Student written Research Laboratory Guidebook 2027Nagaoka University of Technology

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17

Functional Materials Chemistry Laboratory

Associate Professor / NISHIKAWA Masami
  • Low-temperature thin-film fabrication using excimer lasers
  • Fabrication of photoelectrodes using diverse techniques
  • Hydrogen production and utilization as an alternative energy source to fossil fuels

Associate Professor / NISHIKAWA Masami
Associate Professor Nishikawa attentively guides each student, tailoring research plans to their individual needs. She provides meticulous guidance for preparing presentations at major events like academic conferences and goes above and beyond for her students, making her a reliable mentor.

Research Content

We are tackling low-temperature thin-film deposition using the ELAMOD method. Using an excimer laser to crystallize substrates that were difficult to deposit on using conventional thermal processes and materials that were difficult to layer, we are fabricating transparent conductive films and photoelectrodes. Fabrication is performed in diverse environments, including at room temperature, on hot plates, and in combination with plasma.
For photoelectrodes, in addition to the ELAMOD method, we also fabricate them by spin-coating a solvent prepared using a bead mill onto anodized films and then sintering them in an electric furnace.

Preparation of solvents for spin coating using a bead mill

A Day in the Lab

Our lab has no core hours, allowing students to set their own schedules for research. While autonomy is respected, this requires strong self-management skills and planning abilities from students. Seminars are held once a week but are adjusted to accommodate students’ lecture schedules, ensuring reliable attendance. When struggling with experimental equipment or research progress, faculty and senior students provide support, offering peace of mind. Lab events like hot pot parties and takoyaki gatherings foster camaraderie.

Preparing food for the welcome party

Thesis Subjects

  • (M)Preparation of porous BiVO4/WO3 films and evaluation of their photoelectrode properties
  • (M)Preparation of WO3 nanoparticle films and evaluation of their photoelectrode properties

The number of
PhD Graduates

0

Major employers of Graduates

  • Toyo Rikagaku Laboratory Co., Ltd.
  • Kojima Co., Ltd.
  • Nakabohtec Co., Ltd.
  • Parker-kako Co., Ltd.
  • Kintetsu Railway Co., Ltd.
  • Juku-Teams
Writer : TAKAHASHI Takeaki, Materials Science and Bioengineering
(Nishinomiya High School)