Summary

This research aims to develop new applications of LEDs, which are one of the key technology in Tokushima Prefecture. Light emitted by LEDs can be used in various forms, including ultraviolet light sources, white light sources similar to sunlight, or (ultraviolet) laser light sources and (ultraviolet) pulse laser light sources. By using this light energy, which possesses unique characteristics and can be called “designer light”, in fine organic synthesis, polymer synthesis, and functional material synthesis, environmentally-friendly production processes for intelligent materials with diverse functions and properties are developed. Currently, foregoing usage of LED light includes illumination, decoration, display, and communication, and development of further application is now underway. LED light is a green and highly-efficient energy source, and this research aims towards controlled use of LED light as an energy source that will produce useful compounds and functional materials. This research will open up a new phase in the applications of LEDs.

Supervisors (Representative*) :

Yasuhiko Kawamura*, Koichi Ute, Yasushi Imada, Keiji Minagawa, Tomohiro Hirano, Masaki Nishiuchi, Miyuki Oshimura, Yukihiro Arakawa

Research topics

1. Research on Reaction Intermediates and Material Transformation upon Photoirradiation
   1-1　Outline

   This research is aimed at the specific chemical transformations and functionalization of molecules upon photoirradiation. Also, by exploring the reaction mechanisms, valuable chemical transformation processes will be created.

   
   1-2　Keywords

   Photochemical reaction, photoirradiation, molecular transformation, functionalization, reaction intermediate, reaction mechanism

   
   1-3　Supervisors

   Yasuhiko Kawamura*, Masaki Nishiuchi

    

2. Molecular Structure Control of Polymers Using Photoinitiated Radical Polymerization
   2-1　Outline

   Improvements in the characteristics of polymeric materials are constantly being sought. It is particularly difficult to control the primary structure of a polymer, such as molecular weight and stereoregularity, by radical polymerization. However, in recent years, a method for simultaneously controlling molecular weight and stereoregularity using radical polymerization has emerged. The key to this method is the use of an LED light source. Also, using methods such as multivariate analysis to analyze the characteristics of polymers, this research pioneers new methods of polymer synthesis.

   
   2-2　Keywords

   Photoinitiated radical polymerization, polymeric material, molecular weight distribution, stereoregularity, LED light source

   
   2-3　Supervisors

   Koichi Ute*, Tomohiro Hirano, Miyuki Oshimura

    

3. Research on Control of Mechanical Properties of Stimuli-Responsive Material and Its Application
   3-1　Outline

   This group will synthesize materials whose properties change reversibly in response to external stimuli such as temperature, chemical environment, and electric field. In particular, development of basic properties aimed at controlling mechanical properties, such as viscoelasticity, and development of applications will be carried out.

   
   3-2　Keywords

   ER fluid, stimuli-responsive gel, drug delivery

   
   3-3　Supervisors

   Keiji Minagawa*, Yasushi Imada

    

4. Research on Development of Environmentally Friendly Molecular Transformations Triggered by Photoactivation of Catalyst with LED Light
   4-1　Outline

   This research aims to develop environmentally benign molecular transformations using LED light. Photoactivation of catalysts with LED light will make it possible to construct a novel catalytic cycle for green and highly efficient molecular transformations.

   
   4-2　Keywords

   Molecular catalyst, photoactivation, LED light source, environmentally friendly molecular transformation

   
   4-3　Supervisors

   Yasushi Imada*, Yukihiro Arakawa