Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Life Sciences, Ritsumeikan University
We create new functions through molecular design and control of molecular organization. From the molecular level upward, we explore soft, smart materials.
Molecules assemble, organize, and give rise to function.
Designing this pathway is our research.
We build new materials from molecules and elucidate structure–function relationships.
Our work spans four research themes.
Controlling molecular organization to achieve multicolor and white emission from a single material.
By exploiting polymorphism and liquid crystallinity to precisely control molecular aggregation, we have developed materials that show three emission colors from a single compound and white emission from a single component. These materials are expected to find application in light-emitting devices and sensors.
Materials whose color and properties change in response to force, light, or heat.
We have developed materials that change color under applied force, with the aim of realizing tactile sensors for robots. In collaboration with a robotics laboratory, we are developing lightweight, safe soft robots composed entirely of soft polymers.
Precisely aligning molecules to unlock previously inaccessible functions.
By tailoring light irradiation during photopolymerization, we have shown that molecular alignment in polymer thin films can be controlled freely. Complex, fine alignment patterns can be produced over large areas in a single step. We have also established a method for synthesizing polymer particles with controlled molecular alignment.
Materials design that combines experiments, quantum chemical calculations, and machine learning (AI).
We use AI to learn from accumulated materials knowledge, identify complex correlations, and test its predictions experimentally, with the goal of creating high-performance materials.
Updates on our research and events are posted on Facebook and Instagram.
