Research Director: Kyoko Nozaki
(Professor, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo)
Research Term: Oct 2021 - Mar 2027
Grant Number: JPMJER2103

Our modern life is supported by macromolecules made by connecting small molecules using “synthetic chemistry”. Synthetic resin (plastic) thus created has rapidly become widespread. In spite of its enormous benefit, we face their disposal issues. To solve this problem, “degradation chemistry” is indispensable developing reactions to decompose macromolecules or tools (catalyst) to be used for decomposition.
In this project, we develop catalysts for degrading plastics for recycling and/or upcycling. We extend concept of “adjacent group contribution in catalysis”, commonly accepted in homogeneous catalysts (soluble in solution), to heterogeneous catalysts (insoluble in solution) widely used industrially. Through this project, we expect to develop a plastic reuse process for solving social issues and to build a new academic field “degradation chemistry”.

Research Groups

- Degradation catalyst for persistent resins group
- Introduction of breakable bonds to polyolefins group
- Reaction system design group
- Structural analysis group

Project Headquarters

Engineering building No. 3
Bunkyo-ku Hongo 7-3-1