Control of Ash Adhesion

The combustion plants utilized in coal-fired and biomass power generation are indispensable for daily life. Inorganic components contained in the fuel are left as ash during combustion. The adhesion of these ash particles to various surfaces leads to problems such as reduced heat transfer efficiency and clogging of pipes. Our laboratory has developed effective agents against alkali metal components, which are the cause of adhesion, by creating synthetic ash particles that simulate the high-temperature adhesion of combustion ash and simplifying the system. Our laboratory's unique feature is conducting unparalleled analyses, such as quantifying the adhesion force using our specially designed equipment. By combining the results of analyses such as chemical composition and porosity (the ratio of void space to particle volume) with simulations, we meticulously analyze the mechanism of adhesion inhibition by the agents.

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Photo/Electrochemical Reaction Development

The utilization of environmentally friendly and clean energy sources, such as light and electricity, in organic synthesis reactions has recently gained attention for their positive impact on the Earth's environment. As light catalysts convert light energy and electrodes convert electric energy into chemical energy, our laboratory is conducting research on the development of organic synthesis reactions utilizing these methods. In particular, we primarily employ titanium oxide photocatalysts, also known as wireless electrodes, in our light catalyst research. We are constantly exploring the unique reactions that titanium oxide photocatalysts and electrodes excel at, which differ from those of conventional electrode electrolysis. Furthermore, we incorporate techniques such as cyclic voltammetry (CV) measurements, ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) absorption spectroscopy, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations to analyze the detailed mechanisms of newly discovered reactions and to pave the way for further discoveries.

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Nanocolloid Chemistry

Nanoparticles have unique properties due to their small size, making them widely applicable in industries and medicine. However, their small size also poses a challenge in that they tend to aggregate due to surface forces such as van der Waals forces. Thus, it is crucial to prevent such aggregation. Our laboratory is focused on fundamental research for dispersion and aggregation control of nanoparticles, with a particular emphasis on solvent dispersion. Specifically, we are investigating the impact of surface ligands (dispersants), which are essential for nanoparticles, on their dispersibility from various angles, with organic molecule design as the main axis of our research.

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Fluorescence

Fluorophores possess the property of absorbing specific light and emitting light, and fluorescent dyes are widely utilized in various fields including pharmaceuticals and life sciences. With technological advancements, more sensitive analytical methods are demanded, leading to increased importance of developing fluorescent bodies with higher brightness and stability. In our laboratory, we have focused on the fluorescence of dihydrobenzofuran derivatives and have developed low-molecular-weight fluorescent molecules based on the dihydrobenzofuran skeleton. By modifying the molecular structure using organic chemical reactions, we aim to improve the fluorescence and achieve new applications as fluorescent materials.

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