Organizers:

Scope:

Ceramic materials possess a wide range of functionalities, including luminescence, dielectric behavior, ionic conductivity, catalytic activity, electrical conductivity, and optical transparency. Owing to these diverse properties, they are gaining increasing attention as key materials that support next-generation technologies in the fields of energy, information, environment, and healthcare. These functionalities can be significantly enhanced through variations in structure—such as crystalline and amorphous (glass) states—as well as in physical form, including bulk, powders, and thin films. Further enhancement is achieved by introducing heterostructures and nanostructures.

In recent years, the development of environmentally benign synthesis methods, such as solution-based processes, along with advances in the precise synthesis of nanoparticles and nanocrystals, has opened new avenues for structural control and functional tuning. This symposium aims to promote cross-disciplinary discussions by sharing the latest research findings on functional ceramics, ranging from material synthesis and structural evaluation to property elucidation and device applications.

Particular focus will be placed on topics such as the construction of nanostructures via solution and vapor-phase processes, the development of catalytic functionalities through surface and interface control, and the advancement of high-performance materials including phosphors, ionic conductors, dielectric materials, chromic materials, secondary battery materials, photocatalysts, and transparent conductive ceramics.

This symposium serves as a platform bridging materials science and applied technology, and aspires to foster open dialogue across disciplines to further advance research in functional ceramics.

Topics:

1. Design and Fabrication of Functional Ceramics
Crystalline and amorphous (glass) ceramics; bulk, thin-film, heterostructured, and nanostructured forms, including nanoparticles; formation and control of these structures through various synthesis methods such as solid-state reactions, solution-based techniques, and vapor-phase processes (e.g., CVD, sputtering).
2. Structural and Physical Property Evaluation of Multifunctional Ceramics
Characterization of ceramics exhibiting insulating, conductive, superconductive, dielectric, ferroelectric, ferromagnetic, multiferroic, and magnetoelectric properties, as well as optical functions, transparency, luminescence, and chromic responses.
3. Applications of Ceramics in Energy and Environmental Fields
Utilization of ceramic materials for energy conversion and storage, as well as environmental purification, including solid oxide fuel cells, secondary batteries, solar energy harvesting, water splitting, photocatalysis, thermoelectric conversion, and catalytic systems.

4. Analytical and Theoretical Approaches to Understanding Structure and Function of Ceramics
Advanced characterization techniques such as synchrotron radiation, laser probes, and electron microscopy, along with theoretical and computational approaches including first-principles calculations and simulations to elucidate structure–property relationships and device behavior.