Institute of Science Tokyo ❘ Hirata & Zhang Research Lab

Human technological progress has moved from the Age of Iron to the Age of Silicon—and now, into the Age of Carbon.
This new era is defined by advanced carbon-based materials such as diamond, graphene, and diamond-like carbon (DLC).
At our laboratory, we are dedicated to the development and application of these next-generation materials, aiming to address pressing societal challenges. By unlocking the full potential of carbon materials, we strive to lead the way in this new Age of Carbon.
Our research spans from fundamental science to industrial applications, and we continue to push boundaries through bold innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Two-dimensional atomic-layered materials—realized by arranging atoms in a planar configuration—have emerged as a groundbreaking focus in materials science.
A prominent example is graphene, a two-dimensional material composed of carbon atoms. Since its discovery in 2004, graphene has been extensively studied for its exceptional electrical conductivity and mechanical strength, culminating in the 2010 Nobel Prize in Physics.
Today, beyond graphene, a wide range of 2D materials based on elements such as boron, nitrogen, and transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) are attracting growing attention. These materials hold great promise for applications in electronics, energy devices, and sensing technologies.
Our research aims to unlock the potential of such advanced materials and pioneer innovative technologies that contribute to a more sustainable society.