Hideki Shirakawa

Hideki Shirakawa and Yoshiro Mori 20001018

Emperor Akihito Yoshiro Mori and Hideki Shirakawa 20001103

Hideki Shirakawa (白川 英樹, Shirakawa Hideki, born August 20, 1936) is a Japanese chemist renowned for his co-discovery of conductive polymers, a groundbreaking achievement that significantly advanced the field of organic electronics. His pioneering research, particularly on polyacetylene, has paved the way for the development of flexible electronic devices, solar cells, and organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). In recognition of his contributions to chemistry and materials science, Shirakawa was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2000, sharing the honor with Alan J. Heeger and Alan G. MacDiarmid for "the discovery and development of conductive polymers."

Early Life and Education

Hideki Shirakawa was born in Tokyo, Japan. He developed an interest in chemistry during his high school years. Shirakawa pursued his higher education at the Tokyo Institute of Technology, where he received his Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering. He continued his studies at the same institution, earning a Doctorate in Polymer Chemistry. His doctoral research focused on the polymerization of acetylene, a project that would lay the groundwork for his later groundbreaking discoveries.

Career and Research

After completing his doctorate, Shirakawa joined the Institute of Materials Science at the University of Tsukuba as a researcher. It was here, in the early 1970s, that he made the serendipitous discovery that would define his career. While attempting to synthesize polyacetylene, a mishap led to the creation of a film that was unexpectedly conductive. This discovery was made in collaboration with Alan J. Heeger and Alan G. MacDiarmid during a visit to the University of Pennsylvania, marking the beginning of a fruitful partnership.

Shirakawa's research demonstrated that doping (adding small amounts of other substances) could significantly enhance the conductivity of polyacetylene, transforming it from an insulator to a conductor or even a metal. This finding was revolutionary, as it challenged the prevailing belief that plastics could only serve as insulators. Shirakawa's work opened up new possibilities for the use of polymers in electronic devices, leading to the development of a new field of study known as organic electronics.

Awards and Honors

In addition to the Nobel Prize, Shirakawa has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to science, including the Japan Prize in 2000. He is a member of several prestigious academies, such as the Japan Academy and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Legacy and Impact

Hideki Shirakawa's discovery of conductive polymers has had a profound impact on the field of materials science and electronics. His work has led to the development of a wide range of applications, from flexible displays and solar cells to advanced medical devices. Shirakawa's research has not only expanded the boundaries of chemistry but also opened up new avenues for technological innovation and development.

See Also

• Polymer chemistry
• Organic electronics
• Nobel Prize in Chemistry
• Alan J. Heeger
• Alan G. MacDiarmid