Department of Applied Chemistry

Department of Chemical Engineering

Department of Biomolecular Engineering

1. Departments of Applied Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biomolecular Engineering are made up of the
following Core Laboratories, Research Centers/Institutes and Cooperative Laboratories:

(Values in parentheses indicate the number of laboratories. A senior faculty member (associate or full professor) is
associated with each laboratory.)

Department of Applied Chemistry

① Core Laboratories
Molecular Materials Design (1)，Resources and Environment (2)，Chemistry of Molecular Systems (2)
② Environment Conservation Research Institute (0)
③ Cooperative Laboratories
IMRAM - Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials - Division of Research (1)，
Research Center (1)
Division of Measurements (1)，Polymer Hybrid Materials Research Center (3)

Department of Chemical Engineering

① Core Laboratories
Energy Process Engineering (1)，Chemical Process Engineering (2)，Process Systems Engineering (2)
② RCSCF - Research Center of Supercritical Fluid Technology
Engineering Fundamentals (1)
③ Cooperative Laboratories
IMRAM - Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials [Division of Research (2)，
Research Center (1)]
Division of Inorganic Material Research (1)，Division of Process and System Engineering (1)，
Center for Exploration of New Inorganic Materials (1)

Department of Biomolecular Engineering

① Core Laboratories
Applied Life Chemistry (1)，Bioorganic Chemistry (2)，Biofunctional Chemistry (2)
② Cooperative Laboratories
IMRAM - Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials - Research Center (1)
Polymer Hybrid Materials Research Center (1)

2. In the interview, the applicant will be queried about preferred research areas (laboratories) in more detail.

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 Department of Applied Chemistry
Professor /
Laboratory Description of Research
Associate Professor

We propose a new academic research frontier, “Vacuum Science & Engineering for
Solid-Liquid Interfaces”; taking advantage of both the existing vacuum and solution
processes, novel fabrication/synthesis routes and characterization/analysis tools that
have been developed in material science. Research in this laboratory includes thin film
and crystal growth processes controlled at the atomic, molecular levels, vacuum
Professor
Molecular Materials Design electrochemistry, and in situ high-temperature laser microscopy for solid-liquid
Yuji Matsumoto
interfaces. It is our goal to obtain basic insight into structures and properties
characteristic of nano-sized liquids stabilized on a solid surface in a vacuum, some of
which are key to realizing vacuum processes at solid-liquid interfaces, in which we
aim at the exploration of new functionalities of materials useful for electronic
information, energy and environmental technologies.

Highly effective utilization of fossil and renewable hydrocarbon resources is very

important to address environmental and energy challenges related to global warming,
depletion of fossil resources and energy security. Hydrocarbon resources can be
Professor
converted into chemicals through safe and efficient operations in which catalytic
Keiichi Tomishige
Resources and Environment technologies play important roles in energy consumption and environmental-benign
(Energy Resource Chemistry) processes for natural gas, petroleum, biomass and other resources. Our research target
Associate Professor
is the development of new heterogeneous catalysts consisting of metal nanoparticles,
Yoshinao Nakagawa
metal oxide clusters and their combination. The catalysts are applied to the conversion
of biomass and to produce value-added chemicals such as fuels, monomers for the
polymer synthesis and building blocks for pharmaceuticals.

Our research focuses on the development of electrochemical methods and optimal

analyses for characterization of medical, energy and environmental materials.
Professor
Examples are:
Hitoshi Shiku
Resources and Environment 1. New sensing technologies to evaluate biomolecular and cellular functions by
(Electrochemical Science and combining scanning probe microscopy, electrochemical and microfabrication
Associate Professor
Technology※) methods.
Kosuke Ino
2. Detection of localized ionic and electron transfer rate with sub-micro meter
scale of various functional materials including cell-nanomaterials complexes
and functionalized electrodes.

Structure and bonding in solid-state materials are very relevant to modern science
Professor and technology. This laboratory deals with material design, synthesis and
Chemistry of Molecular Hirotsugu Takizawa characterization of advanced functional inorganic materials based on “Solid State
Systems Chemistry”.
(Synthetic Chemistry of Associate Professor Our main reearch topics include:
Advanced Materials※) Yamato Hayashi 1. Materials processing under microwave and non-equilibrium reaction fields.
2. High-pressure synthesis and crystal chemistry of inorganic compounds.
3. Sonochemical processing of inorganic materials.

Our research focuses on design and creation of novel materials with excellent
electronic properties with the aim of applying them to the fields of optical and
Professor radiation engineering. Our research involves investigating a variety of electronic
Chemistry of Molecular Keisuke Asai properties of matter employing techniques in material engineering, including
Systems nanotechnology. The primary research topics involve creation of as yet unachieved
(Quantum Physical Associate Professor electronically excited states using hybridization of different materials and their
Chemistry) Masanori Koshimizu heterostructures, controlling the electronic properties of condensed matter via
dimensionality of electronic structure, and fabrication of electronic systems with
strong interactions and correlations. The developed materials and technologies will
contribute immensely to the advancement of optical devices and radiation sensors.

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 Professor /
Laboratory Description of Research
Associate Professor

Electrical conducting, magnetic, emission, and dielectric properties are our essential
research targets in molecular assembly structures such as organic -molecules and
IMRAM
molecular clusters. Various types of molecular assemblies from single crystals, liquid
Polymer Hybrid Materials Professor
crystals, Langmuir-Blodgett films, nanowires, to micelles can be applied for future
Research Center Tomoyuki Akutagawa
molecular devices and organic – inorganic hybrids are also one of the useful building
(Hybrid Material Fabrication)
blocks for design of future thermoelectric and photoelectric energy conversion
systems.

We are interested in bottom-up nanoscience and nanotechnology of hybrid polymer

assemblies. The unique characteristics of polymer enable us to assemble diverse
nanomaterials such as metals, oxides, and metal-organic-frameworks (MOFs) at the
IMRAM
nanometer scale. Elucidation of structure-property relations in terms of interactions of
Polymer Hybrid Materials Professor
hybrid polymer nanoassemblies with photons, electrons, and molecules is our
Research Center Masaya Mitsuishi
particular research interest. Our research topics cover a wide range of fundamentals
(Polymer Hybrid Nanomaterials)
with applications in hybrid polymer nanoarchitecture for
nanoelectronics/nanophotonics, surface and interface, high performance hybrid
nanomaterials.

Our research topics address the material and process science necessary to
nanofabricate innovative electronic and optical nanodevices. The keywords related to
Professor
IMRAM our research group are light, interface, organic polymer, metal, inorganic material.
Masaru Nakagawa
Polymer Hybrid Materials Nanoimprint lithography involving electron beam lithography is selected as a
Research Center mass-productive and cost-effective nanofabrication method. Studies of photo-curable
Associate Professor
(Photo-Functional Material resins for resist materials, screen printing with laser-drilled polymer masks,
Takahiro Nakamura
Chemistry) fluorescence alignment, plasma and ion dry etching, directed self-assembly for
densification, atomic layer deposition, and sequential infiltration synthesis are dealt
with to achieve sub-15 nm nanofabrication.

Polymers self-assemble to form highly periodic nano-scale structures that are useful
in manufacturing advanced devices, such as super high-density memory, batteries, tire
IMRAM treads and high-performance membranes. We focus on fundamental and basic aspects
Division of Measurements Professor of the self-assembling processes and their resulting nano-structures that occur in the
(Polymer Physics and Hiroshi Jinnai phase transition and phase separation in polymeric systems. For complete
Chemistry ※) understanding of the static and dynamic features of nano-structures, we specialize in
developing advanced electron microscopy, including electron tomography
(three-dimensional transmission electron tomography, 3D TEM).

Notes： For laboratories marked with ※, please make initial contact in advance with the office, Appl. Chem.,
Chem. Eng. and Biomol. Eng. 〔TEL(022)795-7205〕
1. An asterisk (*) indicates that the professor is scheduled to retire in March 2019.
2. An asterisk (**) indicates that the professor is scheduled to retire in March 2020.
3. Please obtain more detailed information on the topics from the office of Appl. Chem., Chem. Eng. and
Biomol. Eng. 〔TEL(022)795-7205〕.

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Department of Chemical Engineering
Professor /
Laboratory Description of Research
Associate Professor
Energy conversion and its utilization must be carried out considering environmental
impact. Our laboratory aims to: 1) ensure environmental protection, 2) design
processes that use energy efficiently, and 3) design systems that make effective use of
Professor
resources. A few examples are: numerical analysis of spray painting process by using
Hideyuki Aoki
LES and VOF methods, chemical reaction dynamics analysis of soot formation and
Energy Process Engineering
depression, numerical simulation of coal gasification and combustion for high-level
Associate Professor
coal utilization, numerical estimation of porous material strength and the numerical
Yohsuke Matsushita
simulation of reaction tube fouling in naphtha crackers. Our objective is to achieve
high-efficiency industrial processes by applying both experimental studies and
numerical simulations.

Control over micro- or nano-structures of materials are essential for creating new
functional materials. Our group focuses on materials processing for preparation of
monodisperse particles having uniform sizes, morphologies and chemical
Chemical Process Engineering Professor
compositions. We study the building-up processes of such monodisperse particles for
(Material Processing) Daisuke Nagao
development of advanced functional materials. Synthetic processes on composite
particles and thin films, self-assembling process of monodisperse particles and
clarification of particle formation mechanisms are also studied.

We are developing a novel and efficient production process based on chemical and
biological reaction engineering, targeting a wide range of fields such as environmental,
food and pharmaceuticals, and functional materials. Specifically, we are working on
Professor
the following topics:
Chemical Process Engineering Naomi
1) continuous production process for bio-based fuels and chemicals using
(Reaction Process Shibasaki-Kitakawa
heterogeneous catalysts,
Engineering)
2) separation and purification processes of natural bioactive compounds,
Associate Professor
3) production processes of high value added substances using biological reactions,
Atsushi Takahashi
4) oxidation and antioxidant mechanisms of bioactive compounds in food and
biological systems.

To provide the guidelines for design and control of the macroscopic flow,
temperature and concentration fields in materials processing and manufacturing, and
Professor
moreover the higher-order structures and their related functions of materials, the
Process Systems Engineering Takao Tsukada
studies on the following subjects are conducted using both in-situ observations and
(Material Control Process
numerical simulations: Crystal growth processes of semiconductors and oxides,
Engineering) Associate Professor
Electromagnetic levitation processes of molten metals and semiconductors,
Masaki Kubo
Manufacturing processes of functional polymer thin films, Processes using
nanoparticles, etc.

Establishment of diverse symbiotic industrial systems tailored to maximize wealth

under socioeconomic and environmental constraints is expected to contribute to the
realization of a sustainable society. Substantial reduction on our dependence of fossil
resources is among the most important constraints that needs to be met by thoughtful
Process Systems Engineering
Associate Professor use of locally available resources in industries and communities. Innovative processes
(Chemical Systems
Yasuhiro Fukushima and materials are the key to this challenging endeavor. We use analytical tools such as
Engineering)
Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) and Material Flow Analysis (MFA) and Decision Sciences
to develop methods for 1) integrated design of symbiotic industrial systems, and 2)
coordinated innovation of emerging technologies, on the basis of theories and
simulation tools in process systems engineering.

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 Professor /
Laboratory Description of Research
Associate Professor

We study and apply supercritical fluids (SCFs), which are dense gases, because they
are expected to be the next generation of environmental friendly solvents and it is
possible to easily vary their physical properties with temperature or pressure. Among
the many candidates for SCFs, carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O) are mostly our
Professor focus due to their unique and safe environmental characteristics. We have proposed
Hiroshi Inomata original technologies by applying SCFs as alternatives to hazardous organic solvents in
RCSCF
various chemical processes. We perform both fundamental and applied research.
(Engineering Fundamentals)
Associate Professor Examples of on-going research topics are as follows: i) measurement of physical
Yoshiyuki Sato properties and phase equilibria of SCF mixtures, ii) thermodynamic prediction models
for phase equilibria, iii) molecular simulation of the solution structure of SCF mixtures,
iv) extraction/fractionation of bioactive components from natural plants, v) supercritical
dry cleaning/recycling technology, vi) supercritical impregnation to make functional
materials, vii) polymer plasticization / spray painting with supercritical CO2.

Our research interest focuses on the fabrication of high-performance photoceramics,

Professor
IMRAM such as photocatalysts and phosphors, which can contribute to sustainable society. We
Masato Kakihana
Center for Exploration of New also develop superior precursors in terms of solubility and stability to synthesize
(**)
Inorganic Materials high-functional photoceramics by "green" synthetic processes using aqueous media. In
(Design of Advanced Inorganic addition, we design new photoceramics based on knowledge in solid state chemistry
Associate Professor
Materials) and study strategies based on engineering of crystal-sites and band potentials to give
Hideki Kato
new functions or to control the performance of photoceramics precisely.

The development of environmentally-conscious green chemical processes is an

IMRAM important issue for the 21st century. We are studying chemical reactions using clean
Division of Inorganic Material solvents such as supercritical fluids and ionic liquids. We develop precise
Professor
Research measurement methods for thermodynamic and transport properties for new type
Chiaki Yokoyama (*)
( Chemical Reaction solvent systems. We conduct research on: dye sensitized solar cells, growth conditions
Engineering ) for single-crystal gallium nitride using supercritical ammonia and organic microcrystal
manufacture by supercritical fluid rapid expansion (RESS) techniques.

Professor Using reactions in supercritical fluids, we develop novel nanosized/nanostructured

IMRAM
Tadafumi Adschiri materials and study their applications. We also develop chemical processes to solve
Division of Process and
(AIMR) environmental and energy problems, such as low-temperature waste heat recovery,
System Engineering
hydrogen production, and resource recycling. Based on the interdisciplinary viewpoint
(Supercritical Fluid and Hybrid
Associate Professor of chemical engineering, materials science, and energy environmental science, we
Nano Technologies )
Takaaki Tomai create novel nanomaterials for science and technology.

Notes： 1. An asterisk (*) indicates that the professor is scheduled to retire in March 2019.
2. An asterisk (**) indicates that the professor is scheduled to retire in March 2020.
3. Please obtain more detailed information on the topics from the office of Appl. Chem., Chem. Eng. and
Biomol. Eng. TEL(022)795-7205〕.

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Department of Biomolecular Engineering
Professor /
Laboratory Description of Research
Associate Professor

The research of this laboratory deals with basic and applied aspects of
biochemistry and molecular biology of microbial and plant specialized metabolisms,
Professor
which are highly diverse in terms of catalytic competence and specificity of enzymes
Toru Nakayama
and chemical structures of metabolites. The research topics include identification,
Applied Life Chemistry
functional characterization, elucidation of catalytic mechanisms, and determination
Associate Professor
of 3D structures of novel enzymes/biosynthetic machineries in plant specialized
Seiji Takahashi
metabolism, such as flavonoid and isoprenoid biosynthesis, as well as their protein
and metabolic engineering studies.
Our laboratory aims to develop new methodologies for synthesis of functional
macromolecules in the field of carbohydrate chemistry. Some examples of our
Professor
research topics are:
Bioorganic Chemistry Shin-ichiro Shoda (*)
1. Development of sugar material based on polysaccharide biomass
(Functional Mactromolecular
2. Design and synthesis of functionalized glycopolymers
Chemistry) Associate Professor
3. Development of protection-free glycosylation
Masato Noguchi
4. Control of higher nanostructure of polysaccharides
5. Synthesis of glycosidic compounds such as glycolipids and glycoproteins
We develop novel organic reactions and reaction methods to efficiently prepare
only what is needed, and functional molecules based on molecular recognition
chemistry, on the model of enzymes that exhibit excellent molecular recognition
Professor
ability and highly-active and selective catalysis. In particular, the following issues
Tetsutaro Hattori
Bioorganic Chemistry are under investigation: regio- and stereoselective derivatization of calixarenes and
(Applied Organic Synthesis) the development of their functions, a study on molecular recognition abilities of
Associate Professor
nanoporous molecular crystals and its application to the development of separation
Naoya Morohashi
materials, fixation of carbon dioxide to unsaturated compounds, electrophilic
alumination and borylation of unsaturated compounds, control of optical resolution
and asymmetric reactions using solvent polarity.
Our laboratory’s research is directed at the elucidation of membrane transport
machinery known as “ion channel and transporter” mediating crucial signal
transduction pathways to ensure intracellular homeostasis and integrity of bacteria
Biofunctional Chemistry Professor
including E. coli, cyanobacteria and yeast, and plant cells. We develop experimental
(Applied Biophysical Nobuyuki Uozumi
approaches in molecular biology (genetic engineering), biochemistry and
Chemistry)
electrophysiology to identify biochemical molecules implicated in adaption to
various abiotic stress, in particular, salinity and drought stress, leading to enhanced
production of biomass and solar-derived natural energy.
We design and create functional molecules based on protein structure format and
on genomic techniques. Crystal structure information and evolutional engineering
Biofunctional Chemistry Professor
are used in creating available proteins for the therapeutic, environmental, and
(Protein Engineering) Mitsuo Umetsu
nanotechnology fields. In addition, the designed proteins are assembled with organic
and inorganic nanomaterials for opening new frontiers for recombinant proteins.

For the design of conventional drug compounds, it is common to add a

water-soluble substituent to a compound having a pharmacological effect. In our
IMRAM
laboratory, we take the reverse strategy and design novel anti-cancer drugs and eye
Polymer Hybrid Materials
Professor drops composed in the dimer or the compounds chemically-combined with poorly
Research Center
Hitoshi Kasai water-soluble substituents to overcome the existing clinical problems. Using our
(Organic- and Bio-
reprecipitation technique for fabrication of organic nanoparticles, we have
Nanomaterials)
established the methods to obtain nano-prodrugs having particle sizes of 100 nm or
less. We are aiming at practical application of these nano-prodrugs and are also
expanding our nano-technological methods to cover a wide range of fields.

Notes： 1. An asterisk (*) indicates that the professor is scheduled to retire in March 2019.
2. An asterisk (**) indicates that the professor is scheduled to retire in March 2020.
3. Please obtain more detailed information on the topics from the office of Appl. Chem., Chem. Eng. and
Biomol. Eng. TEL(022)795-7205〕.

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