2024

I n stitu te f or Mat e rials Ch e m is tr y a nd E ngi ne e r i ng
Kyu sh u U n iv e rs it yIn st i t u te f o r Mater ials Chem is tr y a n d En gin eerin g
Ky u s h u U n i ve r s ity

2GreetingSince its inception 20 years ago, the Institute for Materials Chemistry and Engineering (IMCE) at Kyushu University has beencommitted to producing world-class research results in the interdisciplinary field of materials chemistry. While continuallystrengthening our fundamental research capabilities, we consistently aim to fulfill our crucial mission: to respond to thediverse and evolving needs of society with state-of-the-art scientific and technological prowess. As outlined in our 4th Midterm Plan, which began in 2022, the overall objective of the institute is to contribute to the development of interdisciplinary
fields in materials science and chemistry, and to establish research bases that lead internationally. Specifically, our missions
include:1. Conducting research that ranges from the fundamental to the applied, all the way to societal implementation, whilebolstering and fostering collaborations with both domestic and international research institutions.
2. Contributing to the achievement of a decarbonized society through innovations in materials chemistry and by extending
our research capabilities into fields such as energy, environment, and life sciences.
3. Promoting advanced, interdisciplinary collaborative research in the field of materials and devices as a cooperative
research base.
The Institute comprises four research departments: Fundamental Organic Chemistry, Applied Molecular Chemistry,Integrated Materials, and Advanced Device Materials. These departments focus on various aspects of materials chemistry,including molecules, molecular and atomic assemblies, nanomaterials, and advanced device materials. Since 2015, wehave strategically advanced international collaborative research and bolstered our international capacities by establishing
the Division of Soft Materials. Our institute is an active participant in the MEXT’s ‘Network Joint Research Center for
Materials and Devices’. We maintain close collaborations with institutions such as RIES (Hokkaido University), IMRAM(Tohoku University), CLS (Tokyo Institute of Technology), and SANKEN (Osaka University). This collaboration has allowed
us to establish a comprehensive network across Japan, annually conducting over 400 joint research projects. Researchers
from universities and research institutions nationwide are encouraged to participate in joint research initiatives at our bases.
In order to ensure the continued scientific and technological prowess, industrial strength, and international competitivenessof Japan, it is crucial to nurture the next generation of young researchers who will advance fundamental research. We
cooperate closely with several faculties, including the Graduate School of Engineering, the Graduate School of Science, theInterdisciplinary Graduate School of Engineering Sciences, and the Graduate School of Integrated Frontier Sciences.
Together, we provide interdisciplinary research guidance in graduate education, leveraging the unique characteristics of theinstitute. Our goal is to foster the development of human resources, enabling young researchers to fully exhibit their abilities
based on their own innovative ideas. Our attractive research organization and cutting-edge research environment are readyand eager to welcome many undergraduates, graduate students, and young researchers to the Institute for Materials
Chemistry and Engineering.

D ire c tor

S hi yo s h i YOKOYA M A

3About IMCE
Organization
Division of Fundamental Organic Chemistry

Division of Advanced Device Materials

Nanomaterials and Interfaces

Nano Scale Evaluation

Theoretical Chemistry

Photonic Materials

Molecular Materials Chemistry

Carbon Materials Science

Chemistry of Functional Molecules

Energy Storage Materials

Advanced Organic Synthesis

Microprocess Control

Division of Applied Molecular Chemistry

Division of Soft Materials

Chemistry of Molecular AssemblySoft Materials Chemistry

System of Functional Molecules

Nano-bio Device

Biomedical and Biophysical Chemistry

Mechanobio-materials

Hybrid Molecular Assemblies

Evaluation Center of Materials Properties and Function

Theoretical Molecular Science

Office of Research Support

Inorganic Materials Chemistry
Division of Integrated Materials
Design of Nano-systems
Nanostructured Integrated Materials
Heterogeneous Integrated Materials
Nanoscale Characterization of Materials

CampusThe Institute conducts research on two campuses.

Chikushi

ItoInter-university Research Project
The institute is participating in the following projects and promoting collaborative research.
Network Joint Research Center for Materials and Devices

We are carrying out a joint research project with the RIES of Hokkaido University, the IMRAM of Tohoku University,
the LCS of Tokyo Institute of Technology and the ISIR of Osaka University to promote research on materials anddevices.
Crossover Alliance to Create the Future with People, Intelligence and Materials

We are promoting a joint research among five research institutes of NJRC. Researchers are divided into fourgroups, and we are promoting collaborative research that spans across fields and institutes.
Integrated Research Consortium on Chemical Sciences

We are collaborating with the ICAT of Hokkaido University, the RCMS of Nagoya University, the IRCELS of Kyoto
University to promote research in chemical sciences and aim to establish a world-class research hub.

4Research Field
Nanomaterials and Interfaces
Our group is studying about the interfacial phenomena between metals, metaloxides, semiconductors and soft materials in nanoscale. Our research target is
not only to investigate new physicochemical phenomena on cutting edge ofinterdisciplinary field of science, but also to develop the new concept for future
green and bio-technologies. Our topics include (1) Collective plasmon excitation
on 2D crystalline sheets composed of Au and Ag nanoparticles, (2) Highsensitive biosensor and high resolution bioimaging by use of localized surface
plasmons, (3) Surface plasmon enhanced optoelectric devices such as LED andphotovoltaic cells.
Assistant Professor

Yuto KAJINO

Interfacial Reaction between Nanomaterials
2D and 3D Self-assembly of Molecules and Particles
Ag Nanoparticle 2D Crystalline Sheet

・2D Ag Nanoparticle sheets・Electromagnetically induced transparency

DNA
ProteinCell
銀微粒子の製造方法. 特許4415083

High-resolution imaging
using a gold-nanoparticle sheet

Observation of cell-attached nano-interface (~ 10 nm)
which cannot be observedby conventional TIRF

Professor

Associate Professor

Kaoru TAMADA

Yusuke ARIMA

Interfacial design

Surface functionalization of
artificial materials and living
cells to control biologicalresponses

Cell membrane

Nanopore Device
・Shape analysis
・Surface molecule
analysis

Theoretical Chemistry
Our research group uses quantum mechanics to look at the electronic properties
and reactivity of molecules and molecular assemblies. We are interested in a
detailed understanding of structure-function relationships in a wide range ofsubjects in chemistry, material science, and biochemistry. The creation of newconcepts and findings based on quantum chemistry is our main interest.

Assistant Professor

Yosuke SUMIYA

Associate Professor

Yoshihito SHIOTA

Molecular Materials Chemistry
A reversible tuning and a persistent modification of physical properties byexternal stimuli are one of the main challenges in materials science.Especially,
photo-control over the physical properties is important from the viewpoint of thepractical application as well as the basic science. The photo-tunable compounds
can be used future memory devices, optical switches and so on. Along this line,
we are currently studying photo-tunable molecular magnets, valence tautomericcompounds, spin-crossover complexes and photonic crystals.

Assistant Professor

Shinji KANEGAWA
Assistant Professor

Shu-Qi WU
Research Assistant Professor

Shengqun SU
Professor

Osamu SATO

5

Chemistry of Functional Molecules
We create novel transition metal catalysts which can realize high activity andselectivity, and develop highly efficient and practical synthetic organic reactions,such as C-H transformations. We also create high-performance organic functional
materials, such asπ-conjugated molecules and polymers. We aim to solve energy
and environmental problems through these projects. (1) Creation of highperformance catalysts (2) Development of novel and practical synthetic organic
reactions, such as C-H bond transformations (3) Creation of novel organic
functional materials
Assistant Professor

Kohei SEKINE

Professor

Yoichiro KUNINOBUAdvanced Organic Synthesis
Design and Synthesis of Bioactive Small Molecules
Organic Chemistry & Molecular Biology

Natural Product
Synthesis

Functional
Organic Molecule

Triptycenes⇒Organic materials

Stemonamine

Functional Reactive Species

Tandem Reaction, Torquoselective Olefination

Assistant Professor

Plant Regulator

gravitropism
inhibition

Takayuki IWATA
cis-Cinnamic acid（root growth andgravitropism inhibitor）

G

BMA（root gravitropism
inhibitor）

C a n c e r
Splenocyte assay (IFN-γ secretion)

controlBlue Native PAGE (self made gel, 12%)

Mitsuru SHINDO

Arihiro KANO

Culture for 2-day

Chemistry of Molecular Assembly
Synthes is and function of supramolecular structures: molecular tubes, capsules,
photo-swichable chiral hosts. Construction of bi-stable molecular aggregates via
cooperative hydrogen bonding: Exploration of their nonlinear phenomena.
Organic synthesis via photochemical reactions. Synthesis and properties of new
cyclophanes and their application to molecular wires. Synthesis, structure, andfunction of thermo-responsive triblock polymers.

Assistant Professor

Kenta GOTO

Associate Professor

Fumito TANI

6

IFN-γ assay

100
75

120
100

50

SDS-PAGE% secretion of IFN-γ

4T1 cell-conditioned medium

Associate Professor

m/kDa

P<0.05140

Splenocytes

80
60
40
20
0
0d

7d

Detection ofTumor associatedmacrophages

Identification of
immunosuppressive factors

Immunosuppression
by cancer cells
P<0.052~3 week

Bongkrekic acidB i o l o g y

160

Transplanttumor cells

Professor

Inhibitor of
mitochondrial ATP
generation

Synthetic Organic Chemistry
for Life Science

14dDays after transplant

21d

37
25
20
15
10

7
6

5
1

2

10

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CD204-PE

Our research group designs and synthesizes useful bioactive organic molecules
based on synthetic organic chemistry, and develops novel and effective synthetic
methods. Recent studies: (1) synthesis of apoptosis inhibitors, antitumor agents,
and plant growth regulators; (2) new synthetic methods using ynolates; (3)synthesis of functional iptycenes; (4) molecular release reactions; (5) elucidationof the cancer-induced immunosuppression; (6) generation of anticancer reagentsbased on the novel mechanistic insights.

4

Alexa488-rProtein

System of Functional Molecules
Three-dimensional molecular design is important for creation of novel molecularfunctionality. We are focusing on the design of unique chiral molecules and theconstruction of novel chiral architecture based on these. Our recent works are (1)asymmetric synthesis of chiral organosilicon compounds and creation of novel
chiral material based on this, (2) Creation of planar chiral heterocylic compounds
and development of novel chiral-technology based on this.

Dynamic Chiral Molecules

Addition-type Ozone Oxidation

Chiral Silicon Molecules

Molecular Connector DACN

Assistant Professor

Yuya KAWASAKI
Assistant Professor

Tatsuya MORI** Cross Apointment
Special Project
Professor

Development of New Fields in Organic Chemistrywith New Molecules and Reactions

Katsuhiko TOMOOKA

Biomedical and Biophysical Chemistry
Our lab works for the development of high-functional biomaterials/biomolecularsystems such as cell manipulation matrices and molecular recognition devices.
To effectively design such the systems, deep understandings for the biophysicalprinciples on various aspects of the biosystems are required. We are trying toelucidate the inter-hierarchical crosstalk mechanisms in the biosystems, and to
apply those to develop the novel nanobiotechnology.

Assistant Professor

Thasaneeya KUBOKI

Professor

Associate Professor

Satoru KIDOAKI

Hirohiko ISE

Hybrid Molecular Assemblies
We have tried to make nano-structure controlled brand-new polymer materials
with various high properties and functionals based on polymer chemistry, which
includes polymer synthesis, elucidation of structure-properties relationship.
Followings are some examples. (1) In situ structure analysis under external
stimuli of crystalline and amorphous polymers, and elastomers using synchrotron
X-ray scattering/diffraction measurement, birefringence measurement, andinfrared spectroscopy, (2) mechanical and fatigue properties of single lap-jointsof adhesive, (3) preparation of toughened polymers, (4) quantitative evaluation ofheterogeneous structure of elastomers based on complex network science.

Associate Professor

Ken KOJIO

7

Theoretical Molecular Science
Conformational dynamics and fluctuations are essential for molecules to react
and function in condensed phase. As molecular understanding of these motions
are difficult to reach via experiments, our lab use computer simulations andtheoretical analyses to study chemical reactions and conformational transitions ofmolecules in solution. The goal is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms thatlead to functions of biomolecules and macromolecules. We also develop
theoretical approaches to reveal the hierarchy of events that occur in condensed
phase.
Assistant Professor

Kyohei KAWASHIMA** Special Project

Associate Professor

Toshifumi MORI

Inorganic Materials Chemistry
Our group are developing new functional chemicals and materials that takeadvantage of the characteristics of various elements. In particular, we aredeveloping the nanoscale materials which exhibit high functionality in physicalproperties such as energy/chemical conversion (catalysis), energy storage(hydrogen storage), and mass transport (ion/atom diffusion, quantum diffusion)
to build a sustainable chemical process that saves energy and resources.

New functions created by advanced use ofinterfacial dynamics of energy & chemicals
Enhancement in coupling of chemical and clean energy
at nanometer-scale solid interface regions✔H2: Green energetic material✔ Low emission & low energy consumption✔High performance: high selectivity, chirality
High functionality created on nano interfaces
Morphology

Assistant Professor

In situ observation

Masaki DONOSHITA
Assistant Professor

Tomohiro NOGUCHI*

Composition・structure

Assistant Professor

Akihiko ANZAI*
Professor* Special Project

Miho YAMAUCHI

With Division
Our research interests center on the application of biologically inherited system
to energy storage. Life has selected specific elements including sodium,
potassium and chlorine as a charge carrier to maintain homeostasis and adapt
to environmental stress by adjusting its membrane potential. We are currently
studying physicochemical properties of novel aqueous as well as solid electrolytecomposed of these privileged elements and biomolecules. Our ultimate goal is
to develop a robust and easier-to-recycle secondary battery, which may contributeto the promotion of distributed energy resources.

Associate Professor

Masato ITO

8MOLECULAR CROWDING AND ENERGY STORAGE

５Å

１６Å

MOF-cathodeelectrolyte with a molecular crowding effect

MOF-anodeDesign of Nano-systems
Molecular self-assembly, which is an interdisciplinary subject extending overchemistry, physics and biology, derives the spontaneous nano-ordering being
able to contribute much to key technologies of the bottom-up type electric andphotonic devices. The focus of our studies is creating novel soft-matter withunique photonic structures and functionality through chemical and physicalprogramming of topological frustration for the molecular assembling geometry of
liquid crystals and polymers. We have developed novel functional materials
showing fast electro-optics and photo-controllable photonic band.
Research Assistant Professor

Hiroyuki MATSUKIZONO

Professor

Associate Professor

Hirotsugu KIKUCHI

Yasushi OKUMURA

Nanostructured Integrated Materials
Our laboratory aims to 1) synthesize novel nanostructured materials, 2) explore
the novel nanoscale physical properties using single nanoscale object device,
and 3) develop these novel materials for real industrial applications.

Professor

Professor

Associate Professor

Takeshi YANAGIDA* Johnny Chung Yin HO* Sen Po YIP* Cross Apointment

Heterogeneous Integrated Materials
Our laboratory aims to synthesize new materials based on synthetic organic
chemistry, polymer chemistry, and electro-chemistry. In particular we aredeveloping 1) solution-processable organic-electronics materials for OLED
application, and 2) cathode materials for next-generation secondary batteries.

Assistant Professor

Kohei NAKAO** Special Project

Associate Professor

Ken ALBRECHT

9

Nanoscale Characterization of Materials
Focus on developing and utilizing advanced transmission electron microscopy,
so-called “in-situ nanoimaging” to visualize investigate how materials response toexternal stimuli, i.e., heat, light, stress; such findings provide direct proof ofunderlying-mechanisms behind complex phenomena, and enhance
understanding of macro-scale properties. Real-time nanoimaging demands
hundreds or thousands of times faster data acquisition methods than conventional
TEM imaging, which motivates us to strive novel methodology developments
such as machine-learning-assisted image denoising for ultrafast 3D nanoimaging.
Our unique imaging capabilities/expertise will unveil various physical/chemical
phenomena at the nanoscale.

ü Exploring newmaterials/structures

Real time observation of materialinternal behaviors

ü Visualizing material
functionality andinternal behaviors
ü Developing novel
nanoimaging
techniques

Ultrafast 3D nanoimaging assisted
by machine learning

Assistant Professor

Shiro IHARA

Professor

Associate Professor

Mitsuhiro MURAYAMA*

Hikaru SAITO

Exploring unique physicalphenomena induced by electron
beam & their applications for novel
electron microscopy* Cross Apointment

Nano Scale Evaluation
Our research project is focused on creation of organic and polymer photonic
materials and devices based on molecular building blocks and nano-micro-scale
device fabrications. Research interest is in the demonstrating the potential ofhigh-performance polymer materials for revolutionary components and devices.
These include polymer photonic crystal devices leading to a large reduction in
operating energies.

Assistant Professor

Hiromu SATO

Professor

Associate Professor

Shiyoshi YOKOYAMA Guowei LU

Photonic Materials
This research section has been pioneering the R&D of organic electronics
including organic electroluminescence (EL) devices, organic solar cells, organic
transistors and organic memories. The R&D activity is divided to three groups,
device structure, high performance materials and fabrication processes tounderstand comprehensive organic electronics. Organic semiconductors havesignificant advantages, ex. flexibility and printability. Utilizing the advantages, newclasses of electronic devices are being developed.

Associate Professor

Katsuhiko FUJITA

10

Carbon Materials Science
We develop new functional carbon materials for effective usages of energy
resources and study their industrial applications. For example, we fabricate
carbon nano-fibers (CNFs) having different shape, size, and surface properties,
and optimize them for applications such as FC, LIB, and capacitor. We havefound remarkably improved performance and durability for systems using our
newly developed carbon materials, and have presented many patents andscientific papers. We are actively collaborating with various companies, andworking on commercialization of our products.

Professor

Associate Professor

Associate Professor

Seong-Ho YOON

Jin MIYAWAKI

Koji NAKABAYASHIEnergy Storage Materials
Energy conversion devices using electrochemical reactions, such as batteries,
have become indispensable in present society. Not only high performance but
also sustainable development is required, and new device corresponding to it isnecessary. Our aim is to develop such new battery materials and battery systems
from the standpoint of material chemistry and electrochemistry. Currently, ourmain research fields are; (1) Development of new materials for cation-shuttle
batteries: sulfur-based positive electrode materials, Li, Na conductive solid
electrolyte (2) Development of new anion-shuttle batteries and materials: fluoride/
chloride ion shuttle batteries

Professor

Associate Professor

Hikari SAKAEBE

Atsushi INOISHI

Sustainable system
and materials- Fe, F, Cl, S, Na…

FeF3

Fe

Microprocess Control
Main purpose: development of thermochemical reaction systems for converting
carbon resources such as coal, biomass and wastes into H2/CO that is to be thecommon energy/material platform in future sustainable carbon cycle chemistry(SC3) systems. Current topics: detailed chemical kinetic analysis and modeling,
sequencing of parallel/consecutive thermo-chemical reactions of coal andbiomass, conversion of heavy oil and tar in nano/sub-nano spaces, radi-caldriven rapid gasification of carbonized solids, pre-cise control of chemical vapor
infiltration processes.
Assistant Professor

Syusaku ASANO
Research Assistant Professor

Urampully Muhammed
ASHIK
Professor

Associate Professor

Jun-ichiro HAYASHI

Shinji KUDO

11

Soft Materials Chemistry
In order to attain the high “quality of life (QOL)”in aged society, the breakthroughin the research field of biomaterials (bio-compatible materials) is required. Our
research aim to clarify the origin of bio-compatibility based on the role of hydrated
water on bio/material interfaces, and to develop novel biomaterials with extremely
high bio-compatibility, selective control of cell behavior.

Design of Highly Functionalized Bio-Compatible Materials
based on Hydration Structure Control at Bio-Interfaces
Medical use
カテーテル（医療用チューブ）

人工心肺

Protein

Cell Hydration
layer

Nonfreezing
water

Free
water

Intermediate waterP o ly m e r S y n t h e s i s

PMEA

Move

世界シェアＮｏ．1

In t e r f a c i a l
A n a ly s i s

AFM

Assistant Professor

RemoveExtendIksung CHO
Reseach Associate Professor

Add

ProteinForce Measurement
Hybridize“I nt er m ed ia t e W a t er Co ncep t ”

Shingo KOBAYASHIC e l l - M a t e r i a l In t e r a c t i o n

Associate Professor

Circulating
Tumor Cells（CTC）

Junjie LI*
Professor

Associate Professor

Masaru TANAKA

Takahisa ANADA

Early stage cancer diagnosis* Special Project

Nano-bio Device

Professor（Dual Post）

Kaoru TAMADA
Associate Professor（Dual Post）

Yusuke ARIMA

Mechanobio-materials

Professor（Dual Post）

Satoru KIDOAKI
Assistant Professor（Dual Post）

Thasaneeya KUBOKI

12

Capture of rare
CTCs in blood

3D culture Regenerative
medicine

QCM

Office of Research Support
Staff members are dedicated to research support tasks, including managing
and operating large analytical equipment, as well as environmental and safety
management. They possess advanced knowledge of their assigned analyticalmethods and provide guidance and education on measurement methods tousers. Additionally, they actively handle advanced measurement contract analysis
from researchers within and outside the institute, as well as from companies.

Senior Technician

Mitsutaka UMEDU
Senior Technician

Keiko IDETA
Senior Technician

Taisuke MATSUMOTO
Senior Technician

Takeshi TANAKA
Technician

Kanako IMAMURA

13

Shared Instruments & Affiliate Subdivisions
Shared Instruments
The institute is promoting the sharing of large equipment owned by the institute through collaborative research and joint usage programs.
Evaluation Office of Materials Properties and Function operates and manages the equipment, and actively responds to inquiries andcommissioned analyses from both internal and external researchers and companies.
1

2

1.

3

Solid and liquid nuclear magnetic resonance

2. Solid nuclear magnetic resonance3. Transmission electron microscope
4. Single crystal X-ray structure analysis
5. X-ray diffractometer
6. Small angle X-ray scattering
7.

Scanning electron microscope

8. Double focusing mass spectrometry
9. Matrix assisted laser desorption ionization
time of flight mass spectrometry
Others・Electron spin resonance・Cold spray ionization mass spectrometry etc.

4

5

7

6

9

8

Affiliate Subdivisions
Each research field is affiliated with one of the academic departments or graduate schools. Undergraduate and master’s/doctoral students
conduct their research in one of the following departments or graduate schools.
CampusIto
Chikushi

14

Collaborating Departments
School of Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering / School of Science, Graduate School of Science
Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Engineering Sciences / Graduate School of Integrated Frontier Sciences

Access

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Institute for Materials Chemistry and Engineering, Kyushu University
Chikushi Campus 6-1 Kasuga koen, Kasuga-shi, Fukuoka 816-8580, Japan TEL&FAX +81-92-583-7839
Ito Campus
744 Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka 819-0935, Japan
TEL +81-92-802-2500 FAX +81-92-802-2501

https://en.cm.kyushu-u.ac.jp

April 1, 2024