2025 Activity Report vol.16:Meijo University

As part of the Sakura Science Exchange Program (SSP), Dr. Giri and his PhD students from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Dhanbad (ISM), were invited to Meijo University, Tempaku Campus, in Nagoya. This SSP was held under the banner "International research collaboration on the application of carbon nanotubes in biotechnology (Course B)".

On the evening of Monday, November 17th, Dr. Giri and his students arrived at the Chubu International Airport. As such, a Welcome Ceremony was held on the 18th where Prof. KODAMA Tetsuji, the Dean of Faculty Science and Technology, along with Prof. MARUYAMA Takahiro, the Director of the Nanomaterial Research Center at Meijo University, both gave a welcome speech.

After discussing the day's itinerary, we commenced experiments related to synthesis of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) toward the application of biotechnology. Dr. Giri and his students, with the support of Meijo University students, experienced CNT growth by the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method. To facilitate mutual understanding, Meijo University students created an English experiment manual.

Also, many analysis techniques, such as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron spectroscopy (SEM), were used to characterize CNTs grown by CVD. During the experiments, Dr. Giri and his students discussed the experimental data with Prof. Maruyama and his students, and determined the growth condition of SWCNTs suitable for their purpose.

During their stay, Dr. Giri and his students visited Aichi Synchrotron Center (Aichi SR), Seto city and the Institute of Molecular Science (IMS), Okazaki city to see the advanced analysis technique. At Aichi SR, after a brief overview of the synchrotron was given by Prof. KUNIEDA Hideyo, Director of Aichi SR, they then visited the beamlines in the facility. At the IMS, they experienced transmission electron microscope (TEM) analysis of CNTs. These were new experiences for them and they gazed intently at the progress of the experiment.

On December 6th, a Results Presentation and a Completion Ceremony were held, and certificates were awarded to Dr. Giri and his students.

During the program, they also visited Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology, and Atsuta Jingu (Atsuta Shrine), in Nagoya to have a deeper understanding of the Japanese industry and culture. At the Toyota Commemorative Museum, they had a look at the development of textile machinery and automotive technology in Japan, which have been representative industries in the Tokai area. At Atsuta Jingu, they saw traditional events related to Shintoism, Japan's indigenous religion. As November is "Shichi-go-san" season with many families visiting shrines to celebrate the healthy growth of their children, Dr. Giri and his students enjoyed seeing children in kimonos with autumn colors as a backdrop. It was a beautiful memory for them in Japan!