Introduction of Research
Creation of multi-scale fusion systems for the realization of artificial photosynthesis
The construction of light energy-chemical energy conversion systems that create hydrogen and hydrocarbons from solar energy and water is also known as “artificial photosynthesis” and is a promising approach to solve environmental and energy problems. To realize this artificial photosynthesis, it is necessary to rationally collaborate photosensitizers, oxidation catalysts, and reduction catalysts. Our laboratory aims to realize artificial photosynthesis by utilizing the self-assembly ability of metal complexes in conjunction with various material systems, such as inorganic nanocluster catalysts, polymer catalysts, artificial enzymes, transparent electrodes, and lipid bilayers.
Development of Environmentally Friendly Synthesis of Strongly Luminescent Non-Precious Metal Complexes
With global warming and resource depletion becoming global problems, energy conservation and the substitution of scarce materials are extremely important issues. In our laboratory, we are synthesizing new highly luminescent complexes with Cu(I) ions to replace precious metal complexes such as Pt, Ir, and Ru, which have excellent luminescence properties, with 3d metal complexes, which are cheaper and more abundant in the earth. We are also actively developing various molecular modifications and environmentally friendly synthesis methods for application to energy-saving light-emitting devices.
Introduction of laboratory
Metal complexes and coordination polymers composed of organic ligands and metal ions are organic-inorganic hybrid systems that can be combined with various functional materials ranging from oxide crystals to biopolymers to integrate their functions. The laboratory aims to develop human resources who can play an active role in society and create new technology that contributes to building a sustainable society, through an education and research processes in which students can learn organic chemistry through the synthesis of organic ligands, inorganic chemistry through the synthesis of metal complexes, and challenge interdisciplinary areas in the process of fusing different kinds of materials.