Molecular Assembly Group


Group Outline

We are conducting research and development on self-organization of molecules and fine particles, photo-functional materials that change their physical properties (phase, optical properties, surface properties, dynamic behavior, etc.) in response to external stimuli such as light, materials that utilize or convert optical properties, and process technology (material synthesis, patterning, adhesion) using light. Related fundamental technologies are also a subject of our research and development.

Group website

Key Themes of Research

  1. Development of photoresponsive materials and optical functional materials, and its application to devices
  2. Development of optical up-conversion material technology and its application to device technology
  3. Development of molecular alignment control method using self-assembly and its expansion into new device process technology
  4. Development of soft materials with dynamic behavior and its application to device technology
  5. Development of synthesis techniques for functional fine particles and their optical and electronic material technologies


Organic materials that changes its phase between liquid and solid with light

Wavelength conversion with photon upconversion material

Phenomenon that crystal moves by light

Processing technology by pulsed light firing method

Development of molecular alignment control method

Material and friction technology using wrinkles

Thin film fabrication by friction transfer method


Our Technologies and Equipment

Organic / polymer synthesis, nano-particle fabrication, organic synthesis using flow-type microwave heating equipment, optical microscope, probe microscope (AFM, STM), evaluation of liquid crystal materials, thin film fabrication technology (vacuum process, wet process, friction transfer method), thermal analysis (DSC, TG / DTA), contact angle measurement by droplet method, white pulsed light irradiation device, molecular dynamics simulation, X-ray diffraction device (single crystal)

Articles

  • Ohzono et al., “Effects of operating mechanical conditions and polymer networks of nematic elastomers on photo-induced mechanical performances” Macromolecular Rapid Communications, 45, 2300709 (2024).
  • Norikane et al., “Photo-controllable Azobenzene Microdroplets on an Open Surface and their Application as Transporters” Materials Horizons, 11, 1495 (2024).
  • Yue et al., “Designing ultrahigh-water-content, tough, and crack-resistant hydrogels by balancing chemical cross-linking and physical entanglement” ACS Applied Engineering Materials, 2, 638 (2024).
  • Mizokuro et al., “Improvement in the upconversion efficiency of an alternating multi-layer structure based on 9,10-bis(4-methylphenyl) anthracene and platinum octaethylporphyrin vacuum deposited on an in-plane oriented polythiophene film” Thin Solid Films, 791, 140228 (2024).
  • McGehee et al., “Releasing a Bound Molecular Spring with Light: A Visible Light-Triggered Photosalient Effect Tied to Polymorphism” Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics, 26, 6834 (2024).
  • Yue, “Nanocomposite Hydrogels for Strain Sensing Based on Optical and Electrical Signals: A Review” Chemical Communications, 59, 8894 (2023).
  • Yue et al., “Co-self-assembly of amphiphiles into nanocomposite hydrogels with tailored morphological and mechanical properties” ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 15, 21507 (2023).
  • Ohzono et al., “Optimal Conditions for Efficient Photomechanical Response in Nematic Elastomers” Macromolecules, 56, 5346 (2023).
  • Saito et al., “Visualization of the Dynamics of Photoinduced Crawling Motion of 4-(Methylamino)Azobenzene Crystals via Diffracted X-ray Tracking” International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 24, 17462 (2023).
  • Manabe et al., “Graphene Composite Self-Healing Antifog/Frost-Resist Transparent Coatings with Zwitter-Wettability” Surfaces and Interfaces, 42, 103363 (2023).
  • Kikkawa et al., “Two-dimensional assemblies of saccharide-derived molecules on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite revealed by scanning tunneling microscopy” Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects, 674, 131900 (2023).
  • Liu et al., “Two-dimensional molecular networks at the solid/liquid interface and the role of alkyl chains in their building blocks” Beilstein Journal of Nanotechnology, 14, 872 (2023).
  • Liu et al., “Tuning the odd-even effect on two-dimensional assemblies of curcumin derivatives by alkyl chain substitution: A scanning tunneling microscopy study” Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics, 25, 10917 (2023).
  • Ishikawa et al., "Pulsed laser melting in liquid for crystalline spherical submicrometer particle fabrication - Mechanism, process control, and applications" Progress in Materials Science, 131, 101004 (2023).
  • Kwaria et al., "Visible-Light Photomeltable Azobenzenes as Solar Thermal Fuels”　ACS Applied Optical Materials, 1, 633 (2023).
  • Manabe et al., "Light-Driven Liquid Conveyors: Manipulating Liquid Mobility and Transporting Solids on Demand" ACS Nano, 16, 16353 (2022).
  • Ohzono et al., “Stabilized director buckling patterns in nematic elastomers and their dynamic optical effects” Communications Materials 3, 29 (2022).
  • Manabe et al., "Green Superlubricity Enabled by Only One Water Droplet on Plant Oil-Infused Surfaces" Langmuir 37, 14878 (2021).
  • Ohzono et al., “Internal constraints and arrested relaxation in main-chain nematic elastomers” Nature Communications, 12, 787 (2021).
  • Amendola, Amans, Ishikawa et al., " Room-Temperature Laser Synthesis in Liquid of Oxide, Metal Oxide Core-Shells, and Doped Oxide Nanoparticles " Chemistry A European Journal, 26, 9206 (2020).
  • Yue et al., “Gold clay from self-assembly of 2D microscale nanosheets” Nature Communications, 11, 568 (2020).
  • Mizokuro et al., “Triplet–triplet annihilation upconversion through triplet energy transfer at a nanoporous solid–liquid interface” Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics, 22, 17807 - 17813 (2020).