Research

Nanosized metal particles exhibit unique catalytic activity due to quantum size effects and unique surface structures. Metal nanoparticles with precisely controlled size, structure, and composition can be designed based on our own techniques. In particular, we aim to develop innovative catalysts that are different from conventional catalysts by incorporating a metallurgical approach to designing unexplored special alloy nanoparticles, such as non-equilibrium solid solution alloys and high-entropy alloys.

We are developing a new catalyst design method that combines the insight of powder catalysts discovered in our laboratory with metal 3D additive manufacturing technology. We aim to develop next-generation catalysts by focusing on features such as reaction fluid control based on excellent design flexibility, energy saving using thermal conductivity, and control of crystal structure and orientation at the nanoscale.

When a hydrogen energy society is established, it will be necessary to not only use hydrogen as an energy source, but also to find new ways to utilize it. We are focusing on the "hydrogen spillover" phenomenon, in which hydrogen molecules flow out as highly active monatomic hydrogen through metals adsorbed on oxide surfaces and rapidly diffuse around the surface, aiming to develop next-generation hydrogen technology.

When metal nanoparticles are confined in the nanospace of a hollow structure, the restricted space allows them to exhibit unusual activity, selectivity, and durability different from those of conventional metal nanoparticles. We aim to develop high-performance “nanoreactors” by precisely controlling the structure and size of the hollow space, as well as the type and composition of the encapsulated metals, using our unique synthetic approach.

In order to construct sustainable carbon neutral technology, it is important to develop a catalyst system that can convert CO₂ by utilizing industrial waste heat and sunlight as an energy source. We are focusing on metastable molybdenum oxides with “photothermal conversion properties” which efficiently convert light into heat, aiming to develop photo-assisted catalytic reactions that use sunlight to drive reactions.

In order to realize a sustainable society, it is essential to construct recycling technologies that fully utilize the energy of waste materials and substances. We aim to develop a new recycling technology by focusing on waste slag, a byproduct of the steel industry. We extract and reconstitute valuable elements contained in the slag and convert them into functional adsorbents and high-performance catalysts by adopting a metallurgical approach