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Kaneko Lab
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The lab connects a single molecule to electrodes to pioneer new nanomaterials.
AboutAbout the lab
Developing nanomaterials starting from single molecules
The Kaneko Lab focuses on the single molecule, the smallest unit from which matter is built, with the aim of developing new nanomaterials.
Using single-molecule junctions, in which one molecule is bridged between two electrodes, the lab examines electron flow and clarifies what happens at the interface between a metal and a molecule.
The lab develops its own measurement and analysis methods to identify, at the single-molecule level, where and how molecules are adsorbed.
Applications are expected in highly sensitive chemical sensors and in novel electronic devices that exploit molecular properties.
Key terms
- Single-molecule junction
- A structure in which just one molecule is connected to metal electrodes on both sides
- Surface-enhanced Raman scattering
- A phenomenon in which light is enhanced in gaps between metals, making it possible to measure even the vibrations of very small numbers of molecules
- Electron transport
- The flow of electrons through a material or across an interface
NewsLab news
Students' research published in J. Phys. Chem. Lett.
A student received an Excellent Presentation Award
Associate Professor Kaneko selected for Emerging Investigators 2026 of J. Mater. Chem. C
Students' research accepted by J. Mater. Chem. C and featured on the cover
Press release on research on wiring a single molecule inside a solid oxide thin film
ResearchResearch themes
Focusing on single-molecule junctions, the lab aims to contribute to the development of nanomaterials through its own measurement and analysis methods. It clarifies the relationship between interfacial structure and physical properties at the level of a single molecule.
*Illustrative imageThe Single-Molecule Junction: The Ultimate Interface
A structure in which a single molecule is connected to electrodes can be regarded as the ultimate interface between a metal and a molecule. By investigating its electron transport properties in detail, the lab clarifies the relationship between interfacial structure and physical properties at the single-molecule level.
*Illustrative imageProbing the Connection Between Molecules and Metals
Determining the structure of a molecule bridging a gap of about 1 nanometer is almost impossible with existing instruments. Focusing on the phenomenon in which light is enhanced inside such a gap, the lab combined surface-enhanced Raman scattering with electron transport measurements and developed a method to determine the adsorption structure of molecules.
*Illustrative imageA Sensor That Distinguishes Single Molecules
Because the method can reveal how a molecule is connected to an electrode, it may be applied to highly sensitive detection methods that identify a single molecule. Applications are expected in detecting trace substances in liquids, taste sensors, pathological diagnosis, and screening tests in drug discovery.
*Illustrative imageSearching for New Chemical Reactions
Molecules inside a single-molecule junction have unusual electronic states, and the electric field is enhanced in nanoscale gaps. Taking advantage of reactivity that differs from that in solution, the lab aims to achieve reaction selectivity and to reduce the energy required for reactions.
MembersFaculty
The members of the Kaneko Lab consist of faculty and students in the doctoral, master's, and undergraduate programs.As of 2026
- Associate ProfessorSatoshi KanekoPublications ↗
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Report an errorAbout the images
The top and research theme images are illustrative and were not taken at the lab. They are cropped from Wikimedia Commons images. Cropped CC BY-SA images are provided under the same CC BY-SA license as the original (version shown on each line).
- Top image: “Scanning tunneling microscope-MHS 2237-IMG 3817-gradient” Rama / CC BY-SA 3.0 fr (cropped)
- The Single-Molecule Junction: The Ultimate Interface: “Scanning tunneling microscope (STM) 250 nm by 250 nm image of one-atom-thick silver islands grown on palladium (111) surface” Ponor / CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped)
- Probing the Connection Between Molecules and Metals: “Molecular Electronics ( )” National Institute of Standards and Technology / Public domain (cropped)
- A Sensor That Distinguishes Single Molecules: “Stmsample” Royce Hunt M0RHI / CC BY-SA 2.5 (cropped)
- Searching for New Chemical Reactions: “Gold Nanowire Array (Abstracted)” lacomj / CC BY-SA 2.0 (cropped)
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- Related lab (三宮研究室): “Gold Colloid of varying size” Kumarbarc / CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped)
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