HOME > Research Directors, Research Themes FY2012
Last Update:2013.4.1
Jun TAKADA | Innovative Applications to Harness the Novel Functions of Nanoscaled Iron Oxides of Microbial Origin |
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Hiromi NAKAI | Theoretical Design of Materials with Innovative Functions Based on Relativistic Electronic Theory |
Yasushi MORITA | Application of Air-stable Organic Radical to Secondary Batteries and Photoelectric Conversion Materials |
Jun TAKADA
Professor, Okayama University
Nobuyuki IMANISHI | Professor, Mie University |
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Iron-oxidizing bacteria ubiquitously produce extracellular, uniquely shaped microsheaths or ribbon-like, fibrous bundles primarily composed of iron oxides in natural hydrospheres. Although this biogenous iron oxide [BIOX] generally has been treated as waste, we assumed that they have undiscovered industry-worthy functions. In careful, rigorous studies, we discovered that the BIOX matrix has an amorphous state; an organic?inorganic hybrid state of primary particles (ca. 3 nm diameter); Fe, Si and P as major elements linked via oxygen; and extremely noteworthy, diverse, commercial functions (e.g., great potential as an anode for Li-ion batteries, high catalytic potential, high affinity to human cells), far surpassing those of artificial iron oxides. To fully harness these functions for broad industrial applications, this collaborative study encompasses material science, electrochemistry, catalytic chemistry, computational science, microbiology, biotechnology, with high hopes and expectations for developing this eco-friendly, nontoxic, low-cost, fascinating BIOX into beneficial materials for the next generation.
Hiromi NAKAI
web site
Professor, Waseda University
Masahiko HADA | Professor, Tokyo Metropolitan University |
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Takahito NAKAJIMA | Team Leader, Advanced Institute for Computational Science (AICS), RIKEN |
Junya HASEGAWA | Professor, Hokkaido University |
So HIRATA | Professor, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign |
Yuriko AOKI | Professor, Kyushu University |
Hirotoshi MORI | Associate Professor, Ochanomizu University |
Relativistic effects are essential for theoretically treating heavy elements such as rare metals. In this project, we will establish the relativistic quantum chemical methodology as a theoretical foundation. What follows, we will apply the method to catalytic activities, electromagnetic properties, electronic materials, biological photofunctions, and functional polymers, in order to clarify the characters of elements that play the primary roles and to design materials possessing innovative functions.
Yasushi MORITA
web site
Professor, Aichi Institute of Technology
Ryotaro TSUJI | Manager, Kaneka Corporation |
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Shinji NAKANISHI | Group Manager, Toyota Motor Corporation |
In this research project, the novel molecules based on trioxotriangulene (TOT), an air-stable organic radical created by the research representative and co-workers, will be designed and synthesized, and their fundamental electronic properties will be revealed. As application of these novel molecules, "Next-generation rare-metal-free organic secondary batteries" and "full-spectrum harvesting hybrid solar cell" utilizing "Near-infrared light responsible photoelectric conversion thin film" will be developed. On the basis of these researches, establishment of new fundamentals for the next-generation organic electronic devices and the element strategy approach to solve the problem on resources and environment will be promoted.