Ayumi Imayoshi

Mobile Supramolecular Chirality Opening Asymmetric Photoreactions with Circularly Polarized Light

Grant No.：JPMJPR25M1

Researcher

Ayumi Imayoshi

Outline

Sunlight is a ubiquitous reaction resource. However, asymmetric synthesis utilizing the intrinsic asymmetry of light—circularly polarized light (CPL)—as a chiral source remains an underexplored research field. This project aims to develop a new asymmetric synthesis method based on chiral circulation generated through mobile supramolecular chirality. It seeks to establish an innovative foundation for asymmetric synthesis that produces chiral sources essential for pharmaceuticals and chiroptical devices.

Yosuke Ugata

Development of sustainable aqueous battery materials thorugh mixed-ion strategies

Grant No.：JPMJPR25M2

Researcher

Yosuke Ugata

Outline

Toward the realization of sustainable aqueous rechargeable batteries that are free from environmental concerns and resource constraints, this project aims to leverage mixed-ion strategies to develop electrochemically stable electrolytes with minimized free-water content and layered oxide electrodes with enhanced moisture tolerance and structural stability. In addition, the charge–discharge reaction mechanisms of cells integrating these materials are elucidated, thereby establishing material design principles for long-life aqueous batteries.

Hajime Kameo

Innovative Bond Activation Methods toward Advanced Recycling of Silicon Resources

Grant No.：JPMJPR25M3

Researcher

Hajime Kameo

Outline

To achieve advanced recycling of silicon resources, methodologies will be developed to efficiently produce organosilicon compounds from the natural resource silica (SiO₂), as well as to recycle by-products such as waste silicones, silica slag, and rice husk ash into valuable organosilicon compounds. In addition, a new activation principle will be established that enables the selective cleavage and transformation of bonds with high bond energies and low reactivity, and a theoretical framework will be constructed to fundamentally broaden the understanding of chemical transformation reactions.

Xiongjie Jin

Development of Hign-Performance Solid Catalysts for the Recycling of Unused Carbon Resources

Grant No.：JPMJPR25M4

Researcher

Xiongjie Jin

Outline

The hydrogenolysis of unused carbon resources such as waste plastics and biomass is a key technology for realizing sustainable materials and resource circulation.In this study, solid catalysts with both high activity and high selectivity are developed by modifying the surface of phosphate supports to enable highly dispersed and stably immobilized metal species. This approach enables the establishment of hydrogenolysis processes that contribute to materials and resource circulation, while the elucidation of the reaction mechanisms advances the systematic understanding of “degradation chemistry.”

Yusuke Kuroda

Upcycling Untapped Protein Resources Enabled by Plastic Enzymes

Grant No.：JPMJPR25M5

Researcher

Yusuke Kuroda

Outline

In this project, I propose a “plastic enzyme,” that combines selectivity outperforming that of natural enzymes with the intrinsic reusability of synthetic resins. By enabling sequence-selective hydrolysis of underutilized proteins such as keratin, which are conventionally disposed of by incineration, this work lays the groundwork for environmentally sustainable processes capable of delivering peptides tailored for pharmaceutical, food, and biomaterial applications.

Hiroaki Kobayashi

Development of high-energy and cost-effecrtive cathode materials utilizing cationic multi-electron redox

Grant No.：JPMJPR25M6

Researcher

Hiroaki Kobayashi

Outline

Much research on battery cathode materials has focused on an octahedral unit redox center; redox mechanisms of tetrahedral units remain unexplored. In this project, I unravel the redox chemistry of the tetrahedral unit in alkali-superrich oxide materials, and develop high-energy and cost-effective sodium-ion battery cathode materials by utilizing the reversible cationic multi-electron redox reaction of iron and manganese.

Masayuki Gon

Upcycling of Rare Elements with Mechanochemical Reactions

Grant No.：JPMJPR25M7

Researcher

Masayuki Gon

Outline

Due to increasing restrictions on obtaining rare elements and concerns regarding environmental pollution, technologies for recovering and reutilizing rare elements from waste have become increasingly important. In this study, I aim to recover rare elements from solid waste while simultaneously detoxifying the materials through complexation with π-conjugated ligands induced by mechanochemical reactions, which is represented as a sustainable approach within green chemistry. Furthermore, I also seek to establish an upcycling process that imparts high functionality to π-conjugated materials through incorporation of rare elements and to provide a scientific basis for the selective recovery of elements from solid waste.

Hajime Suzuki

Highly Efficient Energy and Chemical Conversion Using Layered Mixed-Anion Photocatalysts

Grant No.：JPMJPR25M8

Researcher

Hajime Suzuki

Outline

This study advances the design-driven development of mixed-anion photocatalysts, focusing on layered oxyhalide and oxysulfide materials, to develop innovative platforms for chemical and energy conversion in artificial photosynthesis. Anisotropic, compositionally graded doping within individual particles is employed to generate internal electric fields that enhance charge separation, while interlayer spaces and ions are leveraged to selectively facilitate target reactions, with the aim of demonstrating efficient artificial photosynthesis.

Kosuke Nakamoto

Creation of Environmentally Harmonized Aqua-Ionics Materials

Grant No.：JPMJPR25M9

Researcher

Kosuke Nakamoto

Outline

To contribute to the realization of a sustainable and environmentally harmonized society, this study aims to create novel materials based on crystalline porous frameworks incorporating hydrated ions and water molecules. By elucidating their structural characteristics and dynamic interactions, the mechanisms of ion transport under hydration can be clarified, establishing fundamental principles for high-power and high-efficiency energy storage and conversion. Through the development of the new concept of “aqua-ionics,” this research explores a new domain of environmentally harmonized energy materials science, providing design strategies for sustainable electrochemical systems and circular materials.

Shingo Hasegawa

Development of metal oxide cluster catalysts for efficient and selective C–H bond functionalization

Grant No.：JPMJPR25MA

Researcher

Shingo Hasegawa

Outline

C–H bond functionalization is an ideal strategy for synthesizing valuable compounds with high step and atom economy. However, there are two problems in conventional C–H bond functionalization reactions: the use of toxic and expensive oxidants; and a strong reliance on directing groups for regioselectivity control. This study aims to overcome these challenges by taking advantages of the unique catalysis of metal oxide clusters and precisely designing the structure of catalyst surface. The ultimate goal is to establish the catalytic systems for regioselective C–H bond functionalization reactions without directing groups using molecular oxygen as the sole oxidant.

Nattapol Ma

Development of metal-organic glasses for intermediate-temperature hydrogen production

Grant No.：JPMJPR25MB

Researcher

Nattapol Ma

Outline

Inspired by the composition-tuning strategies established for oxide glasses, this project aims to develop new synthesis approaches that will overcome the design constraints of metal-organic glasses. By strategically introducing network modifiers, the network domain size and local structure will be controlled, allowing the physical properties of metal-organic glasses to be finely tuned. The final goal is to create sustainable materials with the high proton conductivity required for water electrolysis at intermediate temperatures.

Takaichi Watanabe

Development of Circular-type Polymer Electrolytes

Grant No.：JPMJPR25MC

Researcher

Takaichi Watanabe

Outline

In recent years, the recyclability and resource dependence of solid electrolytes have been challenged as a trade-off for achieving high performance. This study aims to establish design principles for a new class of polymer electrolytes: circular-type vitrimers that combine clickable ionic liquid monomers with dynamic covalent bonds. These vitrimers are solvent-free and exhibit high ionic conductivity, as well as being recyclable and demonstrating resource circularity. In addition, vitrimers will be also developed through the upcycling of waste-derived raw materials.