Photonic and Reactive Molecular Science
Staff & Contact
| Educational Staff | Prof. Tsuyoshi Kawai Adjunct Prof. Keitaro Nakatani Associate Prof. Tsumoru Morimoto Assistant Prof. Wataru Ishii |
|---|---|
| URL | https://mswebs.naist.jp/LABs/kawai/en/index.html |
Education and Research Activities in the Laboratory
Our laboratory focuses on Photonic and Reactive Molecular Science—an emerging interdisciplinary field that investigates molecules and coordination compounds with advanced photo-functional and reactive properties. We develop novel photo-reactive and light-emissive molecules, along with innovative synthetic methodologies and catalytic systems. Students in our lab gain hands-on experience in synthetic organic chemistry, while also engaging in the development of new molecular systems and catalytic processes. A background in organic chemistry, physical chemistry, and/or spectroscopic techniques is recommended for prospective members. We warmly welcome motivated students from both domestic and international universities with backgrounds in chemistry or related fields. Our current research interests include the following:Research Themes
1. Photoresponsive Molecules and Photoreactions
Photochromic terarylenes are among the most extensively studied compounds in our group. In addition to their use as color-changing materials, we are actively developing novel photoswitchable and light-responsive systems. For example, we explore the photo-controlled behavior of supramolecular aggregates and their fluorescence properties as key research themes. Our work also involves the development of new photo-induced catalysts based on photochromic terarylenes, as well as a newly designed naphthoquinone-based photo-labile molecular platform. These photoreactive molecules hold potential for applications in next-generation radiation-sensing materials, stimuli-responsive medical agents, and photoresist and photocuring technologies.2. Intelligent luminescent Molecules
Photoluminescent molecules are widely used and continuously developed for next-generation display technologies, light-emitting devices, sensors, functional inks, and security markings. In our group, we design novel luminescent materials with advanced “intelligent” functionalities to contribute to the future of materials chemistry. Our current focus includes chiral luminescent molecules and coordination compounds capable of emitting circularly polarized light—promising candidates for use in security inks and specialized optical applications. Additionally, we have recently developed molecular systems exhibiting delayed luminescence and inverted triplet energy levels, offering great potential as highly efficient light sources.3. Advanced Functional Metal Nanoclusters
We develop metal nanoclusters as fundamental building blocks for advanced functional materials. Metal nanoclusters are nanomaterials with well-defined structures, and can be synthesized via one-pot methods, offering great potential for both elucidating functional properties and expanding into materials chemistry. Our research aims to elucidate the mechanism by which subtle structural changes include significant variations in optical properties. We further explore their application to high-brightness near-infrared emissive materials and triplet-based upconversion systems, which are difficult to achieve with conventional organic molecules or metal complexes.Explanatory Pictures of Research Activities
Recent Research Papers and Achievements
- “Aryl imidazoisoindoles for intrinsic 10π pericyclic photochromism with nonlinear acid responsiveness”, Org. Chem. Front., in press (2026).
- “Reversible Photocyclization of imidazoleisoindole – Based Stilbene Derivative Apparently over NonTriene Form”, Chem. Eur. J., 31, e202501284 (2025).
- “Photorelease Reaction of Alcohol from 1,4-Naphthoquinone-Based Photodegradable Molecules”, ACS Omega., 10, 16892 (2025).
- ”Photochromic Diarylethenes with a Curved Aromatic Corannulene Unit”, ACS omega, 10, 51829 (2025).
- “Evolution of Circularly Polarized Luminescence in Atomically Precise Silver Nanoclusters with Intrinsic Chirality” , Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 64, e202513118 (2025).
- ”Fluorescence Microscopy Imaging of Light-Harvesting in Self-Assembled Nanofibers of Naphthalenediimides toward Perylenediimide Guests” ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces, 17, 10976 (2025).
- ”Cascade fluorescence modulation in photochromic microcapsules” ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces, 16, 57626 (2024).
- “Bis(corannulenyl)ethene as an efficient Photochromic material”, J. Mater. Chem. C, 12, 15654 (2024).