Shoji Iguchi

Electrolytic synthesis of urea from nitrate towards advanced recycling of nitrogen and carbon

Grant No.：JPMJPR2471

Researcher

Shoji Iguchi

Outline

Urea is widely used for fertilisers, adhesives, and resins. In this study, development of advanced urea synthesis from nitrate in wastewater and carbon dioxide in exhaust gas under ambient temperature and pressure using electricity derived from renewable energy sources will be investigated, with the aim of electrifying manufacturing. For this purpose, I would like to work on the design and development of innovative electrocatalysts and reaction fields effective for the generation of active nitrogen and carbon species and the formation of nitrogen-carbon bonds.

Ryota Osuga

Elucidation of reaction dynamics of liquid-phase heterogeneous acid-base catalysis using infrared spectroscopy

Grant No.：JPMJPR2472

Researcher

Ryota Osuga

Outline

There has yet to be an established method for characterizing the acid-base properties of heterogeneous catalysts in the liquid phase. This study aims to establish a characterization method using infrared (IR) spectroscopy and try to clarify the reaction dynamics of biomass conversion reactions that contribute to the realization of carbon neutrality based on operando IR observation. Feeding back the information obtained from these analyses into catalyst design can contribute to developing highly efficient catalytic reaction systems.

Kensuke Kiyokawa

Highly Efficient Amine Synthesis Using Ammonia as a Nitrogen Source

Grant No.：JPMJPR2473

Researcher

Kensuke Kiyokawa

Outline

The method of the direct synthesis of highly valuable amines from ammonia, which plays a central role in the nitrogen cycle, would be ideal from a resource cycle and energy efficiency point of view. In this research, we will develop a fundamental technology for environmentally friendly amine synthesis from ammonia as a nitrogen source.

Yuichiro Kobayashi

Development of functional polysulfide polymer materials from waste sulfur

Grant No.：JPMJPR2474

Researcher

Yuichiro Kobayashi

Outline

By using reagents such as epoxies, isocyanates, and carbonyl chlorides, various stepwise polymerized polysulfide polymers were synthesized, and their physical properties were evaluated. A systematic evaluation was conducted to correlate their structure and properties, aiming to establish a platform. In pursuing practical applications, a low environmental impact method for sulfur polymer synthesis, specifically solvent-free and/or room temperature synthesis, was developed. Additionally, functional materials such as lithium-sulfur batteries and self-healing materials were created using the resulting polysulfide polymers.

Takashi Nakamura

Precise Conversion of Biomass Carbon Resources by Macrocyclic Complexes

Grant No.：JPMJPR2475

Researcher

Takashi Nakamura

Outline

Biomass has attracted much attention as a carbon resource to replace petroleum, but it has yet to replace petrochemicals as a raw material for fine chemical synthesis, and is mainly used as combustion energy. In this research, I aim to develop macrocyclic complexes that recognize substrates by coordination bonds as a new means of direct conversion of biomass carbon resources and precise control of their chemical modification. The research target is to achieve highly selective catalytic reactions depending on their intermetallic distances.

Zen Maeno

Development of multifunctional catalysts to innovate capture of low-concentration CO2 and reductive utilization

Grant No.：JPMJPR2476

Researcher

Zen Maeno

Outline

The applied research aims to construct a CO2 capture and utilization process that can simultaneously capture low-concentration CO2 from a gas mixture containing O2, and directly convert the captured CO2 into CO and CH4 by hydrogenation. The project will develop an innovative catalytic reaction field that solves all the problems of conventional CO2 capture and hydrogenation, such as deactivation by O2, use of large amounts of platinum group elements, operation at high temperatures (in the 300-400°C range) and low CO2 processing rates.

Kei Murata

Development of novel transition-metal photocatalysts that transform C1 resources

Grant No.：JPMJPR2477

Researcher

Kei Murata

Outline

This study aims to develop photocatalytic reactions that transform C1 compounds to various hydrocarbons based on the chemical bond formation/cleavage by active metal complexes generated photochemically. These reactions are expected to contribute to the realization of carbon circulations that utilize the abundant C1 resources and solar energy.

Susumu Yamamoto

Structure-Activity Relationship in Catalysis Revealed by Multimodal X-ray Operando Measurements

Grant No.：JPMJPR2478

Researcher

Susumu Yamamoto

Outline

Catalyst surfaces under reactions are dynamic reaction fields with structural fluctuations, but the relationship between structural fluctuations and catalytic activity is not clear. In this study, I will construct a multimodal X-ray operando measurement system that can simultaneously measure the chemical and electronic states and the structure of catalyst surfaces using the high-brilliance X-rays from the NanoTerasu Synchrotron Light Source to clarify the relationship between structural fluctuations and catalytic activity of catalysts. By developing a new scientific concept of dynamic catalytic surfaces, I aim to establish a guideline for the development and design of new catalysts.

Takayuki Yamamoto

Development of resource-saving devices oriented to full utilization of electrolytes

Grant No.：JPMJPR2479

Researcher

Takayuki Yamamoto

Outline

Resource-saving devices without rare metals are needed to meet the increasing demands for storage batteries in the near future. This project focuses on dual-carbon batteries composed of solely carbon-based active materials. The research goal is the enhanced battery performance via the development of novel highly concentrated electrolytes available around room temperature, which is achieved by combining multiple ionic species in ionic liquid electrolytes.

Taiga Yurino

Non-Classical Recycle of Cyanide for the Carbon and Nitrogen Cycle

Grant No.：JPMJPR247A

Researcher

Taiga Yurino

Outline

Carbon and Nitrongen cycle has recently been focused as the one of the solutions to the environmental problems. Cyanide is the smallest molecular anion which consist of carbon and nitrogen. Cyanide is regarded as a crucial industrial chemical. However, it is highly poisonous. To detoxify it, cyanide should be degradated into CO2 and N2, and thus it could not be recycled. In this research project, I will use cyanide as carbon and nitrogen resources for the preparation of highly valuable chemical compounds. Effective fixation and non-classical recycle of cyanide will be achieved.