Seminar "E-field Modulation of Molecular Assemblies and Functions by Engineering Electrostatic Interactions" by Dr. Yoshimitsu Itoh

Speaker
Yoshimitsu ITOH, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology,
The University of Tokyo

Abstract
Electrostatic interaction is one of the most important non-covalent forces, which plays an important role in organic molecules not only to control their reactivities and assembling behaviors but also to their functions and properties.  Generally, electrostatic interactions between molecules could be modulated only by changing the molecular structures.  On the other hand, our study aims to realize an external modulation of electrostatic interactions by electric-field (E-field) for perturbing molecular assemblies and functions for developing unique materials.  Based approach, we have developed, (a) biomimetic E-field responsive self-assembled monolayers,¹ (b) E-field responsive cholesteric liquid crystals for reflective displays,^2,3 and (c) E-field responsive columnar liquid crystals for multi-responsive soft materials.^4,5,6  In this presentation, I would like to share how this simple and intuitive approach can lead to the realization of novel functional materials.

[1] Science, 2015, 348, 555.  [2] Adv. Mater. 2016, 28, 4077.  [3] J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2018, 140, 10946.  [4] J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2011, 133, 13767.  [5] Science 2019, 363, 161.  [6] J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2019, 141, 10033.

Bibliography
Dr. Yoshimitsu Itoh received his Ph.D. degree in 2006 at Tokyo Institute of Technology under the direction of Prof. Koichi Mikami for the synthesis of organofluorine compounds both experimentally and theoretically.  Then, he started his first postdoctoral research focusing on organometallic catalysis with Prof. Eiichi Nakamura at the University of Tokyo.  His second postdoctoral research was carried out at Columbia University from 2007 with Prof. Colin Nuckolls where he changed his research direction from synthetic organic chemistry to self-assembled monolayers and organic electronics.  In 2008, he began his academic career at the University of Tokyo as an Assistant Professor in Prof. Takuzo Aida’s group.  He was promoted to Lecturer in 2016 and then to Associate Professor in 2019.  During his carrier up to now, he was awarded "Gordon Research Conference, Emerging Leaders Award" in 2013, "Chemical Society of Japan, Lecture Award for Young Chemist" in 2016, and "The Commendation for Science and Technology by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, The Young Scientists’ Prize" in 2017, “SPSJ Hitachi Chemical Award” in 2019, among others.  His current research interest is the modulation of chemical systems using an electric field for developing novel functional materials.