Laboratory of Quantum Energy Conversion Materials
As of October 21, 2021
Basic information
Division
Quantum Science and Engineering
* Please go to Courses to see the list of subjects offered by the division.
Laboratory's URL
https://www.eng.hokudai.ac.jp/labo/carem/ryoshi-carem/en/
Faculty members accepting applicants
SHIBAYAMA Tamaki (Prof.)
Other members
Yuki NAKAGAWA (Assistant Professor), Subing YANG (Postdoctoral researcher), Ayako ITO (Secretary)
About the laboratory
Description
In our laboratory we are working on the development of new materials that can withstand ultra-harsh conditions and making future-oriented functional materials. We achieve that using quantum beams such as ions, electrons, light and their multiple beams, as well as non-equilibrium plasma state and nanomaterials science.
With invention of green technology in mind, we are studying and creating new materials that would be involved in nanotechnology. In our laboratory students and postdoctoral fellows, including foreign students from China and Malaysia, work together to study and create such new materials.
Organization of research
First year Master's students split their time and effort evenly between coursework and research. Students acquire fundamental background skills through coursework and research review.
We expect all students to acquire basic experimental techniques, for example, sample preparation, TEM specimen preparation and TEM/SEM operation. All students participate in laboratory weekly seminars held and learn the basic experimental skills by senior student, technical staffs and faculty members. After they move to their own individual research work, we kindly support and advise their research.
We also hold a weekly meeting for all members, to exchange important updates and to engage in research presentations. We hold individual meetings for specific research groups. Faculty members meet students during the seminars, meetings, and experiments.
Our facilities include are sample preparation equipment and advanced microstructure analysis equipment. Please visit the following website. https://www.eng.hokudai.ac.jp/labo/carem/hvem/en/
Ongoing projects
Laboratory of Quantum Energy Conversion Materials
Enrolled students' research topics
(1) Basic research of material by utilizing quantum beam
We are trying to install a laser-light irradiation system on MB-HVEM with existing ion accelerators. From the viewpoint of nano-scale observation or creation of new materials under nonequilibrium environment, it is thought useful to apply quantum beams of electron, ion and laser light onto material, successively or simultaneously. Outside an electron microscope, a series of irradiation experiments are now performing onto carbon powder sprayed on collodion polymer film, carbon slab and iron-platinum alloys slab, for obtaining quantitative estimation of laser-light irradiation effect in an electron microscope. Results show the creation of ultrafine carbon particles and nano-pit pattern on both surfaces of carbon and iron-platinum.
(2) Development of advanced material for severe environment
Nb-Al sintered alloy is irradiated by electron beam in HVEM and in-situ observation of behavior of fine-structure changes was performed. Result showed that in the case of irradiation at room temperature characteristic diffraction spots of NbAl3 disappeared and diffraction ring of Al newly appeared, and in the case of irradiation at high temperature space(350℃). NbAl3 phase was formed in parent phase after regularization made progress. Since no apparent fine-structure change is observed in heating experiment from 285℃ to 485℃, it is supposed that the structure change by electron beam irradiation occurs in different manner corresponding to the temperature state.
(3) Material development for high efficiency quantum energy conversion and nuclear energy utilization
Since SiC/SiC composite material is expected as heat-resistant material in the core of gas-cooled fast breeder reactor, we have developed a new sample holder for dynamically in-situ testing of crack propagation in TEM and examined the route of crack propagation by actually generating crack in sample (Fig.1).
Moreover, we are undertaking researches of reactor materials for the development of next-generation nuclear reactors ensuring both safety and high-efficiency, and for the supply of new nuclear energy source
(4) Material development of light-metal hydrides for energy-use
Light-metal hydrides attract considerable attention as hydrogen storage materials and fast ionic conductors. Our group works on elucidating the mechanism of hydrogen-related reaction by using quantum beam (electron, neutron, laser etc.) technologies (Fig.2) and developing novel reaction paths by controlling the state of ions in the materials. The milled LiAlH4/BN composite showed the unique hydrogen desorption properties. The ionic conductivity of the composite was about 100 times higher than that of milled LiAlH4, suggesting the lithium ionic conductivity be able to control the hydrogen desorption process of LiAlH4.
Information for potential applicants
Applicants' background
We are looking for people with good knowledge in nano materials and energy related materials. Even if you don't know TEM, SEM and ion accelerators, but have strong background in materials science and engineering, we can teach you.
Who should apply?
Students with a strong interest in the basics and application of materials sciene and engineering, including laboratory experiments, especially in the fields of nano materials science and energy related materials science.
How to choose a research proposal topic?
We welcome proposals on materials and structures which have social impact and/or academic value in the field of energy related materials science and engineering.
How the research proposal is evaluated?
We evaluate the student proposal based on (1) basic knowledge and understanding the research question, (2) strong motivation to solve the question and finish your Master's or Doctoral course (3) story of the proposal and logical discussion and (4) English.
We evaluate the applicant's: (a) basic understanding of structural engineering; (b) knowledge of engineering issues and knowledge gaps; (c) ability to formulate a tangible research plan; (d) ability to compose logical discussion; and (e) grammar skills.
Plan to accept applicants
| Application type | Enrollment semester | Master’s course | Doctoral course | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MEXT Scholarship (Uniform call) | Oct. 2022 | 〇 | 〇 | |
| MEXT Embassy | 〇 | 〇 | ||
| e3 Special Selection | Oct. 2022 | 〇 | 〇 |
How to apply
Please follow the application procedure for the respective application category announced at the e3 web page.
Accepting Research Students
We do not accept Research students. The only exception is students who have secured a scholarship which supports research student period (for example, MEXT via the Embassy nomination, some types of JICA scholarship etc.)
Availability of financial support
Please check the e3 web page for information about the scholarships and other financial support.
Inquiries
If you have any inquiries about the application and admission procedures etc., please contact the e3 office. You can submit your application on-line during the "matching period" irrespective of prior contact with potential supervisor(s).
Achievements
Graduates employment
* Persuing doctoral degree at Hokkaido University (2)
* Working for postdoctraol researchers at Hokkaido University (2)
* Working for faculty menber of university at home country (1)