Scope:
Self-organization of functional organic/inorganic molecules, macromolecules, and biomolecules has become an indispensable research field, and further continuous development is highly expected. Programmed organization architects precise structures at nano-, meso-, and hierarchical levels in a predictable way without excess energies and tedious processing. Noncovalent interactions such as hydrogen bonding, electrostatic, π-π, and van der Waals interactions play important roles in not only forming stable organized structures, but also exhibiting autonomous motions and self-healing behavior like a living system. The resulting structures direct various unique, novel, and exotic functions in optics, electronics, nano-fabrications, catalysts, chemicals as well as biological applications. Thus self-organized materials surely lead to frontier materials sciences and nanotechnologies. A variety of research fields based on “self-assembly” including following topics; i) organized molecular films (self-assembled ultrathin films, Langmuir-Blodgett films, multilayers etc.), ii) biomineralization, iii) supramolecular materials and organization of organic- and inorganic molecules, macromolecules, block copolymers, and biomolecules, iv) gels and liquid crystals, v) nano- and meso-porous materials, as well as vi) organic-inorganic nanocomposite materials is focused in this symposium. Moreover, various optical, electronic, chemical, and biological functions of above listed materials, as well as forefront nano-fabrication techniques related to self-organization processes will be highlighted. The session organizers would like to further cultivate this research field by intense discussion between frontier researchers and hopeful students who have activities in a variety of academic societies.
Topics:
1. Organized Molecular Films
2. Biomineralization
3. Supramolecular Assemblies of Organic Molecules, Inorganic Molecules, Macromolecules, Block Copolymers, and Biomolecules
4. Gels and Liquid Crystals
5. Nano- and Meso-Porous Materials
6. Organic/Inorganic Nanocomposite Materials