Selected Articles

  • Carbon Fiber-reinforced Plastic Surface Modification by Al Electroplating in AlCl₃–EmImCl Ionic Liquids

    To improve the wear resistance of the CFRP surface, Al electroplating was formed on the surface in an ionic liquid and anodizing was also performed. The hardness of the anodized surface is improved to about seven times that of the substrate CFRP.

  • Data-driven inverse mix design for sustainable alkali-activated materials

    Alkali-activated materials (AAMs) are promising alternatives to ordinary Portland cement (OPC), but standardized mix design approaches are limited. This study introduces a machine learning-based framework for inverse mix design of AAMs, predicting optimal mixes based on target properties and sustainability. The model considers eight key factors, including precursor reactivity, activator properties, and liquid-to-binder ratio.

  • CO₂ electrochemical reduction by Zn-based layered double hydroxides: The role of structural trivalent metal ions

    Carbon dioxide electrochemical reduction (CO2ER) has attracted attention because of its potential to convert CO₂ into valuable chemical materials using renewable energy. In this study, we evaluated the electrocatalytic activity of Zn-Cr, Zn-Ga, and Zn-Al layered double hydroxides (LDHs) for CO2ER. We found that these LDHs exhibited CO2ER activity for CO evolution, and the type of M³⁺ in the Zn-based LDHs affected their CO2ER performance. This research was a collaboration with the University of Antwerp, Belgium, and the Institute of Ceramics and Glass, CSIC, Spain

  • Achieving Chiral Crystallization through Tailored Silyl-Substituted Dipolar Molecular Designs

    This study highlights the importance of introducing appropriate bulky shielding sites and interactive sites to achieve chiral crystallization and provides valuable guidance for designing chiral assemblies from achiral dipolar molecules.

  • Solid-state aromatic nucleophilic fluorination: a rapid, practical, and environmentally friendly route to N-heteroaryl fluorides

    A simple mechanochemical protocol for solid-state aromatic nucleophilic fluorination using potassium fluoride (KF) and quaternary ammonium salts was developed. This solid-state fluorination is fast and a variety of N-heteroaryl halides can be efficiently fluorinated within 1 h.

  • Understanding the active catalyst surface structure on Ru-doped Ni/CeO₂ catalysts for CO₂ methanation

    Converting CO₂ into valuable compounds using renewable hydrogen is a promising strategy for achieving a decarbonized society. We previously demonstrated that Ni-based catalysts efficiently convert CO₂ into methane, the main component of city gas. In this study, we combined expertise in chemical engineering, computational chemistry, and physics to uncover the surface structure of the developed catalyst. These structural insights pave the way for improving catalyst performance and for designing advanced CO₂ conversion systems that contribute to a decarbonized future.

  • Electrochemical CO₂ reduction reaction catalytic activity of zirconium nitrides synthesized by the urea-glass route using ZrCl₄ as a raw material

    The development of electrochemical CO₂ reduction reaction (CO2RR) catalysts is crucial for converting CO₂ into valuable chemicals using surplus renewable energy. Carbon monoxide (CO) is widely studied due to its multiple applications. We prepared ZrN nanoparticles via the “urea-glass route.”, as a novel CO2RR catalyst, This preparation process resulted in the formation of a ZrN-carbon composite. CO2RR tests showed the formation of CO, as well as hydrogen, which was generated as a byproduct of the competing water electrolysis reaction. Despite the relatively low CO efficiency, we successfully confirmed the electrochemical CO2RR activity of the ZrN-carbon composite.

  • Lack of Oscillatory Motion of Superfluid ⁴He During its Dripping from a Needle

    Although pendant droplets commonly exist in our daily lives, their dynamics are not fully understood. To obtain further understanding of its physics, we observed superfluid helium dripping from a thin needle by a high-speed camera. Superfluidity is an inviscid liquid state only happening in helium at low temperatures. The present study where we used a thin needle to eliminate the droplet’s remnant volume clearly demonstrated that the dissipation-less large oscillation observed in the previous experiments was crucial for the discretization of the dripping period which is novel phenomenon reflecting the anomalous fluid properties of superfluid helium.

  • Study on long-term subsidence of soft clay due to Niigata-ken Chuetsu-oki earthquake of 2007

    In the 2007 Niigata-ken Chuetsu-oki Earthquake, ground liquefaction was severe in sandy areas, but long-term settlement occurred in soft clay in Kashiwazaki’s Shinbashi district. Even without visible damage, the ground sank 71 mm over 14 years. We studied this by boring and testing soil samples, finding the clay to be soft and highly compressible. Using a specialized computer model (TS-CM), we successfully simulated the ground’s behavior, showing that this type of clay is prone to long-term sinking after earthquakes due to water pressure buildup and delayed consolidation. These findings help predict future ground behavior in similar soils.

  • Seismic performance of a bridge pier integrated by multiple steel pipes with directly-connected piles using soil-water coupled with three-dimensional elasto-plastic finite element analysis

    A new type of bridge support using connected steel pipes was tested to see if it performs as well as traditional designs during earthquakes. Small-scale shaking tests showed that it works just as well or even better. However, since only one type of shaking was tested, we are now using computer simulations to see how it reacts to different kinds of earthquake motions. This will help us better understand how safe and reliable this new bridge design is for the future.

  • Photoinduced Metal–Insulator Phase Separation Depending on the Conformational Order of Molecules in β-(BEDT-TTF)₂I₃

    In this study, the role of the conformational order of organic molecules in photo-induced phase separation (PIPS), which forms the basis for ultrafast switching devices, is investigated. The results show that PIPS occurs below 150 K in the partially ordered phase and below 75 K in the homogeneously ordered phase. This result implies that conformational order plays a crucial role in determining the temperature at which PIPS occurs, providing significant insight for room-temperature operation, which is essential for the practical application of devices.

  • Mussel Adhesive Protein-Assisted Magnetic Recovery of Microplastics from Aquatic Environments

    Mussel adhesive proteins can adhere to a wide range of materials, from iron (inorganic) to plastic (organic). By taking advantage of this adhesive property, we can form a composite of microplastics and magnetic microparticles, which can be magnetically recovered from an aqueous solution with an efficiency greater than 99%.

  • Transport of radioactive elements in concrete due to utilization of recycled aggregate contaminated with nuclides

    In the future, a huge amount of concrete waste will be generated in preparation for the demolition of nuclear power plants. From the perspective of rational processing and disposal, it is possible to reuse this waste, particularly waste with low levels of radioactivity, as recycled aggregate. Clarifying how radioactive materials migrate inside concrete is extremely important in building a safe and secure society.

  • Nucleation probability of methane + propane mixed-gas hydrate depending on gas composition

    Natural gas hydrate contains large amounts of natural gas and is attracting attention as one of the future domestic resources, or as its storage and transportation medium. For its industrial use, it is one of the problems that the nucleation process is difficult to control. This study has revealed that the nucleation probability of methane + propane mixed-gas hydrate, as a mimic of natural-gas hydrate, depends on the composition. This result will help develop technology for industrial use of gas hydrates.

  • Spatiotemporal mode extraction for fluid–structure interaction using mode decomposition

    We proposed a method to extract the spatiotemporal modes of structural deformation obtained from fluid-structure interaction analysis using Dynamic Mode Decomposition (DMD). By applying this method, it becomes possible to identify the dominant structural deformation modes in systems where fluid forces induce significant structural changes, such as flexible aeroshells.

  • Development of a novel in-sediment passive sampler for profiling orthophosphate and internal phosphorus release near the sediment–water interface in a eutrophic lake

    The release of orthophosphate (PO₄) from lake sediments is now recognized as an important phosphorus source that maintains lake eutrophication. Therefore, quantifying PO₄ release is important for lake management. In this study, we developed a novel sampler to determine the PO₄ flux from lake sediment. The sampler was installed at the sediment–water interface (SWI) in a eutrophic lake. The vertical and horizontal PO₄ concentrations around the sampler were obtained. The obtained data enabled in situ quantification of the PO₄ fluxes at the SWI.

  • Effect of Wet−dry Cycles and Water-to-cement Ratios on Cement Paste Carbonation

    Cement production consumes a significant amount of energy and releases CO₂ emissions, while concrete waste can potentially reabsorb CO₂. This study examined the effect of relative humidity (especially wet-dry cycles) on the carbonation of hardened cement pastes. Wet–dry cycles increased porosity and caused the decomposition of calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) through shrinkage and deformation during drying. As a result, the highest CO₂ absorption in the wet-dry cycle sample was twice that of the constant RH. Additionally, the amount of CO₂ captured during the 28-day wet-dry cycle accounted for about 17% of the annual CO₂ emissions from cement production.

  • Unveiling the origin of diffusion suppression of hydrogen isotopes at the α-Al₂O₃(0001)/α-Cr₂O₃(0001) interfaces

    Hydrogen in metallic materials causes degradation known as hydrogen embrittlement, which renders the materials brittle. Therefore, to promote the use of hydrogen energy in applications such as fuel cells and nuclear fusion reactors, strategies to prevent hydrogen permeation into structural materials are essential. In this study, we elucidated the mechanism by which coating multiple layers of different ceramic films on metal surfaces, which serve as hydrogen permeation barriers, can more effectively suppress hydrogen permeation than single-layer ceramic films. This research can contribute to extending the service life of metallic materials in a hydrogen environment.

  • Investigation of Single Ammonia Droplet Evaporation Characteristics Under High Temperature and Pressure Conditions

    Ammonia is a promising alternative fuel for significantly reducing CO₂ emissions. However, to utilize it efficiently, it is necessary to develop technologies that enable direct spray combustion of liquid ammonia. In this study, we clarified—for the first time in the world—the evaporation characteristics of ammonia droplets under high-temperature and high-pressure conditions. Furthermore, we obtained essential droplet evaporation data necessary for the development of ammonia spray combustion technology.

  • Recovery of phosphate from carbonized sewage sludge by chlorination

    The present research group has recently found a method to recover phosphorus, which is called “biological and technical nutrient”, from sewage sludge as phosphorus chloride forms. Specifically, we have developed a simple sewage sludge recycling technology that first carbonizes sewage sludge to improve handling, then chlorinates the resulting carbonized material at 500℃, and finally separates phosphorus chloride species and impurities by a cooled deposition method. This method can be applied to sewage sludge incineration ash, livestock manure, steelmaking slag, etc.

  • Selective separation of Li, Ni, Co and Mn from model spent Li ion battery cathode materials by dry processing using the combination of chlorination and oxidation

    The present group has recently developed a technology to selectively recover valuable metals (Li, Ni, Co and Mn) from used lithium-ion battery cathode materials (LiNiO₂, LiCoO₂, LiMn₂O₄, and their composite composition). Specifically, we found that Li, Ni, Co and Mn can be selectively separated from LiNiO₂, LiCoO₂, and LiMn₂O₄ by chlorination up to 600℃ followed by air oxidation up to 1300℃. This research paper was selected as a Key Scientific Article by the selection committee of Advances in Engineering, Canada, and is highly evaluated.

  • Pore properties and CO₂ adsorption performance of activated carbon prepared from various carbonaceous materials

    The production of activated carbon using biomass and coal as carbon sources, melamine as a nitrogen source, and K₂CO₃ as a chemical activator revealed that the lower carbon content and lower ash content of the carbon source resulted in better pore development, and that the surface area and micropore volume of activated carbon affected the CO₂ adsorption capacity. It was also shown that the optimal micropore size for CO₂ adsorption is 0.5 to 1.2 nm. These results are expected to lead to the establishment of production guidelines for activated carbon with high CO₂ adsorption capacity.

  • Imaging valley-vortex edge modes in a phononic crystal at ultrahigh frequencies

    We perform optical measurements and numerical simulations of guided phonon propagation in novel topological phononic crystal structures at ultrahigh frequencies. The structures support valley-polarized states that exhibit an energy vortex nature and propagate with high efficiency at domain boundaries because backscattering is suppressed due to conservation of time reversal symmetry. We extract frequency- and time-resolved spatial mode patterns and -space images, together with dispersion relations. We investigate the conditions required for robust propagation along interfaces and thereby observe very high efficiency waveguiding.

Selected Projects

  • One-Pass Synthesis of BTX from CO₂ Enabled by Precisely Controlled Catalysts

    CO₂ utilization is essential for achieving carbon neutrality, and among potential target products, BTX (benzene, toluene, and xylene) are key basic chemicals in a post-fossil society. In this study, we build on previous collaborative research between the University of Tokyo, Hokkaido University, and Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd. We aim to precisely control the catalyst structure at the atomic level, enabling one-pass synthesis of BTX from CO₂. Through this approach, we seek to establish a catalyst process that is robust and scalable, suitable for industrial application, and capable of supporting a sustainable future without reliance on fossil resources.

  • Novel continuous-time crystallinity observed in a superfluid dripping system

    While the dripping period of a classical viscous fluid is widely distributed due to the influence of chaos, the dripping period of a superfluid 4He liquid is discretized to a constant value specified by integers even if the inflow rate changes. We clarify that this robust discretization is the realization of a continuous-time crystal from the viewpoints of inflow rate phase diagram, temperature phase diagram, wall shape and dimensionality, and time-domain phonon excitation.

  • Development of a 3D-printable head protection material with superior impact absorption and durability using biomimetic porous structures

    We are developing a novel 3D-printable head protection material using a biomimetic structure inspired by cancellous bone architecture. This offers excellent multi-impact absorption capabilities. Its high three-dimensional isotropy enables it to absorb impacts from any direction. The porous design can be freely tailored to meet specific shape and performance requirements. In addition to head protection, the material shows strong potential for applications in body protection gear and cushioning materials for transporting precision equipment.

  • Mechanisms underlying the dynamic strength of cancellous bone based on the impact strength of individual trabeculae and microarchitecture

    Osteoporotic fractures occur in cancellous bone due to even minor impacts. In addition to bone mass, the impact strength of individual trabeculae and the microarchitecture are hypothesized to determine the dynamic strength of cancellous bone. This study aims to experimentally clarify these mechanisms and apply the findings to further improve the control of dynamic fracture risk.

  • Study of Quantum Plasticity and Supersolidity of solid 4He by Observing Motion of Sinking Object

    Solid helium is often referred to as quantum solid and known to deform easily and rapidly even under tiny force, strongly subjected to quantum effect. A number of research have been conducted to study its elasticity, or reversible deformation, but its plasticity, or irreversible deformation, is scarcely understood. In the proposed experiment, we are going to precisely measure the motion of objects sinking in solid helium to elucidate the quantum effects on the plasticity of solid helium. Especially, the local superflow expected to exist in cores of dislocations and grain boundaries are to be examined, in the context of supersolidity.

  • Development of dimension reduction scheme for data assimilation using criticality experiments

    The nuclear cross section uncertainty given as a covariance matrix will be used to evaluate the realistic range of important parameters in the safety analysis of nuclear reactors. In recent discussions, the application of data assimilation is considered important to incorporate criticality experiment findings. However, there is a practical issue to treat the covariance matrix after applying data assimilation because the covariance matrix becomes much denser one by causing complex correlated components and the computational cost becomes increased. This research project develops a dimension reduction scheme to solve this practical issue.

  • Development of radiation technology to clarify the microstructure of concrete, which is becoming more diverse in a decarbonized society

    Concrete, the main construction material, is the second most widely used substance after water. As concrete has a large environmental impact on a global scale, we are conducting research at the ultrafine level of its internal structure of concrete using advanced radiation technology to develop a new type of concrete that reduces the emissions of carbon dioxide and other gases that accompany its manufacture, without compromising its strength or durability. In this way, we can achieve a decarbonized society.

  • Material Behavior and Mechanical Performance Based on Hierarchical Structure Formation of 3D-Printed Concrete

    This study investigates the hierarchical structure of 3D-printed concrete (3DP concrete) by analyzing two key aspects: the microscopic heterogeneity caused by material segregation within the filament during deposition, and the macroscopic non-uniformity resulting from interfacial voids formed along the printing path. By clarifying these higher-order structures, we demonstrate that 3DP concrete possesses multiscale material properties and mechanical behavior, making it a hierarchical material. Furthermore, we establish a systematic academic framework for understanding how heterogeneity (material geometry) and non-uniformity (structural geometry) are embedded as geometric parameters in 3D spatial information, providing insights into the mechanical performance and failure modes of 3DP concrete.

  • Research and Development of Anomaly Detection Technology for Civil Infrastructures Using Electret Vibrational Energy Harvesting Device and Wireless Power/Data Transfer

    We will develop a battery-less anomaly detection device capable of sensing the condition and environment of infrastructure structures, and establish a wireless energy and data communication platform. In particular, a system will be realized that allows monitoring via an IoT network using microwave spatial transmission (WPDT) technology of information related to structural deterioration, damage, environmental conditions, and faults autonomously detected by electret MEMS sensors powered by environmental vibration energy harvesting. This will enable the social implementation of a seamless monitoring platform targeting infrastructure structures and their auxiliary facilities, capable of phase-free response at all times, including both normal and emergency conditions.

  • A study on the application of accelerated carbonation cement paste powder by wet-dry cycle technique to supplementary cementitious material

    Carbonated recycled concrete paste can serve as a supplementary cementitious material (SCM) with pozzolanic properties from alumina-silica gel. Additionally, since it contains fine particles of calcium carbonate, it is expected to enhance concrete performance through its filling effect when used as SCM. Previous studies have shown that the wet-dry cycle method promotes CO₂ absorption and increases the porosity of concrete paste. Based on this, the study aims to efficiently absorb CO₂ using waste concrete paste through the wet-dry cycle method and seeks to recycle resources and enhance concrete performance by reusing the carbonation products as SCM.

  • Construction of an Energy Forecasting GIS and Development of Design Methods for Power Sharing Networks Utilizing Existing Buildings

    Moving forward, Japan’s decarbonization must be driven by efforts that capitalize on the distinct characteristics of each region. Our research aims to develop a tool for predicting energy consumption in large building groups and evaluating the availability of renewable energy. In parallel, by proposing an optimized design methodology for power interchange networks that facilitates efficient electricity use, we will make it easier to formulate the best decarbonization plans tailored to specific regions.

  • High-harmonic generation of by topological magnon edge states

    Theoretical and experimental research on high harmonic generation originating from topological edge states of magnons is conducted.

  • Collaboration on bulk-edge correspondence in gapless topological > phases

    To significantly progress our joint research, we will invite a researcher from the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay to engage in 11 days of in-person discussion focused on bulk-edge correspondence and in gapless topological phase and effects of disorders. We also plan to discuss future application plans aimed at continuing collaborative research.

Most Read