2023 ■ OUTLINE

Innovative Chemistry｜Department of ChemistrySurface Physical Chemistry
Photocatalysts have attracted considerable attention due totheir potential applications for water-splitting to generate hydrogen gas
by using solar energy. As H 2 is clean and free from CO 2 emissions,photocatalysts are expected to address many problems such as theenergy crisis, environmental pollution, and global warming. However, theefficiency of photocatalysis is still not sufficient for industrial use; hence,
further activity enhancement is required. The efficiency of photocatalysis
is determined by the competition between electron-hole pairrecombination and the rate of charge transfer to the reactant molecules.
Therefore, we are
Prof. YAMAKATA Akira
studying the behaviorsof photogenerated■ Research Themes
charge carriers to elucidate the mechanism. These
photocatalysis/solar cells/
researches should shed light on the development of highly
ultrafast laser spectroscopy/
efficient solar light driven water splitting photocatalysts.
reaction dunamics

Theoretical Physical Chemistry
By using theoretical approaches such as statistical mechanics,
thermodynamics, and molecular simulation, we are tackling a wide range of
research issues related to liquids, solutions, interfaces, phase transitions,polymers, proteins, viruses, and cells. The latest research topics include solute
size dependence of hydrophobic interactions, solubility of solutes, effective
interactions, ion-specific effects on phase separation, structure of interfaces near
the triple critical point of three-phase equilibrium systems, structural stabilityof proteins, co-solvent effects on proteins, and design principle of biologicalmolecular motors and their efficiency of the free energy transduction, etc.

Prof. KOGA Kenichiro■ Research Themes
Interface/Nano-confined system/
Wetting transition/Phase transition/
Solvent-induced interaction/
Hydrophobic interaction/Aqueous
solution/Ion-specific effect

Assoc. Prof. SUMI Tomonari■ Research Themes
Liquids and solutions/Liquid state
theory/Protein science/Biophysics/
Theoretical biology

Theoretical and Computational Chemistry
We use molecular simulation techniques to understand and predict various functions ofmolecules and molecular assemblies such as lipid membranes, aiming to inform the design of new materials.
In order to tackle technical issues in bio- and soft-materials, we utilize multiscale molecular modeling,ranging from sub-atomic scales of quantum mechanics,
to the coarse-grained molecular level, reaching to themicron scale. By developing these simulation techniques
and applying them to contemporary problems, we
expand the frontiers of molecular simulations.

Prof. SHINODA Wataru■ Research Themes
computational chemistry/molecular simulation/
biomembranes/lipid membranes/biomolecular
self-assembly/soft materials

GRADUATE SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENTAL, LIFE, NATURAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, OKAYAMA UNIVERSITY

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Theoretical Chemistry
We use computer simulations and statisticalmechanics theory to explore the unusual properties of waterand ice.

Assoc. Prof.
MATSUMOTO Masakazu■ Research Themes
theoretical chemistry/molecular
dynamics/science of water andice

Quantum Physics in Condensed Matter
The objective of our group is to study new functional

materials and devices through chemical and physical approaches.
Main research subjects are to develop superconductors withhigh transition temperature and novel physical properties, and to

exploit new functional devices made of organic molecules, twodimensional layered materials, and topological materials.

Assoc. Prof. GOTO Hidenori■ Research Themes
solid-state chemistry/superconductor/
two-dimensional layered material/organic FET

Inorganic Chemistry
Since the adsorption of molecules and ions into solid pores proceeds spontaneously by

selecting the appropriate material, so that the separation and purification process of mixtures can beconstructed without any energy supply. We focus on fundamental phenomena to stabilize adsorbed species

and to determine the ability. That can build design guidelines for inorganic porous materials that we should
aim for in the next generation.

Prof. OHKUBO Takahiro■ Research Themes
adsorption/separation/pore/nanocarbon/porous ceramics

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GRADUATE SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENTAL, LIFE, NATURAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, OKAYAMA UNIVERSITY

2023 ■ OUTLINE

Coordination Chemistry
In our research group, we are studying on thesynthesis of novel transition metal and lanthanoid complexes withunique molecular and crystal structures, which are expected
to exhibit useful magnetic and optical properties and highly
selective reactivity. In particular, we are challenging to synthesize
manganese model clusters for the oxygen-evolving center inphotosystem-II, metal complexes that exhibit stimuli-responsible
spin-crossoveror chromotropic
Prof. SUZUKI Takayoshi
behavior, and■ Research Themes
to elucidate
Oxygen-Evolving Catalyst/
the mechanism
Polynuclear Complexes/of absolute spontaneous resolution, which selectively
Spontaneous Resolution/
generates optically active compounds from non-chiral
Chiralitysources.

Analytical Chemistry
We are developing a high-performance separation and determination
methods using a laser and simple chemical sensors using paper substrates. We
are also developing analytical methods for vesicles released by biological cells,
environmental pollutants, active components contained in food, and chemicals
that serve as indicators of food degradation. We are also working on research on
high-performance separation using capillary electrophoresis and new analyticalmethods with nanochannels.

Prof.
KANETA Takashi

Assoc. Prof.
TAKEYASU Nobuyuki■ Research Themes
Analytical Chemistry/
Bioanalysis/Environmental
Analysis/and Food Analysis■ Research Themes
Nanotechnology/Materials /Nanomaterials

Nanochemistry
The aim of our research is to explore nanometrology by exploiting the novel
functionality of inorganic nanomaterials. We are currently investigating
nanoscale properties of biological samples and electronic devices, throughoptical responses of nanodiamonds and metallic nanoparticles.

Assoc. Prof.
FUJIWARA Masazumi■ Research Themesnano science/quantum
technology/iorganic chemistry/
analytical chemistry

GRADUATE SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENTAL, LIFE, NATURAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, OKAYAMA UNIVERSITY

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Organic Chemistry
Development of New Synthetic Reactions and Its
Application to the Synthesis of Biologically Active Organic
Compounds
Biologically active natural products have been regarded as
the promising drug candidates and useful tool for life science.
Particularly, because of their potent biological activities,
natural products isolated from marine organisms have attracted much attention of organic chemists, biologists, andpharmacologists. We are studying the developing new synthetic reactions and its application to the total synthesis
and structural elucidation of biologically active organic molecules such as marine toxins, antitumor, and antifoulingcompounds.

Prof. KADOTA Isao

■ Research Themes
Organic Synthesis/Natural Product/
Total Synthesis/Biologically Active
Molecule/Structural Elucidation/
Antifouling Agent

Assoc. Prof. TAKAMURA Hiroyoshi■ Research Themes
Organic Synthesis/Natural Product/Total
Synthesis/Biologically Active Molecule/
Structural Elucidation/Antifouling Agent

Functional Organic Chemistry
By utilizing transition metal catalysts, we can develop organometallic reagentsand complexes that exhibit reactivities and selectivities distinct from those observed inclassical methods. Additionally, precise control over the reactivities of both the reagentsand catalysts can be achieved by fine-tuning the ligands (organic compounds) bonded to thetransition metals. Our focus is on advancing the development of new carbon-carbon bondforming reactions, capitalizing on the unique characteristics of organometallic complexes
composed of metals and organic compounds. These reactions serve as a foundation forsynthetic organic processes.

Prof.
NISHIHARA Yasushi■ Research Themes
Transition metal catalysts/
Organic photovoltaics/
Organic field-effect transistors/Bond
activation/Organoboron chemistry/
Organofluorine chemistry

Asst. Prof.
MORI Hiroki■ Research Themes
Transition metal catalysts/
Organic material chemistry/
Functional polymers/Organic solar cells/
Organic semiconductors/Semiconducting
polymers/Heteropolycyclic aromaticcompounds

Asst. Prof.
TANAKA Kenta■ Research Themes
Synthetic organic chemistry/
Photocatalysis/Visible light/
Organophotocatalyst/Flow synthesis/
Electrosynthesis

Synthetic and Physical Organic Chemistry
In Synthetic and Physical Organic Chemistry researcharea, we investigate organic photochemistry to develop novel
functional molecule, such as luminescent materials organic
semiconductors. Our research subjects are as follows.

Assoc. Prof. OKAMOTO Hideki■ Research Themes
Organic photochemistry/Organic functional
molecule/Fluorescence/Polycyclic aromatichydrocarbon/Organic semiconductor

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GRADUATE SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENTAL, LIFE, NATURAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, OKAYAMA UNIVERSITY

2023 ■ OUTLINE

Innovative Chemistry｜Department of Applied Chemistry

Environmental Amorphous Materials Science
Glass has excellent properties of transparency and moldability,
which gives it various applications used in our daily life such as clear
windows, containers, bottles, lens and fiber-form optics and so on. Anotheradvantage of glass is its ability as a solvent, which allows it to dissolve
and retain various elements including toxic and/or radioactive ones. Glasscan be a key material to solve environmental and energy problems. In ourgroup, we contribute to resource and energy saving through the researchand development of functional glass and ceramic materials. We are also
studying on efficient process of recycling inorganic wastes based on
physics and chemistry of glass materials.

Prof.
NANBA Tokuro

Assoc. Prof.
BENINO Yasuhikoglass science/environmental
inorganic materials science/
inorganic materials chemistry

glass science/environmental
inorganic materials science/
inorganic materials chemistry■ Research Themes■ Research Themes

Environmental Inorganic Materials Science
We are developing novel electrode materials and electrolytes to enhance
the performance of solid oxide fuel cells, which are gaining attention as aclean and efficient power generation system. Specifically, our focus lieson the utilization of biogas as a fuel. Additionally, we are working on thedevelopment of new separation materials that achieve efficient water/
alcohol and oil/water separation with low energy consumption. This isaccomplished by leveraging the unique pore structure of zeolites, thesuperhydrophilicity of titanium oxide photocatalysts, and the combination ofhydrophilic and hydrophobic surfaces.

Prof. KAMESHIMA Yoshikazu

Assoc. Prof. NISHIMOTO Shunsuke■ Research Themes
inorganic materials chemistry/
inorganic environmental materials/
inorganic interface chemistry■ Research Themes
inorganic materials chemistry/
inorganic environmental materials/
inorganic interface chemistry

Advanced Organic Materials
Our research interests include ( 1 )chemistry of nanocarbons (fullerenes and carbon
nanotubes), ( 2 ) chemistry of main group elements,( 3 ) self-assembly and photoproperties of organic
semiconductors, ( 4 ) chemical modification of clusters,and ( 5 ) fabrication and properties of nanohybrids.

Assoc. Prof.
TAJIMA Tomoyuki■ Research Themes
Organic Chemistry/Photochemistry/
Nano carbon chemistry/Main groupelement chemistry

GRADUATE SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENTAL, LIFE, NATURAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, OKAYAMA UNIVERSITY

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Environmental Process Engineering
In order to convert an unusable material to a valuable material, we research to propose an environmentalfriendly chemical processes. We proposed the three chemical processes shown in the figure to produce a monomer
to make a bioplastic from woody biomass. As the first process, we used subcritical water to hydolyze cellulose andhemicellulose. We converted monosaccharide to 2 , 5 -Hydroxymethylfrufral (HMF) by the quick extraction as called
as Slug Flow as the second process. We proposed a convertingchemical process using a metal catalyst with liposome, which is an
artificial cell membrane, to produce 2 , 5 -frandicarboxylic acid.

Prof.
KIMURA Yukitaka

Assoc.Prof.
SHIMANOUCHI Toshinori■Research Themes
environmentalfriendly chemical
processes/slug
flow■ Research Themes
environmental-friendly
chemical processes/slug
flow

Inorganic Materials
Synthesis and characterization offunctional ceramic thin films
Developments of functional ceramic materials by soft
chemical methods
Biogenous iron oxides for novel nanometric materials
Catalysis related to ferroelectricitys

Prof. FUJII Tatsuo

Assoc.Prof. KANO Jun■ Research Themes
Inorganic Materials/Ceramics/Thin
Films & Fine Particles/Magnetic
Materials/Dielectric Materials/
Battery Materials■ Research Themes
Inorganic Materials/Ceramics/Thin
Films & Fine Particles/Magnetic
Materials/Dielectric Materials/
Battery Materials

Asst. Prof.
TAKAHASHI Masakuni■ Research Themes
Inorganic Materials/Ceramics/Thin
Films & Fine Particles/Magnetic
Materials/Dielectric Materials/
Battery Materials

Environmental Polymer Chemistry
Polymer materials are indispensable as materials that support
our daily lives, and by precisely controlling their molecular structures andaggregation states, it is possible to express advanced functions. We are studying
the development of materials that contribute to environmental conservation,such as plant-derived
biomass plastics and superengineering plastics.

Prof.
KIMURA Kunio■ Research Themes
Polymer chemistry,
Polymer physics/Organic
chemistry/Physical chemistry/
Environmental materials

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Assoc. Prof.
YAMAZAKI Shinichi■ Research Themes
Polymer chemistry,
Polymer physics/Organic
chemistry/Physical chemistry/
Environmental materials

GRADUATE SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENTAL, LIFE, NATURAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, OKAYAMA UNIVERSITY

Asst. Prof.
ATARASHI Hironori■ Research Themes
Polymer chemistry/
Polymer physics/Organic
chemistry/Physical chemistry/
Environmental materials

2023 ■ OUTLINE

Environmental Reaction Engineering
Our research targets are in four fields, the development of a recyclable society, global
environmental problems, environmental protection, and basic reaction engineering technology. Our goal
is to address these issues using chemical engineering
approaches. Our recent research has focused on recycling
waste, biomass, and green hydrocarbons, searching foreffective catalysts to remove contamination matter ingroundwater, and stirring operation between different
phases.

Prof. Uddin Md. Azhar■ Research Themes
Chemical reaction engineering/
Catalytic chemistry

Solid State Chemistry
Research on the development of new functional ceramics (structural materials
and electronic materials) and their application to various electronic elements andelectrochemical devices has been carried out. Attempts have been made to fabricate
ceramics using internal stress and interfaces between different substances, and to
fabricate ceramic solids from liquid and gas phases. Attempts have also been madeto fabricate ceramics using internal stress and interfaces between different materials,
and to fabricate ceramic solids from liquid and gas phases. We comprehensively
evaluate the effects of mechanical external force, electric field application as anexternal field, and electromagnetic wave irradiation on the electromagnetic propertiesof ceramics.

Prof.
KISHIMOTO Akira■ Research Themes
Ceramics/Functional
materials/millimeter-wave
irradiation heating/ionic conductor/
dielectric materials

Assoc. Prof.
TERANISHI Takasｈi■ Research Themes
Ceramics/Functional
materials/millimeter-wave
irradiation heating/ionic conductor/
dielectric materials

Asst. Prof.
KONDO Shinya■ Research Themes
Ceramics/Functional
materials/millimeter-wave
irradiation heating/ionic conductor/
dielectric materials

Interface Process Engineering
Under the catchphrase Process Innovation
for Product Innovation, we study on the developmentof new materials and the proposal of new processes,
using a chemical engineering approach that integrates awide range of disciplines with interface as the keyword.
We explore new manufacturing methods for functional
materials based on polymer chemistry, biotechnology,
organic chemistry, and microfluidics. Specifically, we fabricate functional soft materials
including polymer particles, capsules, fibers, and gels.

Prof. ONO Tsutomu■ Research Themes
Chemical engineering/Interfacialchemistry/Polymer chemistry/
Microfluidics/Soft Matter

Asst. Prof.
WATANABE Takaichi■ Research Themes
Chemical engineering/Interfacialchemistry/Polymer chemistry/
Microfluidics/Soft Matter

GRADUATE SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENTAL, LIFE, NATURAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, OKAYAMA UNIVERSITY

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Fluid and Particle Process Engineering
In chemical processes for producing inorganic materials, organic
materials, and polymer materials, particulate solid material so called “Powder” areused as intermediates and final products. Our research works are investigation andestablishment for the designing and controlling methods of a series of processes fromproduction to handling of particulate solid materials. Main topics are developmentof dry surface cleaning method, compression molding, powder property evaluation
method, kneading, layer formation during drying, particle generation by spray drying
as a process involving heat and mass transfer, gas-solid chemical heat storage. We arealso conducting mesoscale numerical calculations of particle dispersion systems as
basic research on interfacial phenomena and interactions between particles.

Prof.
GOTOH Kuniaki■ Research Themes
Chemical engineering/Powder technology/
Thermal engineering /Heatand mass transfer/Numericalsimulation

Assoc. Prof.
NAKASO Koichi■ Research Themes
Chemical engineering/Powder technology/
Thermal engineering /Heatand mass transfer/Numericalsimulation

Asst. Prof.
MINO Yasushi■ Research Themes
Chemical engineering/Powder technology/
Thermal engineering /Heatand mass transfer/Numericalsimulation

Bioprocess Engineering
Bioprocess engineering group is aiming to realize the industrial utilization of functional proteins: Proteins
are often too unstable against dehydration, contact with a solid surface, etc., to be applied as therapeutic
agent and sensing probe. We have been engaged in developing the technologies to maintain functional

proteins against the loss of their structure and functionality due todehydration and immobilization. Now, our research interests are expanded tosolid dispersion of water-insoluble drugs, nano-spinning of edible polymers,
protein immobilization with controlled orientation, etc.

Prof. IMAMURA Koreyoshi■ Research Themes
chemical engineering/drying
technology/encapsulation/
amorphous solid dispersion/
adsorption

Asst. Prof.
IMANAKA Hiroyuki■ Research Themes
biosensing/chemicalengineering/protein engineering/protein structure prediction

Synthetic Process Chemistry
We study innovative organic synthetic processes driven by organic electron transfer
reactions. In these electrochemical methods, electricity is used as a driving force, enabling
the greener chemical transformation without toxic and hazardous chemical reagents.
Based on the electrochemical organic synthesis, we focus on developing novel chemicaltransformations for facile access to organic functional materials such as active materials
for organic semiconductors and light-emitting materials, and biologically active compounds.
Microflow reactions have attracted a great deal of attention in recent years, and we are also
working to develop reactions that combine flow chemistry with electrochemical methods. The
machine learning-assisted optimization of organic chemistry has also been investigated.

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Prof.
SUGA Seiji

Assoc. Prof.
MITSUDO Koichi■ Research Themes
Organic photochemistry/
Organic functional molecule/
Fluorescence/Polycyclicaromatic hydrocarbon/Organic
semiconductor■ Research Themes
Organic photochemistry/
Organic functional molecule/
Fluorescence/Polycyclicaromatic hydrocarbon/Organic
semiconductor

GRADUATE SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENTAL, LIFE, NATURAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, OKAYAMA UNIVERSITY

Asst. Prof.
SATO Eisuke■ Research Themes
Organic photochemistry/
Organic functional molecule/
Fluorescence/Polycyclicaromatic hydrocarbon/Organic
semiconductor

2023 ■ OUTLINE

Organometallic Chemistry
Modern synthetic methods are required to construct complex

molecules from readily available materials. We are trying to develop an
innovative catalytic system, using not only the typical transition-metal
catalyst but also organocatalyst and photocatalyst.

Prof. MIURA Tomoya

Asst. Prof. YAMAZAKI Ken■ Research Themes
Organic Synthetic Chemistry/
Organometallic Chemistry/
Nanotechnology and Materials■ Research Themes
Organic Synthetic Chemistry/
Organometallic Chemistry/Computational Chemistry

Synthetic Organic Chemistry
We develop catalysts and catalytic reactions for the chemical fixationof carbon dioxide (CO 2 ). CO 2 is not only a greenhouse gas but alsoa renewable carbon source, and CO 2 fixation is an important technology forthe creation of carbon-neutral societies based on circular
economy. On the other hand, fluorescent dyes and circularly
polarized luminescence (CPL) dyes are expected to findvarious applications such as organic functional materials. We
study these subjects taking advantage of organic synthesis.

Prof.
EMA Tadashi■ Research Themesorganic synthesis/
catalysis/carbon
dioxide fixation/fluorescent dyes/
circularly polarized luminescencedyes

Assoc. Prof.
TAKAISHI Kazuto■ Research Themesorganic synthesis/
catalysis/carbon
dioxide fixation/fluorescent dyes/
circularly polarized luminescencedyes

Asst. Prof.
MAEDA Chihiro■ Research Themesorganic synthesis/
catalysis/carbon
dioxide fixation/fluorescent dyes/
circularly polarized luminescencedyes

Bioorganic Chemistry
There have been obtained many natural organic compounds thatexhibit unique biological activities. These bioactive substances are useful as
pharmaceuticals and their lead compounds. We are developing methods forthe chemical synthesis of these bioactive compounds with diverse functionalgroups and complex carbon skeletons. Considering the viewpoint of “clean,”that is environmentally benign, organic synthetic chemistry, we have been
designing a catalyst system that can stereoselectively synthesize organic
compounds with various functional groups, and have been developing
carbon-carbon bond formation reactions that can construct complex carbon
skeletons.

Prof. SAKAKURA Akira■ Research Themes
synthetic organic chemistry/bioactive
natural compound/catalyst/total
synthesis

Assoc. Prof. MIZOGUCHI Haruki■ Research Themes
synthetic organic chemistry/bioactive naturalcompound/catalyst/total synthesis

GRADUATE SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENTAL, LIFE, NATURAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, OKAYAMA UNIVERSITY

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Industrial Catalysis
To promote research and technological development of innovative chemical catalytic methodsof great industrial importance for solving global problems. Although the Faculty of Engineering of Okayama
University was established with high expectations from the people of Okayama Prefecture, we recognizethat our contribution to the local community is still far from sufficient, and we will promote practicalapplication-oriented chemical research based on coordination chemistry to achieve harmony between
the economy and the environment through down-to-earth regional and industry-academia collaboration.
Through research and other activities, we aim tonurture proud Japanese people with a firm andunshakable core.

Senior Asst. Prof.
OSHIKI Toshiyuki■ Research Themes
carbon recycling/homogeneous
catalysis/polymer synthesis

Polymeric Materials
・Nanomaterials of High-Performance Polymers– Creation of Super Materials by Novel Methodology for Morphology Control –・Development of a Retinal Prosthesis by Using Photoelectric DyeCoupled Polyethylene Films(Okayama University-Type Retinal Prosthesis: OUReP)
・Functionalized Polysaccharide Material
・Microwave Assisted Polymeric Material Processing

Prof.
UCHIDA Tetsuya

Senior Asst. Prof.
OKIHARA Takumi

Nanotechnology/Materials/
Composite materials andinterfaces/Nanotechnology/
Materials/Polymer materials/
Life Science/Biomaterials

Nanotechnology/Materials/Polymer
materials/Nanotechnology/Materials/
Green sustainable chemistry
and environmental chemistry/
Nanotechnology/Materials/Organic
functional materials■ Research Themes■ Research Themes

Functional Molecular Engineering
Based on the mechanism of oxidation/exfoliation of

bulk carbons, we have proposed the optimum reaction conditions
through cyclotron-based mechanistic studies. We can provide >100 grams of graphene and graphene oxide, and apply various
applications.

Assoc. Prof. NISHINA Yuta
■ Research Themes
Nanocarbon, catalysis, energy storage,
biomaterial, polymer

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GRADUATE SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENTAL, LIFE, NATURAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, OKAYAMA UNIVERSITY