Outline

We are focusing on the development of both low-energy high-performance nanodevices and nanoparticle catalysts for new energy source by controlling the primary (size, shape, composition, etc.) and secondary (regular ordering) structures of various inorganic nanoparticles.

Single Electron Tunneling Devices Using Small Metal Nanoparticles　　details

[Collaborator] Prof. Yutaka Majima Lab. at Tokyo Institute of Technology

We are aiming at fabrication of single electron tunneling devices, which can trasport the quantized number of electrons between electrodes, by using small metal nanoparticles with large charging energy as coulomb islands.

Application of Plasmonic and Semicondutor Nanoparticles to Optical Materials　　details

Plasmonic (Au, Ag) nanoparticles (superlattices) are applied to new chemical reactions induced by enhanced electric field and to non-linear optical devices. Also we synthesize high photoluminescent semiconducor nanoparticles.

High-Performance Magnetic Devices using Ferromagnetic Nanoparticles　　details

[Collaborator] Prof. Hiroshi Kitagawa at Kyushu University, TOYOTA Moor Corporation, Ltd.

We are aiming at fabrication of ultrahigh density magnetic recornding media and exchange-coupled nanocomposite mangets using ferromagnetic (FePt, CoPt, FePd) nanoparticles.

Phase-Segregation Control and Unique Properties of Inorganic Nanoparticles　　details

Phase-segregation manner is another parameter for determining the properties of inorganic nanoparticles. Anisotropically phase-segeregated inorganic nanoparticles are synthesized on a basis of seed-mediated growth method.

Nanoparticle Catalysts for Energy Conversion　　details

[Collaborator] Prof. Kazunari Domen at The University of Tokyo

We are synthesizing novel catalysts for energy conversion, such as water splitting by visible light and methanol steam reforming.

Large Scale Synthesis of Metal Clusters　　details

[Collaborator]Prof. Tatsuya Tsukuda at Hokkaido University

Depending the number of atoms, well-defined metal clusters have different geometric and electronic structures and show unique properties. We are conducting large scale synthesis and structural analysis of chemicall stable metal clusters.