Study at TCU

Simultaneous photocatalytic production of H2 and inorganic oxidants such as hypochlorous acid (HClO) as a value-added oxidation reagent compared with O2 on a semiconductor photocatalysts by using solar light is one of the breakthrough technologies for a sustainable and economical energy conversion process. However, the selective oxidants production systems using visible-light responsible photocatalysts has not been much establisted. To overcome the issue, we are investigating photocatalyst materials (including its synthesis process), and various systems (particles suspension, electrode, panel, etc.) for efficient oxidants production.

One of the most attractive targets of photocatalysis using semiconductor materials is its application to organic syntheses, as well as solar-energy conversion. Photocatalytic organic synthesis on semiconductor materials may be one of the candidates for environmentally benign process, because most of photocatalytic reactions can proceed efficiently even in aqueous suspensions at room temperature, by utilizing the clean, renewable solar light as the driving force. Although the famous semiconductor TiO2 has been reported to be photo-active for organic conversion, poor selectivity, and lack of utilization of visible-light, hinder its application. To overcome the issues, we are investigating photocatalyst materials and systems for efficient organic synthesis.

Production of inorganic oxidants via electrolysis is also one of the environmental friendly, zero emission of carbon dioxide if this process combined with renewable energy sources. We are designing the material, tuning morphology and particle size, and controlling preparation process of the electrodes to realize efficient electrochemical activity. In addition, our group also approaches on computational study for a better material design of electrocatalysts with various collabolators.