- Induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells that differentiate and then proliferate in various organs
- High temperature superconductive wire to be used in electric power transmission
- Counteracting a flu pandemic crisis
- Fourth generation optical disc to follow Blu-ray discs
- Elements that highly efficiently generate useful ultraviolet light
- Generating ultra-thin films at the molecular level
- Fundamental regenerative medicine technology: Generating cell sheets
- Clarifying the function of substances that recognize pathogens and activate the immunity system
- Transparent semiconductor from common materials
- Finding a new family of high temperature superconducting materials
- Organic synthesis method without use of organic solvents
- Plastic optical fiber that allows High-speed, large-capacity communication
- Single-crystal TMR device for trans Gbit-MRAM
Kobayashi Highly Functionalized Reaction Environments Project (FY2003-2008)
Shu Kobayashi (Professor, The University of Tokyo)
Development of chemical processes without organic solvents
Organic reactions in water: reducing harmful wastes
Research Overview
It has long been accepted that chemical processes use organic solvents. However, in this project, a technique by which aqueous synthesis is performed without the use of organic solvents has been developed. Additionally, a technique to immobilize metallic catalysts that are highly active, easily collected and reused has been developed. These techniques have high potential as chemical processes with a lower environmental burden and superior economic efficiency.
Impact of Research Achievements
■ Efficient synthesis of drugs, fertilizers and aromatics, and cost reduction of organic chemical materials
■ Effective use of resources such as rare metals
■ Reduction of environmental burdens through reduced emissions of organic solvents and metals.
■ Proposition and demonstration of environmentally friendly chemical industry
■ Collaborative project with companies is ongoing.
Schematic diagram of polymer-supported gold nanocluster catalyst
(Photo shows transmission electron microscope image of gold nanocluster)
(Photo shows transmission electron microscope image of gold nanocluster)