Research Support
SPIRITS

Fabrication of chiral inorganic materials and its applications

Project Gist

A high potential of helical nanostructures based on inorganic materials

Keywords

Chirality, helical, metal, pores, electrochemistry

Background and Purpose

Helical metal nanostructures can be utilized for controlling polarization of light. The structures will be used as a material for the application to flexible 3D displays in the near future. However, there are two significant issues in conventional methods to realize such applications. First, alignment of helical structures on a substrate is almost impossible. Second, the fabrication cost has been expensive. In the present study, a silicon substrate is electrochemically dissolved, resulting in the formation of helical nanopores on the surface. After the formation of helical nanopores, metal electrodeposition is performed within the nanopores. This strategy is much cheaper and enables to form helical nanopore arrays on a substrate.

Project Achievements

Collaboration between French and Japanese colleagues has conducted for the preparation of chiral nanostructures based on inorganic materials. We succeeded in fabrication of helical nanopores on silicon surface. To fill the nanopores, we developed a highly efficient technique of metal electrodeposition. Based on the SPIRITS project, we have established an international consortium so-called Laboratoire International Associé (LIA) directed by CNRS. For students, our application to a grant for study abroad by JASSO was also successful.

Future Prospects

We will strengthen our consortium (LIA) especially by promoting international collaborations between European and Japanese experts.

Figure

SEM image of a helical nanopores formed on the surface of a silicon wafer.
Photographs of the materials science session in the Kyoto-Bordeaux Joint Symposium, 2015.

Principal Investigator

FUKAMI Kazuhiro

・FUKAMI Kazuhiro
・Chirality in organic molecules has played important roles in nature. On the other hand, chiral structures based on inorganic materials are highly desired for applications of photonics. Helical metal nanostructures studied in the present project attracts keen attention.
http://www.echem.mtl.kyoto-u.ac.jp/