School of Engineering > Division of Applied Science > Department of Applied Chemistry
Professor HIRANO Koji
Associate Professor NISHII Yuji
Assistant Professor YASUI Kosuke

Our research target is developing novel and challenging organic reactions based on molecular catalysis, with structural modification of transition metal catalysts and organocatalysts, We have achieved (1) selective synthesis of chiral molecules using asymmetric catalysts, (2) efficient construction of functional molecules through C-H bond activation, and (3) direct transformation of unactivated aromatic compounds using designed sulfide catalysts.

Molecular Design Chemistry Area

Associate Professor MORI Tadashi
Associate Professor (Lecturer) SHIGEMITSU Hajime

We create functional materials that are useful for environmental protection and medical care and are friendly to humans and the environment, by using an appropriate combination of organic synthesis and molecular interactions. Currently we focus on (i) the development of molecular recognition materials that can efficiently remove harmful substances from water and oil, (ii) the development and application of micro- and nanostructures using self-organization of molecules, (iii) the control of chiral photoreactions using weak molecular interactions, and (iv) the development and applications of highly efficient light-harvesting supramolecular assemblies.

Assistant Professor NAKAMOTO Masahiko
Assistant Professor HOMMA Kenta
Specially Appointed Researcher ZENG Jinfeng

In our laboratory, we design and create high performance materials on the basis of molecular design in consideration of developments at an industrial level for the development of three dimensional (3D) tissues for drug discovery and regeneration medicine. The extracellular matrix (ECM) is the main component of cell microenvironments in all tissues and organs. ECM regulates cell microenvironments and various cell functions. Inspired by the function of ECM, we regulate microenvironment of cell surface using novel polymer materials to control cell functions for construction of 3D-tissues with functions and structures similar to natural tissues or organs.

Professor YASUDA Makoto
Associate Professor NISHIMOTO Yoshihiro
Assistant Professor KONISHI Akihito

Our research is currently focused on designing a methodology for organic synthesis using novel organometallics and catalyst systems. Novel reactive organometallic species have been isolated and characterized based on spectroscopic methodology and X-ray crystallographic analysis. These species have been applied to the synthesis of functionalized organic compounds. Our group also focuses on utilizing characteristic Lewis acids in the conversion of carbon resources to valuable organic compounds. Metal complexes that have cage-shaped organic ligands are synthesized and used for new types of selective reactions for practical organic syntheses. We also target functionalized materials that are based on organic compounds with novel physical properties and special intramolecular interactions. All projects are supported by organic synthetic approaches that extend to various fields of chemistry.

Associate Professor KONDO Mio
Assistant Professor SAGA Yutaka

Artificial photosynthesis is a solar energy conversion technology that mimics natural photosynthesis, and considered to be one of the next big breakthroughs in the research field. Our group studies the development of functional metal complexes toward the realization of artificial photosynthesis.

Associate Professor HOSHIMOTO Yoichi
Assistant Professor DOI Ryohei

One of the major interests of our research is focused on the development of a transition metal-mediated selective transformation of polyfluorinated compounds such as tetrafluoroethylene (TFE). We have also been focusing on nickel-catalyzed transformation reactions via a hetero-nickelacycle intermediate as well as on their reaction mechanisms.

Professor TOBISU Mamoru
Assistant Professor KODAMA Takuya
Assistant Professor FUJIMOTO Hayato
Guest Professor AMAYA Toru

Our research interests span various aspects of organic chemistry, ranging from new reactions, new molecules, and new functions. Regarding the reaction development, our goal is to invent the synthetic methods that involve unprecedented mechanism or unusual bond transformation. We are also exploring design and synthesis of new functional complexes ligated with unique p-conjugated systems. We believe that the diversity of our research projects facilitates generating breakthrough ideas.
Representative research subjects include:
(1) Catalytic Reactions Involving Activation of Strong Chemical Bonds
(2) Unusual Reactions Using Main Group Elements
(3) Design and Synthesis of Complexes with Open-shell π-Conjugated Ligands

Associate Professor MINOSHIMA Masafumi

Chemical biology is an interdisciplinary research field, which focuses on elucidation of biological phenomena by utilizing “chemical tools”. These chemical tools are developed by the combinatorial use of organic chemistry, nanotechnology, and genetic engineering. In our group, we design and synthesize novel fluorescence and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) probes that are applied to answer various biological questions. The representative examples of our chemical tools are fluorescence probes for detection of protein localization and enzymatic activity and MRI probes for in vivo imaging of cancer and gene expression. We develop new tools to give new findings that are not verified by conventional biological methods. By using these tools, we are currently studying various biological fields such as epigenetics, immunology, and cancer biology.

Professor ITOH Shinobu
Associate Professor SUGIMOTO Hideki

The general goal of our research is to understand enzymatic catalysis at a molecular level and develop environmentally benign bioinspired catalysts. Particular attention has focused on the redox chemistry of transition-metal reaction centers in biological systems. Our main approach involves synthetic modeling, i.e. biomimetic chemistry, including rational design and syntheses of ligands allowing formation of appropriate active site models for metalloenzymes. Enzymatic studies using advanced molecular biology techniques are also performed to develop metalloenzyme catalysts that can be applied to organic synthesis.

Molecular Reaction Chemistry Area

Applied Electrochemistry Area

Associate Professor UEMATSU Taro

We are developing new materials by manipulating surfaces and interfaces with electrochemical methods. Among them, we focus on ionic liquid that consists of salts and has nonvolatile nature. New analytical techniques for surfaces are developed in combination with electron microscopes, and they are utilized in the development of new types of batteries. Another material of interest is semiconductor nanoparticles that are recently known as fluorophores. Efforts to recognize the nature of nanomaterials are made by looking closely at electrons and photons.

Associate Professor MIZOHATA Eiichi
Assistant Professor OKA Kouki

Our aim is to understand structure/function relationships of proteins. We visualize their three-dimensional structures at an atomic level by X-ray crystallography. To do this, we crystallize proteins and collect X-ray diffraction data from the crystals at SPring-8 or SACLA, and process the data with computers to reveal the electron-density maps. We then speculate the structure/function relationship and design novel molecules that control its function. Development of small-molecule medicines, the 3rd generation antibody drugs, and improvement of global environment and crop productivity are now in study.

Associate Professor YAKIYAMA Yumi
Assistant Professor UETAKE Yuta

Bowl-shaped π-conjugated compounds including partial structures of the fullerenes, which are called “buckybowls”, are of importance not only as model compounds of fullerenes but also as their own chemical and physical properties. Very few buckybowls has been achieved for preparation mainly due to their strained structure. We develop the rational route to the various buckybowls and investigate their physical properties. We also investigate to develop novel catalytic properties of metal nanoclusters. We focus on the following projects: Preparation of size-selective gold and gold-based alloy nanoclusters supported by hydrophilic polymers and its catalytic activity: Development of designer metal nanocluster catalyst using the highly-functionalized protective polymers.

Associate Professor OOHORA Koji
Assistant Professor KATO Shunsuke

The main goal of our research is to develop a new scientific field based on “organic/inorganic chemistry” and “biotechnology”. Toward this goal, we are challenging to generate new biocatalysts and biomaterials beyond the scope of nature by using various organic compounds, transition metal complexes, biomolecules (such as proteins and DNA), and microorganisms. Current topics of our group are divided into the following three subjects: (1) Synthesis and evaluation of new porphyrinoids with well-designed cofactor structures, (2) Generation and evolutionary engineering of artificial metalloenzymes with synthetic metal cofactors, (3) Construction of highly-organized protein assemblies to provide new functional biomaterials.

Associate Professor TAKEDA Youhei
Assistant Professor KIYOKAWA Kensuke

Research in our group seeks to bring the experience and tactics of strategies of organic methodology development based on synthesis of potential molecules. Especially, our interests are focused on efficient, selective, and environmentally benign methodologies for synthesis of valuable molecules. The new methods have been developed for the synthesis of useful molecules as building blocks for organic synthesis, fullerene derivatives directing toward functional materials, and natural products.

Inorganic Materials Chemistry Area

Associate Professor TAMURA Shinji
Assistant Professor NUNOTANI Naoyoshi

We have been developing various kinds of inorganic materials which can be applicable to the solid electrolytes, gas sensors, environmental catalysts, inorganic pigments, phosphors, etc. Until now, we have succeeded in developing the unique materials such as tri- or tetravalent cation conducting solids, extraordinary low-temperature operative environmental catalysts compared to the conventional ones, environmentally friendly pigments showing high color hue.

Professor UYAMA Hiroshi
Associate Professor ASOH Taka-Aki
Assistant Professor HSU Yu-I
Specially Appointed Researcher JIA Yankun
Visiting Academic Staff TAKEUCHI Yasushi

Polymer materials chemistry area deals with new functional polymeric materials on the basis of our original designs and syntheses. We have developed a new class of biomass plastics from renewable resources including originally designed cellulose nanofibers and biopolyesters, a new fabrication method of nanoporous polymer monoliths and their applications in medical, environmental, and energy fields, and adhesive method for hydrogels.

Professor SAEKI Akinori
Associate Professor (Lecturer) ISHIWARI Fumitaka
Assistant Professor NISHIKUBO Ryosuke

Our research targets are (1) formation of hierarchical nanostructure of soft materials such as polymers, molecules, and organic-inorganic hybrid materials, (2) development of novel measurement technique, and (3) design and synthesis of conjugated polymer materials having optical, electrical, and magnetic response aiming at application such as organic photovoltaics and functional devices. These materials are utilized in nano-structuring and functionalization, which is characterized at single molecular level.

Organic Electronic Materials Science Area

Associate Professor SUZUKI Mitsuharu
Assistant Professor AIZAWA Naoya

We have been studying organic electronic materials and their application to electronic devices such as organic light-emitting diodes, organic thin-film transistors and organic solar cells. We intend to develop new concept devices and materials by understanding fundamental properties of organic materials. This interdisciplinary field includes a wide range of academic area from organic chemistry for designing one molecule to physical chemistry for understanding solid state properties, and device physics based on semiconductor engineering for improving performances.

Solid-state Physical Chemistry Area

We design and synthesize a wide variety of new inorganic solid materials, mainly alloys and ceramics, to develop innovative catalysts. The reactions include effective utilization of shale gas and CO2, hydrogen production, and nitrogen conversion, aiming to create catalysts that can contribute greatly to the development of the chemical industry and the improvement of the global environment. We also aim to elucidate the principle of catalysis in detail in an atomic level from a physicochemical viewpoint, and to pursue and advance fundamental science.

Based on photo- and radiation-induced chemistry of organic and inorganic compounds, we are studying chemistry of highly reactive intermediates, new synthetic chemistry, and new molecular devices and functional materials including photofunctional surface and biomolecular systems.

Professor IE Yutaka
Assistant Professor JINNAI Seihou
Assistant Professor YOKOYAMA Souichi
Assistant Professor ANDO Naoki

Our main subject is the development of novel molecule-based materials with promising electronic and photoelectronic properties for organic and molecular electronics. The research is based on the elucidation of the relationship between molecular structures and physical properties to control and improve the functions. We conduct integrated research: molecular design/synthesis, physical/chemical properties, and application of these organic semiconductors to electronic devices such as organic field-effect transistor (OFET), organic solar cells (OSC), and single-molecule electronics.

Professor SHIBATA Ikuya
Associate Professor TSUNOI Sinji
Assistant Professor SUZUKI Itaru
Guest Professor NAKANO Takeshi
Guest Professor KAMBE Nobuaki
Visiting Researcher KATO Eiichi
Visiting Researcher MORINAGA Atsushi
Visiting Researcher SATAKE Shoya

This center is currently involved in the development of environmental benign method in organic synthesis, and highly selective and sensitive methods for the analysis of hazardous chemical substances.

Professor NOGI Masaya
Associate Professor KOGA Hirotaka
Assistant Professor KASUGA Takaaki

Cellulose is the most common and abundant bioresources, mainly originating from higher plants. We extract cellulose nanofibers with widths of 3-15 nm from wood pulp, and are currently conducting the development of various cellulose nanofiber-based materials, such as transparent paper, for electronic, catalytic.

Associate Professor MUROYA Yusa
Assistant Professor OKAMOTO Kazumasa

The industrial application of quantum beam will rapidly expand in the field such as high-volume production of semiconductor devices. In Department of Beam Materials Science, the radiation-induced chemical reaction and reaction field have been investigated using state-of-the-art quantum beam (electron, extreme ultraviolet radiation, laser, synchrotron radiation, X-ray, gamma-ray, ion beam). We have studied the chemical reaction system from the energy deposition on materials to the expression of material function. On the basis of these studies, we have designed a noble chemical reaction system.

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