Motoo Shiro

Papers

Total Citations

139

H-Index

About

Motoo Shiro is a pioneering researcher in the field of crystal engineering and solid-state chemistry, with a particular focus on the dynamic mechanical behavior of molecular crystals. His most celebrated work, "Walking and rolling of crystals induced thermally by phase transition" (2018, 139 citations), represents a breakthrough in the locomotion of crystalline materials. While previous studies had explored bending or expansion in response to stimuli, Shiro demonstrated for the first time that chiral azobenzene crystals could perform walking and rolling motions through a reversible single-crystal-to-single-crystal phase transition driven by thermal energy. This discovery opened new avenues for designing soft actuators, microrobots, and smart materials that mimic biological movement. Shiro’s contributions have significantly advanced the understanding of how molecular-level structural changes can be harnessed for macroscopic mechanical work. His work is highly cited and has inspired further research into stimuli-responsive materials, earning him recognition as a leading figure in the emerging field of crystal motility.