Research Interests
Our research group primarily focuses on the development of photoactive materials based on the synthesis of organic and organometallic compounds. Additionally, our research interests extend to carborane chemistry and the development of hydrogen storage materials.
1. Organic Electronics: OLEDs & Solar cells
For more than a decade, we has focused on the investigation of organic and organometallic materials for use in organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) and solar cells.
Our most recent research centers on harnessing hot excitons through energy transfer mechanisms at elevated energy levels for application in OLED devices.
2. Artificial Photosynthesis
Our research specifically aims to elucidate the mechanism of water splitting at hydrogen generation catalysts, employing transient experiments to examine the processes that occur subsequent to the absorption of sunlight by molecules in aqueous environments, which subsequently facilitate electron transfer.
In particular, we are investigating high-efficiency solar-driven hydrogen production in water by analyzing the structure-property relationships between organic dyes and photocatalysts.
3. Optical Chemosensors for Detecting Volatile Organic Compounds
Our research focuses on the development and optimization of optical chemosensors for the selective detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
We aim to enhance sensor sensitivity and specificity through novel material design and photonic integration, with applications in environmental monitoring, industrial safety, and health diagnostics.
4. New LOHC materials for hydrogen-based society
Our research is centered on the development of new liquid organic hydrogen carrier (LOHC) materials to facilitate the efficient storage and transport of hydrogen.
We aim to optimize the thermodynamic properties and kinetics of these materials to support the transition to a hydrogen-based society, focusing on sustainability and scalability for various applications.