Chemistry has been playing a core role in the modern material sciences. Chemists have been exploring the characteristics of materials and mechanisms of reactions, which have led to development of novel functional materials and technologies. Modern chemistry deals with broad subjects such as low-molecular weight artificial organic/inorganic molecules, synthetic polymers, and biomolecules as nucleic acids and proteins. We have seen a significant impact of basic chemistry on the development of functional materials and biotechnology, and it is of growing importance in resolution of environmental problems and realization of sustainable society. In this social context, intrinsic understanding of the chemical nature of materials is emphasized in our research and education in the Chemistry Program.

Research Topics

• Solution Chemistry Laboratory reported the local structure of Li⁺ in superconcentrated aqueous LiTFSA solutions, which are key materials for practical realization of aqueous lithium-ion batteries.
  → Prof. Umebayashi & Dr. Han
  → Original paper
• Molecular Chemistry Laboratory reported a novel methodology that enables real time observation of the number and mobility of careers photogenerated in organic solar cell materials.
  → Prof. Ikoma & Dr. Miura
  → Original paper
• Synthetic Organic Chemistry Laboratory released a review summarizing the recent advances in Sommelet-Hauser rearrangement, its main research area, and was published in Synthesis (Thieme Chemistry).
  → Prof. Tayama
  → Original paper
• Biological Chemistry Laboratory develops highly sensitive and selective molecules that can recognize biomolecules in vivo, which are expected to be novel drug discovery modalities. They recently reported G-quadruplex-based DNA aptamers for Mn²⁺ biosensor.
  → Prof. Chuman
  → Original paper

Faculty

Staff