establish the fundamentals of bonding, reactions and properties. Finally, we will develop techniques to assemble the superatoms into higher-ordered architectures with controlled dimentionality and symmetery and explore novel functionalities arising from synergy between the superatoms.

Shun Hirota

Free alignment and functionalization of proteins using 3D domain swapping

Research Director

Shun Hirota

Collaborator

Yasuteru Shigeta	Professor Center for Computational Sciences University of Tsukuba
Emi Hifumi	Professor Institute for Research Management Oita University

Outline

Protein supramoleculars have attracted much attention, owing to the various applications that are expected for freely accumulating proteins with uniform sizes and structures. In this project, we will further develop research on 3D domain swapping (3D-DS) that has been conducted by the principal investigator. We will develop the basic principle of freely assembling proteins with 3D-DS and create innovative medicines by conducting comprehensive research on experiments and theories from the basics to applications of 3D-DS.

Tomoki Machida

Emergence of novel material properties in twist-angle-controlled van der Waals junctions of 2D atomic layers

Research Director

Tomoki Machida

Collaborator

Kyoko Ishizaka	Professor Graduate School of Engineering The University of Tokyo
Takao Sasagawa	Associate Professor Institute of Innovative Research Tokyo Institute of Technology

Outline

We develop van der Waals (vdW) assembly techniques which enable us to stack 2D materials in the desired order with the twist angles between atomic layers controlled precisely. The band structure of the vdW composite is directly determined by the angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) method. By combining these techniques, we reveal the evolution of the quantum properties of vdW heterostructures depending sensitively on the twist-angle and the number of atomic layers.

Shigeo Maruyama

Controlled synthesis and functional design of one-dimensional heterostructures based on single-walled carbon nanotubes

Research Director

Shigeo Maruyama

Collaborator

Taiki Inoue	Assistant Professor Graduate School of Engineering Osaka University
Kazutomo Suenaga	Professor Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research Osaka University

Outline

We have recently realized a novel one-dimensional hetero-structure in which several atomic layers are concentrically formed on a single-walled carbon nanotube. In this research, we will establish a synthesis technology that controls the order, arrangement, and orientation of atomic layers in a one-dimensional hetero-structure, and by ultra-high resolution electron microscopy/spectroscopy, optical micro-spectroscopy, and ab initio simulations, the atomic layer arrangement and unique physical properties are explored. Based on these findings, we will realize applications such as electronic and optoelectronic devices with a one-dimensional hetero-structure with designed functions.

Tetsuro Murahashi

Molecular Nanometallics Led by Precise Arrangement of Metal Atoms

Research Director

Tetsuro Murahashi

Collaborator

Shigeyoshi Sakaki	Program-Specific Professor Institute for Advanced Study Kyoto University
Shigeyuki Masaoka	Professor Graduate School of Engineering Osaka University

Outline

A novel concept is developed for precise arrangement of multiple metal atoms in metal nanoclusters. The dimensionality, size, shape, and mixed-metal arrangement of metal nanoclusters are controlled in the presence of multi-dentate bridging ligands. Their unique structure, chemical bonds, molecular property, and reactivity are elucidated on the basis of electronic structure. Exploration of unique substrate binding behavior and transformation leads to metal nanocluster catalysis.