文部科学省／日本学術振興会　科学研究費助成事業　
学術変革領域研究（A）2022－2026年度

Members

Administrative Group | 　　

  • Kazuhiko Maeda

    Representative
    Tokyo Institute of Technology

  • Teruki Motohashi

    Contributor
    Kanagawa University

  • Kunihisa Sugimoto

    Contributor
    Kindai University

  • Masahide Takahashi

    Contributor
    Osaka Metropolitan University

  • Zenji Hiroi

    Contributor
    The University of Tokyo

  • Akihide Kuwabara

    Contributor
    Japan Fine Ceramics Center

  • Kiyofumi Katagiri

    Contributor
    Hiroshima University

  • Ryo Ohtani

    Contributor
    Kyushu University

  • Satoshi Horike

    Contributor
    Kyoto University

  • Hiroshi Kageyama

    Contributor
    Kyoto University

  • Haruo Inoue

    Evaluator
    東京都立大学

  • Masato Kakihana

    Evaluator
    Osaka University

  • Masahiro Tatsumisago

    Evaluator
    Osaka Metropolitan University

  • Masaaki Haga

    Evaluator
    Chuo University

  • Thomas E. Mallouk

    Evaluator
    The University of Pennsylvania

A01 | Exploration of synthetic methods for supra-ceramics based on solid-state chemistry

Teruki Motohashi, Professor

Principal Investigator
Department of Materials and Life Chemistry, Kanagawa University

In the 21st century, “mixed-anion compound,” which consists of multiple monoatomic anions such as O2¯, N³¯, F¯, and S²¯, have attracted attention as a new generation of inorganic materials, established a new scientific field. During the exploration of such new materials, we found a budding discovery; that is a group of materials containing molecular anions such as (OH)¯, (O₂)²¯, (SCN)¯, (NCN)²¯, and (BH₄)¯ in ceramics. We named them “supra-ceramics”. The objective of A01 is to establish synthetic methods for the inner-type supra-ceramics, which incorporate molecular ions (anions) in the crystalline lattice, from the viewpoint of solid-state chemistry. We develop special synthetic methods by incorporating molecules into the conventional method for ceramics and provide guidelines for the design and construction of supra-ceramics with new degrees of freedom based on anisotropic shapes and dynamic properties of molecular ions.

A02 | Controls of structural dimensionality and morphology of supra-ceramics based on coordination chemistry

Ryo Ohtani, Associate Professor

Principal Investigator
Graduate School of Science, Kyushu University

The controls of structural dimensionality and crystal morphology are essential to develop new properties and to enhance the functionality of inorganic materials. This is because electronic states and structural properties of the materials are also greatly influenced by macroscopic factors such as surface area, exposed crystal-face, and domain size. To control the structural dimensionality and crystal morphology of supra-ceramics incorporating molecular units, it is essential to precisely control the arrangement of molecules in the crystal structure and during crystal growth. A02 aims to establish a structural design guideline focusing on the structural dimensionality and crystal morphology of supra-ceramics based on coordination chemistry. We construct high-order structures by local structure designs of molecules and molecular assembly techniques. We study the roles of molecules in the supra-ceramics deeply, thereby linking them to innovative functions in collaboration with B and C groups.

A03 | Publicly offered research (2023-2024)

  • Yuji Masubuchi

    Associate professor
    Hokkaido University

    Zero-thermal expansion carbodiimide compounds developed by modification reactions of molecular anions

  • Yuya Haraguchi

    Assistant professor
    Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology

    Pioneering solid-state metathesis using molecular-anion compounds as precursors for creation of supra ceramic quantum materials

  • Tomoya Fukui

    Assistant professor
    Institute of Science Tokyo

    Precision construction and functional development of block superceramics using seed crystallization

  • Yuji Kikkawa

    Associate professor
    Kanazawa University

    Bottom-up synthesis of superceramics using polyoxometalates

  • Kenta Hongo

    Associate professor
    Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology

    Data-scientific structural exploration of supraceramics and DX database construction

  • George Hasegawa

    Associate professor
    Nagoya University

    Development and Functionalization of Mesoporous Supra-Ceramics Polyhedral Particles

  • Fumitaka Ishiwari

    Lecturer
    Osaka University

    Development of superceramics based on surface modification with designed biphasic molecules

  • Tomoyuki Mochida

    Professor
    Kobe University

    Metal complex-based superceramics created in liquid: An innovative synthesis method for "in situ" synthesis of solids

  • Sotaro Kusumoto

    Assistant professor
    Kanagawa university

    Creation of flexible superceramic crystals

B01 | Advanced structural analysis for supra-ceramics

Kunihisa Sugimoto, Professor

Principal Investigator
Faculty of Science and Engineering, Kindai University

By synthesis of inorganic materials incorporating molecular units, supra-ceramics trigger new properties and functions that can be applied to practical materials of devices such as catalysts and batteries. A key point to comprehend the origin of the functional manifestations of the supra-ceramics is accurate identifying of their macroscopic and local structures and dynamic structures such as crystal structures, compositions, morphologies, and chemical states, which are the bases for direct material understanding. By applying a variety of advanced structural analysis methods based on advanced metrology, this research group will play a role in elucidating new chemical states and morphologies of supra-ceramics, which are unexpected in conventional ceramics, and will also contribute to understanding their mechanisms of operation using in-situ measurement techniques. In order to promote this research area without delay, the first priority is to quickly establish the process of structure and chemical state determination. Ultimately, the group will integrate several excellent structural assessment studies with advanced measurement methods, which are the specialty of the researchers in this group. Then, we aim to achieve comprehension of the relationship between macroscopic, local, and dynamical structures and functions of novel materials of supra-ceramics.

B02 | Computational science of designing and elucidating the functions of supra-ceramics

Akihide Kuwabara, Chief Researcher

Principal Investigator
Nanostructures Research Laboratory, Japan Fine Ceramics Center

For conventional ceramic materials, monoatomic “ionic radii” based on the rigid sphere approximation model have been used as a parameter predicting structure stability. On the other hand, the structure of supra-ceramic materials containing molecular ions such as ((CH₃)₄N)+, (CO₃)²¯, and CN¯ may not be simply explained by the ionic radius. Furthermore, molecular ions have an additional degree of freedom in the “geometrical relative relationship between molecules and crystals (or surfaces),” which is expected to further complicate the governing factors of the stable structure in supra-ceramic materials. Therefore, this research group plans to sequentially determine the peculiar structural diversity and its electronic structure in supra-ceramic materials using first-principles calculations. In particular, the group plans to perform exhaustive first-principles calculations for configuration diversity, search for new phases using genetic algorithms, and theoretical analysis of surface/molecular interactions on the surface of supra-ceramics. In addition, a reliable “compass (guideline)” is indispensable to explore the unexplored field of supra-ceramic materials. Through collaboration between research groups in this research area, we would like to construct a “supra-ceramics database” based on theoretical calculations and experiments, and to conduct highly efficient and predictive material design and material exploration by making full use of Materials Informatics (MI) and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

B03 | Publicly offered research (2023-2024)

  • Kotaro Fujii

    Assistant professor
    Institute of Science Tokyo

    Elucidating the mechanism of function expression in superceramics through structural analysis

  • Ken Onda

    Professor
    Kyushu University

    Dynamic processes in superceramics revealed by wide-time-range multiwavelength spectroscopy

  • Hiroki Yamada

    Researcher
    SPring-8

    Elucidation of the formation mechanism of complex glasses by in-situ PDF analysis and machine-learning modeling

C01 | Exploring physical properties of supra-ceramics

Satoshi Horike, Professor

Principal Investigator
Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University

We will develop physical properties and functions specific to supra-ceramics. In particular, we aim to understand and control phase transition phenomena and mechanical properties of materials, which are clearly distinguished from those of conventional ceramics composed of a single element, using various analytical techniques. For example, we will extend the conventional idea of ceramics as hard and isotropic by developing supra-ceramics that exhibit a melting point below 300 ºC and softness (elasticity) comparable to that of organic polymers. The superior properties of these supra-ceramics are expected in the bulk and at interfaces. Functions such as conductivity, optical properties, and reaction selectivity are linked to the anisotropy and responsiveness of the introduced molecular units, as well as to non-equilibrium phenomena. By manipulating not only the microscale structure design but also the microscale material geometry, we will discover and deepen our understanding of new phenomena such as the rectification of ion transport and superconductivity at the inorganic-organic interface. With these unique operating principles, supra-ceramics can provide new value as new materials for solving energy and environmental problems, such as batteries and catalysts.

C02 | Creating new functions for supra-ceramics

Kazuhiko Maeda, Professor

Principal Investigator
School of Science, Tokyo Institute of Technology

Expectations are growing for breakthroughs in the field of materials science to solve the problems of resources, energy, and health. Inorganic materials with molecular units (molecular ions, complexes, clusters, etc.) are known as “supra-ceramics,” and the emergent fusion of inorganic materials and molecular units enables them to perform functions that they would not be able to perform on their own. For example, the hybridization of the solid photocatalyst C₃N₄ and Ru molecular complex enables visible light CO₂ conversion at room temperature and pressure, which could not be achieved by each alone. In addition, transition metal fluorides have been shown to have high battery capacity comparable to existing lithium batteries due to the formation of molecular ion species in the crystals. This research group will collaborate with the synthesis group to construct a material system with the rectification of electron transfer by utilizing the structural anisotropy (hierarchical structure) and chemical diversity of the supra-ceramics derived from molecular components. In collaboration with the C01 group, which is exploring physical properties, we will develop high-performance photocatalysts with suppressed electron-hole recombination, secondary battery materials with the high-speed and high-stability operation, and biofunctional materials with both anti-infective properties and bone regeneration capabilities. We will create innovative functions unique to supra-ceramics containing molecular units, such as highly selective conversion of low concentrations of carbon dioxide, which has not been possible with conventional ceramics. Furthermore, we will analyze the structure-function relationship by evaluating the functions of new materials produced in the area, identify promising materials, and provide guidelines for the design of supra-ceramics for the expression of their functions.

C03 | Publicly offered research (2023-2024)

  • Ryota Sakamoto

    Professor
    Tohoku University

    Realization of "Exospheric Superceramics" by Molecular Nanosheets

  • Naoki Ogiwara

    Assistant professor
    The University of Tokyo

    POM@MOF superceramics open up the concerted functions of electrons and ions

  • Masaya Shimabukuro

    Assistant professor
    Institute of Science Tokyo

    Development of photothermal antibacterial bioceramics for infection control in bone regions

  • Tatsuto Yui

    Associate professor
    Niigata University

    Concert effect of distorted molecules and supra-ceramics

  • Minoru Nohara

    Professor
    Hiroshima University

    Chemical actuators utilizing bond formation and breaking of phosphorus molecules in crystals

  • Atsushi Sakuda

    Associate professor
    Osaka Metropolitan University

    Metal polysulfide supra ceramics

  • Daisuke Tanaka

    Professor
    Kwansei Gakuin University

    Development of Innovative Catalysts for Carbon Dioxide Reduction Composed of Semiconductor Coordination Polymers

  • Yumiko Nakajima

    Professor
    Institute of Science Tokyo

    Arrangement of metal catalyst species using mesoporous organosilica as a template and exploration of catalytic functions

  • Mio Kondo (Collaborator)

    Professor
    Institute of Science Tokyo

    Creation of superceramic catalysts by introducing conductive intermolecular gaps into polynuclear metal complexes

  • Koji Taniguchi (Collaborator)

    Professor
    Institute of Science Tokyo

    Exploration of non-inversion symmetry-induced physical properties in inner-sphere superceramics incorporating chiral molecular ions