FACULTY RESEARCH ACTIVITY 2014

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43Functional Polymer ScienceFunctional Polymer ScienceExploring applications of discotic liquid crystalline organic semiconductors in solar cellsDivision of Chemistry and MaterialsRecently, liquid crystals are being used in flat-panel televisions, a product that is very familiar to most consumers. Liquid crystals (LCs) normally have a rod-like molecular shape, so that they are known as rod-like LCs. However, some LCs are not only rod-like, but also disk-like, and these are known as discotic LCs. Although discotic LCs are not used in ordinary applications, they are expected to find application in other fields (for example, solar cells) that differ entirely from those of rod-like LCs. Consequently, discotic LCs are considered to have enormous future potential. In my lab, we study novel discotic LC semiconductors that are suitable for use in organic solar cells.Today’s solar cells use silicon, which is rigid and heavy. By contrast, if they could be replaced by organic thin lm solar cells, they would become exible and light. Were discotic LCs utilized in solar cells, their cost could be greatly reduced in mass production. Such solar cells would become a much more familiar product in the future.Outlook for researchIn my lab, students acquire extensive knowledge of both organic synthesis and the physical properties of functional materials. After their completion of a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral course, they will be able to work in both the chemical materials and electronic materials industries.Outlook for students after graduationDeveloping environmentally friendly organic materials that can be easily broken down and recycled after useDivision of Chemistry and MaterialsCleavable materials, which can be converted into non-toxic substances under mild conditions after use, have been receiving a great deal of attention. If materials can be broken down and recycled when needed, they are not only environmentally friendly, but also functional. I am pursuing research to add chemical degradability to commonly used organic materials such as surfactants and plastics.Professor Itoh took his current position in 2009 after serving in the Faculty of Textile Science and Technology at Shinshu University as an assistant professor and associate professor. His areas of research include synthetic polymer chemistry, photochemistry, and organic material chemistry.My lab is developing organic materials that can be quickly broken down and recycled after use through simple exposure to light or addition of weak acids or alkalis. The addition of such chemical degradability to commercial products will transform them into high-performance, eco-friendly materials that are available for use in numerous industrial elds and in everyday life.Outlook for researchMany graduates are employed by chemical companies in the manufacture of paints, adhesives, lms, plastics, and other products.Outlook for students after graduationKazuchika OhtaProfessorYoshihiro ItohProfessorImmediately after adding a small amount of a weak alkali to an aqueous surfactant (detergent) solution, bubbles disappear and solids (hydrolyzed product) precipitate.A student observes the texture of her synthesized discotic liquid crystalline semiconductor with a temperature-variable hot stage and a polarizing microscope.Photomicrographs of discotic liquid crystals. We enjoy working with their beautiful textures.6 μm 60 μm Micrograph of a latex paint-coated ber surfaceMicrograph of a latex paint-coated paper surfacePhotograph of carbon-black latex ink-coated paperAfter obtaining his Ph.D from Osaka University in March 1981, Professor Ohta worked for Toshiba Corporation from April 1981 to December 1982. He has been at Shinshu University’s Ueda Campus since December 1982 and currently serves as a professor. His research interests include supramolecular chemistry, physical chemistry of liquid crystals, organic materials for electronics, organic transition metal complexes, and microwave chemistry.Hydrolyzable surfactant-containing polymer particles (latex) are utilized as quick-drying water-based paints and pigment inks.

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