Hidehiro Uekusa

Papers

Total Citations

139

H-Index

About

Hidehiro Uekusa is a leading figure in solid-state chemistry and crystal engineering, renowned for pioneering the mechanical motion of crystalline materials. His research centers on understanding and controlling phase transitions in organic crystals, particularly how they can be harnessed for macroscopic locomotion. Uekusa’s most celebrated contribution is the discovery of thermally induced walking and rolling in chiral azobenzene crystals, a breakthrough that expanded the field beyond simple bending or expansion-contraction. This work, published in 2018 and garnering 139 citations, demonstrated reversible single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformations that enable crystals to move like tiny robots, opening new frontiers in smart materials and actuators. His innovative approach has inspired further studies on crystal dynamics, earning him recognition as a pioneer in crystal motility. Uekusa’s research not only deepens fundamental understanding of molecular packing and phase behavior but also holds promise for applications in micro-machines and responsive materials. His achievements underscore a career dedicated to revealing the hidden life of crystals, making him a key figure for students and researchers interested in the intersection of chemistry, materials science, and mechanics.