Infrared Synchrotron Radiation
9 102~103 times brighter than conventional IR source.
9 Can be focused to a 10 Pm diameter spot without
an aperture (in the molecular vibration range).
ÆIR microscopy can be easily performed with a very
high spatial resolution.
ἅὅἑἁἚɧᑣᴾ

Comparison between SPring-8 and conventional IR source.

<Background>
9 Infrared synchrotron radiation is much brighter thanthe conventional, black body radiation-based infrared
sources. This brightness is utilized to perform infraredstudies with high spatial resolution, such as microspectroscopy, high pressure studies using a diamondanvil cell (DAC), etc.
<Present research activities>
9 Infrared studies of various materials under highpressure, using DAC and the infrared synchrotron
radiation at SPring-8.
9 Materials of main interest are the so-called ‘strongly
correlated electron systems’, where strong electronelectron interaction results in interesting phenomena
such as metal-insulator transition, heavy quasiparticle
formation, superconductivity, etc.
9 Development of super-spatial resolution IR microscopyusing SPring-8 and near-field optics.

Keywords: Infrared spectroscopy, synchrotron radiation,high pressure, diamond anvil cell.
E-mail: ho@tokushima-u.ac.jp
Tel. 088-656-9444
Fax:
A high pressure IR study of YbS using SPring-8.

HP : http://www.chem.tokushima-u.ac.jp/B2/

crackIR integrated intensity / cm・g

-1

Fig. 1 Volumetric apparatus for measurement of adsorption& desorption velocity of water on adsorbents..
20000
50℃

30℃

15000

Content:
The utilization of waste heat for the regeneration ofdesiccant material in a desiccant dehumidifier system is
one of the best alternatives because regeneration cost iseliminated. However, it is only suitable for equipment
which can exhaust waste heat at temperature 60 ℃ and
140 ℃ . Usually, these types of equipment are only
available in factories or supermarkets.
We develop estimation method of water adsorbents(desiccant materials) and propose two kinds of
estimation methods for water adsorption.
(1) Estimation of adsorption and desorption velocity ofwater on adsorbents by volumetric apparatus (Fig .1).
(2) Estimation of temperature behavior of adsorbed wateron adsorbents by IR spectroscopy.
In particular, temperature dependence (Fig. 2) ofadsorbed water on desiccant can be gotten easily byusing special IR cell (Fig. 3). The profile wascorresponding to the equilibrium adsorption data.

100℃

10000
5000

150℃

200℃

200℃

0
0

50

100

150

200

250

Temperature / ℃

Fig. 3 special IR cell.
Fig. 2 Temperature dependence of IR
integrated intensity of adsorbed H2O at
10 Torr on NaY zeolite, ○: 1st, ●: 2nd.

Keywords：water adsorbent, adsorption velocity,
IR spectroscopy
E-mail: katoh@tokushima-u.ac.jp
Tel. +81-88-656-7429
Fax: +81-88-656-7429
HP : http://www.chem.tokushima-u.ac.jp/C3/

Content:

(b)

5 μm

1 mm

crack

A. Colloidal crystallization: Colloidal crystals are hoping materials
for optical circuits and optical computer in the future. We havesuccessfully fabricated bulky grains (~ 6.1 mm3) of a closepacked polystyrene colloidal crystal ((a)) by centrifugation.
Recently, we have also studied dynamical crystallization
processes at a single particle level using colloidal crystals with
depletion attractions (b).
B. In situ observation of molecular steps on protein crystal
surfaces and novel crystallization techniques without any
precipitants: Fundamental studies and developments of novel
techniques of protein crystallization are important for obtaining
high quality crystals, which are prerequisites of genomic drug
discovery. We are now studying kinetic bahaviors of molecular
steps on the surface of a glucose isomerase crystal ((a)). We
have also succeeded in fabricating high quality lysozyme
crystals without using any precipitants ((b)) for the first time.
C. Precise growth mechanisms of protein crystals under
microgravity: Microgravity is known to be a good environment
for obtaining high quality protein crystals. Our Advanced Nano
Step (AdNano) mission ((a)) in the international space station(ISS) is currently underway. Now, we analyze growth rates of
glucose isomerase crystals during the fifth flight of AdNano
mission in ISS. We have also used parabolic flight opportunities((b)).

Keywords：Crystal Growth, Protein, Colloid, Microgravity
E-mail: yoshis@tokushima-u.ac.jp
Tel. +81-88-656-7415
Fax: +81-88-655-7025
HP : https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Yoshihisa_Suzuki/

(a) Molecular recognition with affinity (b) Chromatogram
Fig. 1 Separation improvement by affinity interaction

Fig. 2 Partition selectivity of ionic species toward
nonionic surfactant micelle

Content:㻌 Nano-sized molecular assemblies of surfactant micelles,
vesicles, microemulsions, and polymer gels possesshydrophobic environment. Specific surface area of themolecular assemblies is greatly larger than that of bulk
water-organic solvent interface. Extraction-separation
with the characteristic hydrophobic environment of themolecular assemblies works in pseudo-homogeneous
aqueous solution. Liquid-liquid extraction is done in thepseudo-homogeneous
aqueoussolution
withoutmechanical shaking of the two phases, with fast
extraction kinetics, as well as with the selectivity towards
ionic substances.
Functional Molecular Assembly
including micelles, microemulsions, and hydrophobic
matrices are to be developed.
㻌 Based on equilibria and kinetics in aqueous solution,
development of affinity reagents, analysis of affinity
interactions, and investigation of selectivity expression
factors are studied.
Keywords䠖Surfactant micelle, microemulsion,hydrophobic partition, aquatic solvent,analytical separation
E-mail: toshio.takayanagi@tokushima-u.ac.jp
Tel. +81-88-656-7409
Fax: +81-88-656-7409
HP : http://www.chem.tokushima-u.ac.jp/B1/index.html

Representative stereoregular polymers

Isotactic

Syndiotactic
crack

Heterotactic

Phase transition behavior of aqueous polymers.

Content:
Our main research interest is “synthesis of stereoregularpolymers, which exhibit thermoresponsibility in aqueous
solutions”. The stereospecificity of the radical polymerizationsofamide-containing
monomers,
suchas
Nisopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm) and N-n-propylacrylamide(NNPAAm), has been successfully controlled by utilizing
complex formation of monomers through hydrogen bondings.
In addition, the effect of stereoregularity (isotactic,
syndiotactic and heterotactic) on the LCST (lower criticalsolution temperature)-type phase transition has been
investigated. It has been revealed that diad tacticity plays
an important role to determine the phase transition
temperature in the heating process, whereas configurationalsequences longer than triad do in the cooling process.
A final goal of our research is development of novel
functional polymeric material by controlling the primarystructures of synthetic polymers.

Keywords：radical polymerization, stereoregularity, LCST
E-mail: hirano@tokushima-u.ac.jp
Tel. 088-656-7403
Fax: 088-656-7404
HP : http://poly.chem.tokushima-u.ac.jpᶁ ᶐ ᵿ ᶁᶉᶁᶐᵿᶁᶉᴾ

Figs. 1 Color tuning in LaTiO2N via control of anion andcation stoichiometries

㻌 We have demonstrated that a color of the perovskitetype LaTiO2N oxynitride could be tuned from orange
through yellow and green to pale gray or white by proper
adjustment of the O/N ratio. (Moriga et al., phys. stat. sol.
(a), 203, 2818 (2006)), whereas increasing Ti/La ratio
deteriorates the reflectivity after the absorption edge
(Moriga et al., J. Ceram. Soc. Jpn., 115, 637 (2007) ).
We are now trying to make a redder or bluer oxynitride
powders by partial substitution of the constituent cations,and by controlling of the cation and/or anion
stoichiometries as well.
Oxynitride phosphors are recently spotlighted as yellow
or red phosphors for white LEDs because oxynitrides
have no toxicity, blue light are available for excitation
source and oxynitrides possess low thermal quenching
behavior, compared with oxide phosphors. We havefound that Ba3Si6O12N2:Eu-type phosphors showed
considerable redshift in emission wavelengths from
520nm for the Sr-free oxynitride up to 550nm for 50%substituted oxynitride by Sr, with increasing Sr content(Sarda, Moriga et al., J. Nano Res., 36, 1 (2016)).
Keywords䠖oxynitrides, eco-friendly pigment/phosphors,
E-mail: moriga@tokushima-u.ac.jp
Tel. +81-88-656-7423
Fax: +81-88-655-7025

Figs. 2 Redshift of emission for Ba3Si6O12N2:Eu-type
phosphors by substitution of Ba by Sr.

Minimally invasive type glucose sensor
Sensing region (enzyme immobilized film)
is located at a tip of a fine tapered needle

H2O2

Electrode

Electrode

Electrode

Enzym e (GOx)
Enzymeimmobilized
regionimmob
igluconolactone

GOx: glucose oxidase

GOxO2
glucoseO2
H2O2

Only the most tip of a fine needle (less than 1.0 mm
in length) must be inserted in the skin.

MinimallyM
inimally iinvasivenvasive ttype
ype s
sensorensor
DermisSubcutaneous tissue

Dermis glucose
measurement
Subcutaneous tissue
glucose measurement

㻌 Diabetes is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality and a major
health problem around the world. It is well known that keeping good
control of the blood glucose degree can prevent the onset andprogression of serious diabetes complications. Therefore, it isimportant to accurately recognize the blood glucose degree andprovide appropriate treatments. Daily self-monitoring of blood
glucose (SMBG) is the essential procedure for blood glucose level
recognition. However, it may require stressful action even after
midnight and the observed value is a point without direction.
Recently, implantable glucose sensors for continuous glucose
monitoring system (CGMS) for diabetes patients have beendeveloped and is now available on the market. They can provide useful
information to predict the upcoming situation such as hyperglycemia andhypoglycaemia. However, they require the device to be inserted about
1 cm in length inside the skin. Therefore, the development of lower
invasive CGMS is expected for the improvement of diabetic patients“quality of life (QOL)”. We have recently developed a low invasivetype glucose sensor, which has a sensing region at the tip of a finepointed electrode. A clear sensor response correlative with the trendof blood glucose was obtained using a devise inserted in skin no
more than 1 mm in length.

Keywords㸸Electrochemistry, biosensor, continuous glucose
monitoring system, biocompatible material, eco-friendly water
purification
E-mail: yasuzawa@tokushima-u.ac.jp

Sensor placement
Conventional sensor

Content:

Minimally invasive type sensor

Tel. 088-656-7410
Fax: 088-655-7025“Inserting”“Sticking”

O
N
Me

N

N

N

O

O

NH

O

N

O

Me

O

Me

Oxidation catalyst
Chem. Sci. 2017, 8, 5468
Bn

CO2H O

HN

N
H

10

PS
N
H

OH

OAc

N

N
H

AcO

O
HN
Me

N

Me

N

OAc

O
N
N

O

Me

N

Me

Me

N

Chiral Brønsted base catalysts
H
N
NHAr
n
NAr
N
N
N
ACS Omega 2021, 6, 33215

NH
O

O

Photoredox catalyst
Org. Lett. 2019, 21, 6978

OAc
H
N
O

Content:
A central theme of our research is to design andprovide new organic synthetic methods that contribute to
the green and sustainable chemistry, which includes thedevelopment of organic molecules and polymers withcatalytic function (especially for asymmetric synthesis),environmentally friendly and metal-free syntheses,
visible-light-driven organic reactions, and moleculartransformations utilizing a flow microreactor.
As for the catalyst development, we have recently
reported a flavin-based oxidation catalyst (Chem. Sci.,
2017, 8, 5468), photoredox catalyst (Org. Lett., 2019, 21,6978), and Brønsted acid catalyst (Chem. Commun.,
2020, 56, 5661). In addition, we are also interested indeveloping the synthesis of chiral polymers bearing
guanidines in the main chain and their application asasymmetric catalysts (ACS Omega, 2021, 6, 33215).

Brønsted acid catalyst
Chem. Commun. 2020, 56, 5661

ArN
ArHN

NH

NH2
HO
RO

P

O
OR

Keywords ： organocatalyst,
polymericphotoredox catalyst, asymmetric catalyst
E-mail: arakawa.yukihiro@tokushima-u.ac.jp
Tel. +81-88-656-9704
HP : http://www.chem.tokushima-u.ac.jp/A3/

catalyst,ἅὅἑἁἚɧᑣ

䖃NonͲporousgraphite 䖃 Highlyorderedmesoporouscarbon

Content:
Adsorption phenomena is applied many separation
technologies, e.g. gas separation, environmental
purification. When you use those technologies, you needto choose a suitable adsorbent from many types ofadsorbents. If you could choose right one from those,
you can save energy, time and cost. Therefore, it is very
important to choose an optimized adsorbent.
However, sometimes there are no suitable or optimized
adsorbents for the process, so we might need to develop
an optimized adsorbent. When you develop a newmaterial, you must understand what kind properties you
want for the process according to the adsorption
phenomena. I can help you to develop the materialusing my adsorption knowledge.
E-mail
C-2 lab HP EDB

Keywords䠖 gas adsorption
carbon materials
adsorption mechanism
E-mail: horikawa@tokushima-u.ac.jp
Tel. +81-88-656-7426
Fax: +81-88-656-7426
HP : http://www.chem.tokushima-u.ac.jp/C2/

1 µm

1 µm

Pt layerFig.1 SEM images of track-etched microporous membrane electrode. Surface of the electrode (left), and.
cross sectional view (right).
crack
コンタクト不良

WE

CE

Fig.2 Structure of the proposed flow cell
Detector
Pre-reactor

Reference (Ag/AgCl)

Counter
4 mmφContent:
We recently reported an electrochemical flow cell inwhich the track-etched microporous membraneelectrodes had been mounted. The electrode wasprepared by sputter deposition of platinum or gold on the
track-etched microporous membrane filters. The coatings
were produced on the smooth flat surface and entranceof the cylindrical pores. Sample solution flows throughthe membrane filter while performing electrolysis. In thiscase, the sample solution flows through the cylindricalpores of the electrodes (Fig.1). The electrode enables
efficient electrolysis in a flow condition. This property
would be attributed to the limitation of growth of the
diffusion layer at the entrances of pores. Various
analytical systems can be built merely by piling up the
track-etched microporous membrane electrodes whichhave a 10 µm thickness (see Fig.3). Although many
researchers
have
investigatedforquantitativeelectrolysis, the simplicity and flexibility of arrangementof electrodes as well as high efficiency of electrolysis is
the greatest feature of the track-etched microporous
membrane electrodes.

2 mmφ

Keywords: track-etched membrane,
inlet

outletE-mail: mizu@tokushima-u.ac.jp

10 mm

PTFE tube

PFA tubecover

biosensor, flow-based analysis

spacerTel. +81-88-656-7419

Immobilized enzyme reactor

Fig.3 Amperometric enzyme biosensor

HP : http://www.chem.tokushima-u.ac.jp/B1/index.html

Fig.1.㻌 Diagram for dilatometry of Zr2(WO4)(PO4)2.㻌
ᶁᶐᵿᶁᶉᴾ
ᶁᶁᶐᵿ
ᶐὅᵿἑἁ
ᶁᶁᶉ
ᶉ Ἒɧ
ἅὅἑἁἚɧᑣᴾ
ἅἑἁ

Fig. 2. Electric
conductivities of La1xCaxCoO3(x = 0.00, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15)
500Υ
400Υ

Content:㻌
The research work is developments of advanced
inorganic materials such as negative thermal expansion
materials (Fig. 1) or thermoelectric materials (Fig.2)
made of oxides which is low in price, harmless andstable from physical and chemical viewpoint. X-ray
diffraction (XRD) techniques are also used in materials
characterization in our lab (Fig. 3). Crystal structure ofmaterials has a close connection with its properties.
Negative thermal expansion oxide have a range ofpotential engineering, photonic, electronic, and structural
applications. If a negative thermal expansion material ismixed with a "normal" material which expands on heating,it could be possible to make a zero expansion composite
material.
Today, some alloys are in practical use as
thermoelectric materials. However, Perovskite-typematerials are more stable in high temperature region. In
our lab., it was found that some cation-doping oxides had
higher values than non-doped materials in thermoelectric
properties.
Crystal structures of materials above mentioned areinvestigated by XRD and Rietvelt analysis.

300Υ
200Υ

Fig. 3. Variation of in-situ XRD patterns for
Zr2(WO4)(PO4)2 at the given temperatures.㻌

Keywords䠖Advanced Materials, Crystallography
E-mail: keimurai@tokushima-u.ac.jp
Tel. +81-88-656-7424
Fax:+81-88-655-7025

Imidazo[1,5-a]pyridine

Dimeric structure

crack
コンタクト不良<Application as Ligands to Mizoroki–Heck Reaction><Fluorescence in solution and in the solid state>Content:
Imidazo[1,5-a]pyridine derivatives have been drawn
considerable attention because of their potential
application as pharmaceutical agents and functional
materials. Therefore, various molecules featuring
imidazo[1,5-a]pyridine skelton have been synthesized
and characterized.
Recently, we have synthesized the novel dimeric
imidazo[1,5-a]pyridine. These compounds have been
examined to apply as the ligand in catalytic systems andfunctional materials such as sensing molecules and highefficient light emitting molecules. For example, thepalladium-catalyzed Mizoroki–Heck reaction of aryl
bromides and chlorides with alkenes using our
imidazo[1,5-a]pyridine-PdCl2 system afforded the desired
products in good-to-high yields with the low palladiumloadings and short reaction times. On the other hand, thesubstituted dimeric imidazo[1,5-a]pyridines exhibited
relatively strong emissions.
Keywords：Heterocycle, Functionalized molecule
E-mail: yagishitaf@tokushima-u.ac.jp
Tel. +81-88-656-7405
Fax: +81-88-655-7025

<ᅗ⾲>ᶁᶐᵿᶁᶉᴾ

Fig. 1. 5-HMF yield in the cellobiose decompositionin DMSO/water mixture solvent.

Fig. 2. Time course of the reactant and product ofthe decomoposition of cellobiose determined byusing 13C in situ NMR monitoring.

Content:
㻌 Biomass-derived poly-saccharides have attracted
attentions as the novel renewable sources. Recently wesucceeded in the production of 5-hydroxymethyl-2furaldehyde (5-HMF) from cellobiose, the model
disaccharide for cellulose (H. Kimura et al., J. Phys.
Chem. A, 117, 10987 (2013); Fig. 1). 5-HMF is a centerof focus today as a biomass-derived valuable that can beconverted into biofuels, fine chemicals, and polymers.
In the decomposition reaction steps of saccharides, avariety of isomers, tautomers, and precursors are
generated as intermediate products. Solution NMR
spectroscopy is a powerful method to monitor all of thosespecies involved in the reactions. By using 13C NMR,
each of the individual species can be distinguished fromeach other. The positions of the glucose units in theoligomers can be specified. The in situ NMR method
allows us to determine the time course of the productand reactant species. As shown in Fig. 2, reliable data
are obtained with a single setup of the in-situ experiment.
The best conditions for the target species can be
determined on the basis of the reaction kinetics.
Keywords䠖saccharides, in situ NMR, 5-HMF
E-mail: yoshida.ken@tokushima-u.ac.jp
Tel. +81-88-656-7669
Fax: +81-88-655-7025
HP : http://www.chem.tokushima-u.ac.jp/B2/

dilithium tetra-tert-butylzincate (TBZL)» easy to prepare» low basicity, high nucleophlicity» tolerance to H2O

1. Transesterifications under mild conditions
crack

2. Synthesis of Aliphatic polycarbonates

Content:
I am doing research using zinc art complex, tBu4ZnLi2(TBZL), based on polymer synthesis having
biodegradability and biocompatibility.
1. Transesterifications under mild conditions
Transesterification is a useful method for preparing
various esters. However, strong acid/base and severe
conditions are generally required. The transesterificationof alcohols with carboxylic esters were investigated in thepresence of a catalytic amount of TBZL as a catalyst.
The transesterification occurred at low temperature. In
addition, the transesterification proceeded even in thepresence of H2O and amines.
2. Synthesis of Aliphatic polycarbonates
The polycondensation of diphenyl carbonate with diols
catalyzed by TBZL were carried out. The irreversible
polycondensations
proceeded
undermoderatepolymerization temperature and atmospheric pressure.
This polymerization system is a useful to obtain aliphatic
polycarbonates without requiring a tedious procedure.
Keywords ： high-functional materials,
polymer
E-mail: oshimura@tokushima-u.ac.jp
Tel: +81-88-656-7404
Fax: +81-88-656-7404
HP : http://poly.chem.tokushima-u.ac.jp/

biodegradable

PR: Polymerization Rate

①

O

O
O

NH
H

コンタクト不良

Hydrophobicity Hydrophilicity
PR

Fast

Slow

Intermol.
Interaction

Hydrophobic
interaction

Hydrogenbonding

crack

BeforeEarly Stage

Entanglement
network
Homogenous
with hydrophilic
monomers

②

n
O

Type
PR
Intermol.
InteractionO

Later Stage
Entanglement
networkwith hydrophilic
networks
H
N

O
O

O
N
H

O

m n

Hydrophobicity

Hydrophilicity

RadicalFast
Hydrophobic
Interaction

Polyaddition
Slow
Hydrogen bonding

Content:
Development of Tough Hydrogels
By introducing intermolecular interactions into the gel,molecular interactions can preferentially fragmentation
when mechanical loads are applied, allowing for the
consumption of mechanical energy. Intermolecularinteractions in the gel is key point.
Two methods have been employed to develop toughhydrogels, with the aim of efficiently introducing
intermolecular interactions into the gel:
①Exploiting Differences in Polymerization Reactivity(Radical Polymerization)
Radical polymerization is carried out using two
monomers with significantly different polarities andpolymerization rates simultaneously. This leads to the
preparation of a hydrogel where molecular entanglement
is promoted, resulting in a tough hydrogel.
②Combination of Two Polymerization Mechanisms
Combining a monomer that undergoes radical
polymerization and a monomer that undergoes addition
polymerization, both polymerization mechanisms are
employed simultaneously to prepare the hydrogel. Thisapproach results in a tough hydrogel.
Keywords：Hydrogel, Radical Polymerization,
Polyaddition
E-mail: kawatani.ryo@tokushima-u.ac.jp
Tel. 088-656-7401
HP : https://poly.chem.tokushima-u.ac.jp

Absorbance㻵㻚㻌Syntheses of Nanosheets of Layered
ered Metal Hyd
Hydroxides㻌㻌㻌Delamination㻌
Layered hydroxide
Nanosheet㻌
5th cycle
0.15
㻌
3rd cycle
㻌
0.1
1st cycleᶁᶐᵿᶁᶉᴾ 0.05
㻌
0
5 ȝm
10
㻌
0
5
200
250
300
3.4 nm㻌 nm
Wavelength / nm㻌 00Fig. 2 UV absorption
5 ȝm
10
spectra of restacking of
㻌Fig. 1 AFM image of cobalt
nickel hydroxide
㻌 hydroxide nanosheets
nanosheets㻌
II. Control of Interlayer ions in Layered Metal Hydroxides

m-m-m
Am
H2mO A
H2O A H2O

Bm+
Bm-

Bm-

m-Bm-- H2O Bm
mH2O B H2O

䞉 Adsorption of polyoxomolybdate
and borate
䞉 Control of elution of phosphate
Fig. 3 Growing tests of Japanesemustard spinach using a Mg/Fe-typelayered double hydroxide

Content:㻌 The layered metal hydroxide is a layered compoundconsisted of repeating stacking of nano-meter-sized
metal hydroxides. This compound is mainly synthesized
by addition of base into the metal solution.
Inorganic nanosheets have been prepared bydelamination of layered materials. Nanosheet has anultimate two-dimensional anisotropy and manifests
unique physical properties arising from size effects. We
have synthesized nickel and cobalt hydroxides
nanosheets (Fig. 1) and assembled these nanosheets
by stacking on the glass slide to make new lamella
structure(Fig. 2).
Layered double hydroxide is a layered compound that
contains divalent and trivalent metal ions. It consist ofhydroxide layer and interlayer anion, and the interlayer
anion is captured and able to exchange. We use thisproperty for adsorption and controlled-release of anions.
Adsorption of polyoxomolybdate and borate control ofelution of phosphate have been investigated and try toapply it to fertilizer(Fig. 3).

Am+
Am-

Am-

Keywords䠖layered compound, metal hydroxide,nanosheet, ion exchange
E-mail: kurashina.masashi@tokushima-u.ac.jp
Tel. +81-88-656-7418
Fax: +81-88-655-7025

crackResearch

Dimethyl ether synthesis from methanol over zeolite catalyst
FER type zeolite

Catalytic reaction test of
Methanol dehydration●Si ●Al

Alkaline treatment■ Without treatment ■ With treatment☑ Formation of meso-pores Improvement of MeOH conversion☑ Reduction of Si/Al ratio Suppression of carbon deposition

Content:
Toward the realization of a hydrogen energy society
In order to efficiently use the limited fossil fuel resources asenergy, it is important to build a hydrogen energy society
centered on the fuel cell power generation system. In addition,
electric energy produced from natural energy such as wind
power and solar power is inefficient in transportation and storage.
Therefore, the problem is that the supply and demand peaks ofelectricity do not match. Under such circumstances, hydrogenenergy has been attracting attention as an energy storage
medium in recent years. However, hydrogen alone is a
substance that is difficult to handle due to its poor storability andtransportability. Therefore, it is desired to convert and handlehydrogen as another chemical substance that can easily extractand store hydrogen, so-called hydrogen energy carrier.
Development of solid-sate catalyst
In our laboratory, we are focusing on ammonia, methane,methanol, and dimethyl ether, which are candidate materials forhydrogen carrier substances. We are also developing solid
catalyst materials such as supported metal catalysts and zeolite
catalysts to efficiently proceed various heterogeneous reactionsof synthesizing hydrogen carrier substances and of extractinghydrogen from them.

Keywords： Hydrogen, Solid-state catalyst,
C1 chemistryE-mail: shimoda@tokushima-u.ac.jp
Tel.: +81-88-656-7430
Fax: +81-88-656-7432
HP : http://www.chem.tokushima-u.ac.jp/C3/

Fig.1. CH4-CO2 replacement in CH4 clathrate
hydrate (MH) bearing sediments below seafloor

Fig.2. High-pressure reactor Fig.3. Crystal of FeGa3

Content:
Dynamics of molecules and electrons in materials
controls transport properties such as conductivity,
thermal and mass diffusivities. Investigations for the
dynamics will contribute to better knowledges for theelemental processes of the transport phenomena.
Our research subjects are (1) the proton and molecular
dynamics in ice and gas clathrate hydrates, and (2) the
electron dynamics in thermoelectric materials. For the
first subject, we investigate the CH4-CO2 replacement
reaction in CH4 hydrate (MH) using
infrared (IR)
spectroscopy and diamond anvil cell. This study will help
realize the recovery of CH4 from MH bearing sediments
below seafloor (Fig. 1). A high-pressure reactor
dedicated to the synthesis of MH has been constructed
for this subject (Fig. 2). For the second subject, theelectron dynamics near the Fermi level in athermoelectric material, FeGa3 (Fig. 3), is investigatedusing IR spectroscopy and He cryostat.

Keywords：proton dynamics, IR spectroscopy,
high pressure, diamond anvil cell
E-mail: noguchi.naoki@tokushima-u.ac.jp
Tel. +81-88-656-9977
HP : http://www.chem.tokushima-u.ac.jp/B2/

crackContent:
The solvent extraction method, which is one of the rare metal
separation techniques, is a practical process that allows for
rapid and high-purity separation and recovery of target metals.
However, concerns about environmental pollution arise fromthe use of inorganic acids and organic solvents in the leachingand extraction stages.
In recent years, deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have gained
attention as alternative solvents to inorganic acids and organic
solvents. DES is a mixture that becomes a liquid simply by
combining hydrogen bond donor and acceptor compounds. It
was first reported in 2003 as a new solvent of the 21st century(Abbott et al., Chem. Commun.). DES is known as anenvironmentally friendly solvent due to its low volatility andlow toxicity. However, most existing DESs are hydrophilic,making it difficult to apply them to separation techniques suchas solvent extraction.
Therefore, this study focuses on hydrophobic DES, which are
immiscible with water, with the aim of applying them to thesolvent extraction process for rare metals. Furthermore, by
utilizing the unique intermolecular interactions between thehydrogen bond donor and acceptor compounds that constitute
DES, the study aims to develop advanced rare metal
separation systems.

Keywords：Deep eutectic solvents,
critical metals, extraction, separation
E-mail: hanada@tokushima-u.ac.jp
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