Institute for Molecular Science

Intertwined bulk photocarrier and interfacial barrier dynamics in van der Waals point-contact Schottky junctions

Abstract Schottky junctions based on transition-metal dichalcogenides underpin next-generation optoelectronic devices, yet the nanoscale carrier dynamics that ultimately govern their performance remain largely inaccessible. Here, we employ optical pump–probe time-resolved atomic...

Selective Decarbonylative Bromination of Aromatic Aldehydes Enabled by Ensemble-Engineered Au–Pd Alloy Nanoparticle Catalysts

Abstract Bromoarenes are important structural motifs across a wide range of chemical fields and serve as versatile synthetic intermediates. However, the direct synthesis of bromoarenes from ubiquitous and readily available aldehydes has remained challenging. Herein, we report the...

Determination of the relative stereochemistry of flexible ring systems by a cage-based crystalline sponge method

Abstract We present a cage-based crystalline sponge method as a practical strategy for the relative stereochemical determination of flexible saturated heterocycles that are not amenable to nuclear magnetic resonance analysis. Validated using a bis-tetrahydrofuran series and compl...

Bridging Interfacial Water Structure and Reactivity in Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution at TiO2 Interfaces

Abstract Understanding how interfacial water governs photocatalytic hydrogen evolution is a central challenge in the development of high-performance photocatalysts for a sustainable society. Although hydrophilic interfaces have long been regarded as favorable due to their strong...

Low InterfacialContact Resistance between Carbon-BasedGas Diffusion Layer and Sputter-Deposited Anatase TiO2

Abstract Reducing the interfacial contact resistance between separators and gas diffusion layers is critical for achieving high-power polymer-electrolyte membrane fuel cells. Stringent targets for contact resistance below 3.0 mΩ cm2 have been proposed; however, achieving such val...