For Prospective Lab Member Q&A
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for prospective students
*NOTE: Prof. Kanno does not recruit students after the academic year of 2020-2021.
Q: What is the main field of study of this laboratory?
A: In the boundary region of solid-state chemistry and electrochemistry, we have been devoted to new material development. Proton, lithium, and oxygen play an important role for fuel cells and chemical batteries that they can move inside solid-state materials. The fundamental research on ion diffusion inside solid-state materials and charge exchange reaction and ion transfer at the solid-liquid interface, solid-solid interface, and solid-gas interface is essential for the development of future energy conversion devices. We are also steadily proceeding with the fundamental research on solid-state chemistry.
Q: How does this study contribute to society?
A: Energy storage devices that convert electric energy to chemical energy are critical for our future society. Needless to say, electrochemical devices including fuel cells and lithium batteries are especially important. The materials used in the devices basically make the characteristics of each device. Therefore, devices cannot have further characteristics beyond the characteristics of their materials. If a new material with excellent features is developed, the device will be evolved dramatically. We aim to create new materials with high impact, believing that the material development makes it possible for the development of the next generation devices.
Q: What kind of materials have you developed?
A: We have achieved some excellent results such as creating a solid electrolyte with highest conductivity. We have been steadily proceeding with the development of environment friendly iron-based electrode materials. Through creating the ideal electrochemical reaction field, we also pursue the mechanism of electrochemical reaction itself based on solid chemistry. The development of all-solid-state battery, the only battery system that has high energy density and high level of safety, is also going on track.
Q: What synthetic methods do you use?
A: There are various synthetic techniques that been used to create new materials. We use variety of techniques to create fascinating materials, including normal baking, softchemistry, ultra-high pressure synthesis, thin film synthesis with laser ablation, and hydrothermal synthesis.
Q: How do you investigate the materials?
A: In the field of solid chemistry regarding inorganic materials, diffraction is used as a basic method for material identification. In our laboratory, we identify the synthesized materials with powder X-ray diffractometers and thin film X-ray diffractometers. Also, it is one of the big features of our laboratory that we are able to use facilities including KEK (High Energy Accelerator Research Organization) and SPring-8 to investigate materials from various points of views with neutron equipment and synchrotron radiation equipment. These techniques are used to determine a large region of structures from crystal structures to local structures, and to nano-structures and meso-structures. Investigations of the structures are done with various techniques, including not only a powder diffraction, a small angle scattering device, an all angle scattering device, a reflectometer, and a four-axis diffractometer, but also in-situ measurement in the electrochemical reaction field. We use diffractometers made in Japan as well as those made in France, Britain, and the United States.
Q: How are the materials developed for devices?
A: We believe it is basically lithium-based energy conversion and storage devices that are feasible and will be used as main energy devices in the near future. Therefore, our two main tasks are to increase their energy density and to ensure their safety. New electrode materials and solid electrolyte materials are the key for the realization of new devices. In any case, the research we carry out here at university is essentially the fundamental research for devices in the next ten to twenty years. When the development of one new material is proposed for its use in devices, it takes five to ten years to investigate its characteristics and to be recognized as a practical material. Then it takes another ten years before it is developed to be used in devices and to become practical. After all the processes, a new device is produced as an industrial product. When considering such time schedule, our fundamental research focusing on pioneering new materials should be utilized to predict devices in the next 20 years. It means that there will be no future outlook unless the material development is taken place at this moment. We have been telling ourselves that we have to try everything we can do not to impede its development. On the other hand, from the point of view of academic personnel, it is our mission to carry on the academics. It is our role to create new studies in the boundary region of solid-state chemistry and electrochemistry and to tell the tradition of the studies of solid chemistry.
Q: How often do you participate and present at academic conferences?
A: We give presentations at academic conferences when we see some progress in our research. Academic conferences and symposiums we participate are the following: the Electrochemical Society of Japan, the Chemical Society of Japan, Japan Society of Powder and Powder Metallurgy, Battery Symposiums in Japan, Solid State Ionics Symposiums, and Symposiums on Basic Science of Ceramics. International conferences that we often participate are the following: the International Conference on Solid State Ionics (SSI), the International Meeting on Lithium Batteries (IMLB), the Electrochemical Society (ECS), and Materials Research Society (MRS). Let us continue our efforts on research to achieve further progression.
Q: Do you have anything else to advertise your laboratory?
A: Our laboratory started with a few members and has become a large group with more students and staffs. Now, our team has a total of over 60 members. Researches on iron-based materials, solid-state batteries, and thin-film batteries in a new research project that we started five years ago are going on progress and on track. It is almost the time to harvest what we have grown. At the same time, we have once again recognized the importance of new material development. We will continue to be a team that draws global attention by challenging ourselves to create unique materials in outstanding researches.
Q: What is the life like at Kanno-Hirayama laboratory?
(Daily schedule, vacations, laboratory retreats, parties, research seminars)
A: It is best that you visit us and feel the atmosphere of freethinking and open mindedness in our laboratory. You are always welcomed.