Our Mission - New Chemistry for a Sustainable Society
1. Advancing High-Performance Nanozymes through Metalloenzyme Catalytic Strategies
We are pioneering the development of nanozymes by leveraging the catalytic strategies of metalloenzymes. Utilizing materials such as Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs), gels, and graphene, our research explores their application in antioxidant systems, aerobic oxidation catalysis, oxygen reduction reactions (ORR), and water purification. This includes the creation of artificial superoxide dismutase mimics to neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the design of nanozymes (artificial laccase) that enhance phenol oxidation via aerobic pathways.
Superoxide Disumtase Nanozyme
Laccase Nanozyme (Coming Soon!)
2. Innovating New Photocatalytic Reactions
Our focus is on discovering new photocatalytic reactions that harness visible light, especially through the use of titanium dioxide as a catalyst. These reactions include carbon-carbon bond formation, epoxidation, hydrogen atom transfer, and conversions of biomass such as lignin and cellulose. The aim is to create sustainable solutions for chemical processes that were traditionally energy-intensive, now driven by light.
Formation of Carbon-Carbon Bonds via Visible Light Irradiation Using Titanium
Dioxide as a Catalyst
3. Electrochemical Reaction Development
We are also developing novel electrochemical processes, including the in situ generation of peracids for epoxidation reactions. By integrating photochemistry and electrochemistry, we target sustainable biomass conversion, focusing on materials like lignin and cellulose.
Electrochemical Epoxidation Using Water as the Sole Source of Oxygen Atoms
4. Merging Nature's Structured Materials with Chemical Innovation
Nature provides us with inspiring materials, such as wood, which features remarkable anisotropy and hierarchical structures. By combining these natural characteristics with chemical modifications, we aim to develop new materials with enhanced properties, supporting sustainable applications.
5. Understanding C-H Bond Cleavage
To further our understanding of selective C-H bond oxidation, we are exploring machine learning, polarity effects, and descriptor development. Our goal is to identify new catalysts capable of selective C-H activation, ultimately paving the way for innovations in oxidation chemistry.
Robust Catalysts for Selective C-H Bond Oxidation