Does synergistic effect only exist in layers?

概要

While it may be overly ambitious, for me the synergistic effect is more significant than 1+1 = greater than or equal to 2. I believe that its multiplicative potency is as powerful as the ‘n’ in 2ⁿ, like the baibain from Doraemon that I introduced earlier from my bookshelf.

As you’ve mentioned in this publication, I am conducting research with the aim of creating soft and functional two-dimensional materials. In order to move and work the incorporated molecules, we are synthesizing materials with a soft, two-dimensional anisotropic structure. To explain more concretely, we take the “ingredients” of heteroaromatic polymers such as polypyrrole, quinone derivatives, layered polydiacetylenes, and layered inorganic compounds, then shape them into two-dimensional "structures" such as nanosheets or flexible network polymers, thus enhancing molecular motion for the dynamic functions. These products can then be used in various applications such as in lithium ion secondary batteries, hydrogengenerating electrocatalysts, light/heat/force sensors, etc. Using these avenues I hope my research can make contributions to medical care, environmental needs, energy issues, and resource management.

By combining the synergy between materials’ properties (derived from its molecules and compounds) and the twodimensional anisotropic structure, we hope improve performance and develop new functions that were not previously possible in the modern world. Under the framework of the aforementioned structural/functional research topic, my students are tasked with the thorough investigation of what makes this research new when compared to other studies, what materials can only be made via these methods, and what unique performance/ functions are made possible by the developed materials. Young students have extraordinary brains and abilities that I lack. Like my research, I have discovered a “synergy” when I have involved students in the process, leading to major breakthroughs and unexpected discoveries.

When I think back on it all, there have been all kinds of serendipitous moments that have occurred because of this synergy— whether it was through a student bringing me their experiment samples as I passed by, an experiment that I personally thought was pointless but then gave surprising results, students taking ownership of difficult programs or principles, or the simple power of countless experiments and sheer will. My job very well may be to create an environment that produces that synergy, harnessing the collective power of my students.

I also find that synergy when working with researchers inside and outside the university. For example, in "Materials Informatics," which accelerates the research and development of materials based on data, we are indebted to a professor who is an expert in data science. Collaboration with researchers from different fields such as data science, doctors, and researchers in industry, not to mention collaboration with researchers in the closelyrelated fields like polymer chemistry, garners new insights for both students and myself every time we interact, resulting in a great synergistic effect on research. Using the synergy from all of these areas, I hope to harness the power of the “n” in 2ⁿ to conduct the best research possible.