Research Fields
Research Overview
We have a different point of view on "heterogeneous catalysts" with nanostructured materials. How can we understand such a complicated system?
The answer, we think, is making a "well-defined" heterogeneous structure and employing it as a three-dimensional model catalyst. If we completely analyze the structure-property relationship using this model catalyst in various chemical reactions, we may be able to examine the principles of catalyst design and extend our idea into practical applications.
Most of our concerns nowadays are environmentally benign energy conversion processes, which mean converting chemically very stable wastes - carbon dioxide, dirty water, NOx, etc. - into value-added products, such as hydrogen, methanol, CO, ethylene, and ethanol by using renewable energy sources. Hence, our ultimate target is establishing design principles of nanocatalysts for photochemical and electrochemical activation of small molecules using renewable energies - more strictly, from sunlight.
A "Single" particle is not alone. I'll be your friend. - Henry Cortel
And God said, "Let there be light," and there was light. - Genesis 1:3
I was lightning before thunder. Thunder, feel the thunder. - Imagine Dragons
Recent Interests
What is the origin of "chirality" in nanoscale?
Can we synthesize high-order molecules by photo- or electrochemical methods?
How can we apply sustainable chemistry for practical applications?
What else can we examine small molecule activation except for H2 and CO2?