Kiriya Lab

AboutAbout the lab

Thinking from the interface where organic meets inorganic

The Kiriya Lab studies the interfaces formed when two or more materials come into contact, from an interdisciplinary perspective that combines multiple fields.
It focuses in particular on combining molecular materials (organic materials) with inorganic materials.
Molecular materials are soft and highly varied, while inorganic materials are hard, show high values for physical properties, and serve as building blocks of electronic devices.
By combining the two, the lab aims to create highly functional devices with spontaneity, devices that respond to stimuli and their environment, and quantum properties and quantum devices.

ResearchResearch themes

The lab studies hybrids of molecular (organic) and inorganic materials, and the interfaces at their boundaries. Drawing on a hybrid perspective that spans chemistry, materials science, physics, quantum engineering, electronics, fluid engineering, and biophysics, it explores new scientific phenomena, materials, and devices.

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Transforming Two-Dimensional Semiconductors with Molecular Interfaces↗

The lab approaches two-dimensional inorganic materials, which are only a few atoms thick as a monolayer, by creating interfaces with molecules, a perspective different from conventional semiconductor technology. It found that joining molecules to the two-dimensional semiconductor MoS2 greatly changes its internal electron concentration, converting its behavior from semiconducting to metallic.

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Spontaneously Formed Electronic Junctions↗

Using the spontaneity that comes from the fluidity of molecules, the lab is attempting to develop systems in which junction structures form through natural mechanisms. It found that assembled films of viologen molecules, which are electron donors, spontaneously form patterns on the surface of a two-dimensional semiconductor.

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Creating Aligned Assemblies↗

The lab uses the surfaces of two-dimensional materials and fluid flow fields as new places for making materials. It demonstrated that on MoS2, gold nanowires grow in a direction that reflects the crystal lattice, and that in microchannels, molecules and nanomaterials assemble along the direction of flow.

VoicesStudent voices

Compiled from answers by students who were in the lab. Ratings and reviews reflect individual students' experiences, not the lab's official views.

Students who take part in an interview may receive a thank-you gift worth ¥1,000, regardless of what they say.