Division of Environmental Chemistry
    This research group aims to contribute to the development of a sustainable society through fundamental studies such as structural characterization and dynamics of solutions and polymers, biogeochemistry in the hydrosphere, and biotechnology with useful enzymes and microorganisms.

    Molecular Materials Chemistry

    Prof KAJI, Hironori (D Eng)
    Our research interests are to understand the functions of organic materials, especially organic LED materials, at the molecular level.  We fabricate organic LEDs by newly synthesized materials not only to produce excellent light-emitting and charge-transport properties but also to clarify the relation between the properties and the structures analyzed by solid-state NMR and quantum chemical calculations.
    Solid-state NMR spectra of light-emitting organic LED materials, Alq3.  The isomeric states of Alq3 determine the fluorescence wavelengths.

    Hydrospheric Environment Analytical Chemistry

    Prof SOHRIN, Yoshiki (D Sc)
    (1) Biogeochemistry of trace elements in the hydrosphere: Novel analytical methods are developed for trace elements and their isotopes (TEIs). Distribution of TEIs in the hydrosphere and its effects on ecosystem are elucidated. TEIs are also utilized for investigating hydrothermal activity, deep biosphere and paleoocean.
    (2) Ion recognition: Novel ligands and ion recognition systems are designed, synthesized and characterized.
    Sampling of seawater in the Pacific Ocean

    Solution and Interface Chemistry

    Prof HASEGAWA, Takeshi (D Sc)

    Two-dimensional molecular aggregate is a unique chemical field, in which molecular interactions and the substrate surface dominantly influence the molecular structure and properties. To understand the chemical structure, property and reactions in an ultrathin film, the keywords of molecular interactions and orientation are additionally employed, and the fluctuated molecular aggregates are investigated by originally developed spectroscopic and theoretical techniques.
    A polymeric compound spontaneously forms double-strand helices with a perpendicular stance to the substrate. When a minute amount of water is added to the polymer, the helices come apart to be fully extended.

    Molecular Microbial Science

    Assoc Prof KURIHARA, Tatsuo (D Eng)

    (1) Studies on the molecular basis of environmental adaptation of extremophiles and their applications. (2) Mechanistic analysis of the enzymes with unique catalytic properties and their applications. (3) Studies on the interaction between lipids and proteins in biological membranes. (4) Studies on the physiological function of trace elements.
    Function of phospholipids containing polyunsaturated fatty acid in the cell membrane of cold-adapted bacteria