Nanomaterials

In recent years, the development of control and functionalization of materials at the molecular and atomic levels has become increasingly important. A great deal of attention has been focused on topics of basic research that have applications in a diverse array of fields. Such topics include microstructured nanotubes, new carbon-based materials such as fullerenes, cluster structures achieved by self-organization in polymer materials, and channel structures in the transport mechanisms of biological substances.

Important theoretical research has focused on the analysis of protein structures and examination of the design and function of nanostructures through computer simulation of biologically derived substances. For example, understanding the relationship between membrane structures and separating functions in separating processes requires an understanding of the constituent transport properties in high-order structures at the nanolevel of the separating membrane . From a molecular perspective, the synthesis of substances and the interaction of microscopic elements are extremely important in material design.

In the Nanomaterials Section, research is conducted on functional materials, including nanostructured particles, thin membranes, and cluster materials, as well as on the advanced expression and functional control of cellular structures and the functions of metallic, organic, and compound materials.