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Our research focuses on development of new functional polymers related to electrochemical, electronic, and optoelectronic applications. A totally organic polymer-based rechargeable battery composed of so-called “radical polymer” electrodes is one of our key accomplishments [1]. The plastic-based flexible battery has opened up new frontier of such redox-active polymers, and we have developed organic solar cells and resistive memories [2].
To encompass materials design criteria for these challenges, we have focused on the precise control of self-assembled nanostructures with well-defined morphology, their interface, and orientation. Block copolymers connecting two dissimilar polymer segments are our key targets, which self-assemble and yield nano- to meso-scaled structures such as spherical, cylindrical, bicontinuous, and lamellae morphologies. In view of macromolecular engineering, we have succeeded “domain-selective functionalization” utilizing precise polymerization technique, click chemistry, and ionic-liquid induced self-assembly toward organic electronic devices [3]. In combination with controlled photo-polymerization, we are challenging to produce unprecedented bi-continuous nanostructures. The obtained nano-structures provide new platform for charge-transport and -storage, novel optical coating, and smart coating. Through our projects covering from fundamental polymer chemistry to applied research in materials science, we aim to provide a better solution to the global market and global issues.
B. Eng. (Waseda Univ., 2003); Ph.D. (Waseda Univ., 2007); Research Associate, Dept of Applied Chem., Waseda Univ. (2005-07); Post-doctoral Research Associate, Dept of Chem., Virginia Tech. (2007-08); Research Associate/Research Assistant Professor, Research Inst. Sci. Eng., Waseda Univ. (2008-2012); Assistant Professor, Waseda Inst. for Adv. Study, Waseda Univ. (2012-16); Assistant Professor (tenured), Dept of Applied Chem., Waseda Univ. (2016-) ACS PMSE Division “Macro 2012 Lecture Award” in IUPAC World Polymer Congress (Macro 2012), (8 awardees out of 800 oral presentation, 2012); Award for Encouragement of Research in Polymer Science; The Society of Polymer Science, Japan (2013).
