2025 Activity Report vol.22:Shizuoka University

Assistant Professor Dr. R. Ramesh and seven doctoral students from Periyar University, Salem, India, along with Associate Professor Dr. Shaiju and four doctoral students from Sathyabama University, Chennai, India, were invited to the Research Institute of Electronics, Shizuoka University (SU), Hamamatsu, Japan, from February 2 to 11. This program was supported by the Japan Science and Technology Agency under the Sakura Science Program (JST-SSP). The present report outlines the activities carried out during this program.

[1st day (Feb. 2)]

The Periyar University members arrived at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, and boarded a Cathay Pacific flight at 01:30, reaching Hong Kong International Airport at approximately 09:30. Meanwhile, the Sathyabama University students boarded a Cathay Pacific flight at 02:00 from Chennai International Airport and arrived in Hong Kong at around 10:00. After a transit of about seven hours, both groups boarded the same connecting flight to Nagoya at 16:25 and arrived at approximately 21:00. Upon arrival, we were very warmly received by Prof. Harish, who escorted us to the university dormitory by car.

[2nd day (Feb. 3)]

In the morning, we visited the Hamamatsu Campus of Shizuoka University, where we were warmly welcomed by Prof. Atsushi Nakamura. We exchanged greetings and discussed the schedule and orientation for our 10-day program. A group photograph was taken, followed by a meeting with the Dean of Engineering and GSST, Prof. Mitsuhiro Fukuta, during which academic discussions were held.

In the afternoon, we visited the Takayanagi Museum, where we learned about the evolution of television and the pioneering contributions of Prof. Kenjiro Takayanagi, who is regarded as the father of Japanese television. Subsequently, we visited the laboratories and gained insights into the available instrumentation and research facilities.

[3rd day (Feb. 4)]

In the morning, we attended a lecture delivered by Prof. Atsushi Nakamura on the topic “Introduction to Electrochemistry,” followed by an interactive discussion session. In the afternoon, we fabricated an Ag/AgCl reference electrode under the guidance of Ph.D. scholars using a borosilicate tube, silver and platinum wires, with KCl solution filling, and the assembly sealed using a glue gun.

[4th day (Feb. 5)]

In the morning, we attended the second lecture delivered by Prof. Atsushi Nakamura on electrochemistry, followed by an interactive discussion session. In the afternoon, we performed cyclic voltammetry (CV) measurements on different electrolyte solutions and learned the fundamentals of solution preparation, measurement procedures, and CV curve interpretation under the guidance of the research scholars.

[5th day (Feb. 6)]

In the morning, a counter electrode was prepared using platinum wire enclosed in a borosilicate tube and sealed with a glue gun. MnO2 was then deposited onto a stainless-steel (SS) substrate to fabricate the working electrode using an electrodeposition technique under the guidance of the research scholars. In the afternoon, cyclic voltammetry (CV) measurements were carried out to evaluate the supercapacitor (SC) performance by employing the previously fabricated reference and counter electrodes.

[6th day (Feb. 7)]

In the morning, additional experiments were carried out as part of the ongoing study. In the afternoon, data visualization was performed, followed by a group discussion focused on result interpretation and analysis.

[7th day (Feb. 8)]

In the morning, we went on a city tour with Prof. Atsushi Nakamura by car, which included visits to Hōkō-ji Temple and Ryuga Cave for cave exploration. During the tour, we experienced snowfall and enjoyed shopping, along with drinks and snacks. In the afternoon, we had lunch at the Next Curry restaurant, where we enjoyed biryani and chicken curry, followed by a visit to the Suzuki Motor Museum, after which we returned to the dormitory.

[8th day (Feb. 9)]

In the morning, we attended the third lecture delivered by Prof. Atsushi Nakamura, followed by electrolyte/solution cyclic voltammetry (CV) measurements in the laboratory. In the afternoon, student presentations were conducted in different research fields, facilitating knowledge transfer and interactive question-and-answer sessions.

[9th day (Feb. 10)]

In the morning, the students had fruitful interactions with the Japanese professors through academic discussions, during which many doubts were clarified. In the afternoon, report preparation was carried out, followed by the closing ceremony and dinner at the Next Curry restaurant.

[10th day (Feb. 11)]

The participants were transferred from Shizuoka University to Chubu Centrair International Airport, where they completed the necessary departure formalities and subsequently departed from Japan, marking the successful conclusion of the program.

■Summary

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the JST–Sakura Science Program (JST-SSP) for its generous support and for providing a valuable opportunity to establish strong collaborative ties between Periyar University, Sathyabama University, and Shizuoka University. We look forward to further strengthening student and faculty exchanges through continued and meaningful collaboration.