The use of light energy as a sustainable energy source is highly important in the utilization of energy for a decarbonized society. Molecular materials are expected to contribute further to the utilization of light energy due to their excellent versatility and designability, but further performance and functionalization are required for social implementation. In this module, young researchers who specialize in the optical functions of molecular materials and who have a proven track record among the researchers participating in Q-pit will come together to construct a highly efficient photon energy conversion system by integrating their cutting-edge molecular materials, precision molecular integration technology, wavelength conversion technology, and ultrafast spectroscopy technology. This modular research will open up a new fusion field by applying for the first time in the energy field photofunctional molecular materials developed for different purposes. We will establish the academic principles of photoenergy science for molecular assemblies, which are complex systems, and move forward to social implementation, building a foundation that will serve as a milestone for creating new fields.
The environment in which top-level young researchers of molecular optoelectronic materials belong to the same research institute is uniquely favorable even from a global perspective. We will advance research with a view to the entire process of materials development, device construction, and spectroscopic evaluation, and develop a comprehensive light-energy conversion molecular science that integrates science and engineering.
Associate professor
Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry
Spectroscopy/Manager
Associate professor
Institute of Materials Chemistry and Engineering
Material synthesis
We aim to construct an innovative “light energy to material conversion system” by assembling and combining photofunctional molecules at the cutting edge of research in their respective fields. By fully utilizing visible light and near-infrared light, which account for the majority of solar energy, we will propose a new chemical approach to energy problems through the achievement of artificial photosynthesis, such as the creation of hydrogen energy and the conversion of CO2 into resources. Specifically, we aim to construct a novel light-harvesting and reaction system by precisely combining different photofunctional molecules to utilize low-energy light by integrating photocatalysis and photon upconversion and elucidate excited-state dynamics, including photochemical reactions.
(coming soon)
Fujiwara S., Matsumoto N., Nishimura K., Kimizuka N., Tateishi K., Uesaka T., Yanai N.
Angewandte Chemie Int. Ed.
DOI: 10.1002/anie.202115792
[1] Fujiwara, Yanai, et al., Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 61, e2021157 (2022).
[2] Noda, Nakanotani, Adachi, et al., Nature Materials 18, 1084 (2019).
[3] Ono, Hisaeda, et al., Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 60, 2614 (2021).
[4] Albrecht, Yamamoto, et al., Chem. Sci., 13, 5813 (2022).
[5] Miyata, Matsumoto, et al., Nature Chemistry 9, 983 (2017).