Education and Research Activities in the Laboratory

The Green Nanosystem laboratory was established as a new research team staffed by principal investigators. The group is developing innovative environmental photonics materials for solving global environmental, energy, and resource problems based on macromolecular and supramolecular chemistry, organic synthesis, surface science, and functional material science. Furthermore, we advocate “environmental photonics” as our key word, aiming to serve as a central hub connecting humans and research without being bounded by the framework of laboratory, school of science, university, or research institution. Thus, we provide research and education to foster researchers and engineers who have a high level of expertise and the ability to view information from a wide perspective.

Research Theme

1. Interface phenomenon analysis of luminescent conjugated macromolecules and supramolecules and their functionalization
We are working on basic research on conformation, topology, and orientation phenomena at the interface surfaces of luminescent conjugated macromolecules. Recently, we have successfully observed the occurrence of drastic conformation changes when polymer chains wrapped around the surface of carbon nano-tubes (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2008). We approach the blending of nanotubes with polymers from the molecular level, thus developing high-efficiency organic solar cells.

2. Design of circularly polarized luminous supramolecules and creation of new functions
We have successfully observed the circularly polarized emission from nano-particles synthesized in ferritin, a spherical shell-shaped protein, or from pyrene dimer included in cyclic polysaccharide. Based on these techniques, we aim to design not only circularly polarized organic ELs or circularly polarized multiple-wavelength lasers, but also circularly polarized light emitting materials, which are drawing attention as a next-generation low environment load light source, as well as creating innovative functions through the development of these materials.

Explanatory Pictures of Research Activities

Recent Research Papers and Achievements

M. Naito, K. Nobusawa, H. Onouchi, M. Nakamura, K.-i. Yasui, A. Ikeda, and M. Fujiki, “Stiffness- and Conformation-Dependent Polymer Wrapping onto Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes,” J. Am. Chem. Soc., Vol. 130, 16697-16703, 2008

M. Naito, T. Kawabe, M. Nakamura, K. Wakayama, W. Chung, K. Yasui, and M. Fujiki, “Chemical Degelation of Polysilane Organogel by Selective Scission of Silicon Main Chain by Fluoride Anions,” Chem. Lett., Vol. 38, 414, 2009

M. Naito, M. Nakamura, T. Kawabe, W. Chung, H. Onouchi, and M. Fujiki, “Poly (fluoroalkylsilane-b-dialkylsilane)-based Chemosensory Material for Fluoride with High Sensitivity, Selectivity and Solubility,” Synth. Met., Vol. 159, 784, 2009

M. Naito, M. Fujiki, “Polysilanes on surfaces,” Soft Matter, Vol. 4, pp. 211-223, 2008 (invited review)