Members
2.Masaru IKEDA2.Graduate Student (Inoue Group)
Design and synthesis of π-conjugated oxime-based metal complexes for controlling molecular packing, magnetic interactions, and spin environments in molecular quantum materials.
Affiliations
Hiroshima University, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Chemistry Program, M1
Bio
I am a graduate student working in coordination chemistry and molecular materials, with a focus on transition metal complexes based on π-conjugated oxime ligands. My research explores how ligand design can control molecular packing, spin environments, and magnetic interactions in the solid state. A central motivation is to make magnetic properties predictable from molecular structure, rather than treating crystal packing as an uncontrollable factor. In particular, I study pyrene dioxime derivatives combined with Ni and Cu ions as model systems for constructing ordered molecular architectures.
Beyond conventional coordination structures, I am interested in chiral and topologically unique molecular assemblies guided by predesigned building blocks. Rigid π-conjugated ligands may promote stacked arrangements such as sandwich- or “hamburger”-type complexes, where metal ions and aromatic ligands are organized in a controlled manner. These structures are attractive platforms for tuning intermolecular interactions and spin–spin coupling.
My work combines synthesis with physical characterization, especially ESR spectroscopy, pulsed ESR, and SQUID magnetometry, to evaluate spin states, magnetic anisotropy, relaxation behavior, and magnetic interactions. Through this research, I aim to clarify structure–property relationships and contribute to the rational design of functional molecular materials relevant to molecular quantum technologies.
Mentor ：Katsuya Inoue
Co-Mentor ：Kenta Kuroda
What I like about my science
What I find most fascinating about my research is that the properties of materials can change dramatically depending on how small molecules assemble, and that chemistry allows us to design and create such assemblies. Small molecules can interact with each other through self-assembly and sometimes form large, ordered molecular structures. Even slight differences in the way molecules are arranged or stacked can lead to changes in physical properties, such as magnetic behavior and electronic states.
Just as each person has their own individuality, molecular assemblies also exhibit a wide variety of characteristics. For me, the real excitement of chemical research lies in synthesizing these materials with my own hands, measuring their properties, and understanding why such functions emerge from molecular structures.
Website link
Beyond conventional coordination structures, I am interested in chiral and topologically unique molecular assemblies guided by predesigned building blocks. Rigid π-conjugated ligands may promote stacked arrangements such as sandwich- or “hamburger”-type complexes, where metal ions and aromatic ligands are organized in a controlled manner. These structures are attractive platforms for tuning intermolecular interactions and spin–spin coupling.
My work combines synthesis with physical characterization, especially ESR spectroscopy, pulsed ESR, and SQUID magnetometry, to evaluate spin states, magnetic anisotropy, relaxation behavior, and magnetic interactions. Through this research, I aim to clarify structure–property relationships and contribute to the rational design of functional molecular materials relevant to molecular quantum technologies.
Mentor ：Katsuya Inoue
Co-Mentor ：Kenta Kuroda
What I like about my science
What I find most fascinating about my research is that the properties of materials can change dramatically depending on how small molecules assemble, and that chemistry allows us to design and create such assemblies. Small molecules can interact with each other through self-assembly and sometimes form large, ordered molecular structures. Even slight differences in the way molecules are arranged or stacked can lead to changes in physical properties, such as magnetic behavior and electronic states.
Just as each person has their own individuality, molecular assemblies also exhibit a wide variety of characteristics. For me, the real excitement of chemical research lies in synthesizing these materials with my own hands, measuring their properties, and understanding why such functions emerge from molecular structures.
Website link