Research
A01: Theoretical Framework of Ion Jamology
A01 aims to establish the theoretical framework for Ion Jamology by clarifying the physical and mathematical principles necessary to control ion jamming. This involves integrating "non-equilibrium mathematical models," which describe traffic and crowd jamming phenomena, with "solid-state physics and quantum chemistry," which describe ion flow. The goal is to refine the theory of Ion Jamology through collaboration with A02 and A03.
Research Items:
(a) Development of non-equilibrium / jamming models for ion flow using stochastic process models.
(b) Extraction of congestion phases and dominant factors in materials through particle simulation data analysis
(c) Establishment of comprehensive optimization guidelines for material functions in grain boundary and composite material systems
A02: Synthesis of Materials to Control Dominant Factors of Ion Jamology
This research focuses on synthesizing high-performance ion conductors, mixed ion-electron conductors, solid catalysts, and hydrogen storage materials, where collective dynamics of ions, electrons, or both play a key role. Through collaboration with A01 and A03, the dominant factors of Ion Jamology will be identified and actively controlled to create new high-performance battery materials, catalyst materials, and hydrogen storage materials.
Research Items:
(a) Development of model materials for acquiring precise physical property values and structural information
(b) Creation of batteries, solid catalysts, and hydrogen storage materials with active control of ion flow, along with the development of new synthesis methods
(c) Development of composite materials with controlled hierarchical structures, including bulk, surfaces, and interfaces
A03: Advanced Measurement Techniques for Understanding Ion Jamology Phenomena
A03 will perform comprehensive operando measurements focused on ion flow using high-quality model materials, catalysts, and battery materials provided by A02 to accurately grasp Ion Jamology phenomena. By collaborating with A01, the observed results will be interpreted mathematically to establish "Ion Jamology."
Research Items:
(a) Establishment of operando measurement techniques for ion flow.
(b) Understanding collective ion motion through comprehensive operando measurements.
(c) Development of measurement and data analysis platforms to support multimodal operando measurements.
Policy of Fusion Research
This research area aims to build the discipline of "Ion Jamology" by having researchers in materials science and mathematical sciences collaborate to elucidate the collective movement of ions in solids and create new materials with controlled ion flow. As initial steps, three fusion projects—"Collective Flow," "Pathway Network," and "Overall Optimization"—have been established as common goals for A01, A02, and A03.
To facilitate collaborative research within the area, working groups on (i) ion conductors, (ii) mixed conductors, (iii) solid catalysts, and (iv) composite materials will be organized. Members of the research area will belong to at least one of these groups. Within the working groups, unexplained phenomena observed in each material (A02) will be shared with researchers in theory (A01) and measurement (A03), leading to discussions on the materials systems and computational and measurement methods required to understand these phenomena.
Similarly, discussions will include experiments (A02, A03) to validate theoretical models conceived by A01, as well as materials systems (A02) to be examined with advanced measurements (A03) and theoretical (A01) interpretations of obtained results.
Examples of Fusion: Accurately capturing ion conduction phenomena across different spatial and temporal scales to develop new theories.
① Collective Ion Flow (Micro-Meso Scale): Experimental validation of collective ion motion at the crystal lattice scale using single crystal materials and model materials, feeding back into the mathematical model to refine the theory.
② Pathway Network (Meso-Macro Scale): Detailed analysis of collective motion over broader spatial scales using molecular dynamics methods and dynamic Monte Carlo methods. In experiments, new materials will be synthesized using advanced techniques, and ion flow will be controlled. Ion Jamology phenomena will be quantitatively clarified through advanced measurement techniques.
③ Overall Optimization (Micro-Meso-Macro Scale): Aiming to achieve macro-scale physical properties through optimization of grain boundary and interface design or composite materials (mixtures of crystalline and non-crystalline materials), bridging the micro, meso, and macro scales.