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Abstracts of Topic-Specified Collaborative Research Projects |
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1. Yolk@Shell Nanostructures as Superior Plasmonic Photocatalysts for Solar Hydrogen Production across Visible to Near Infrared Spectral Region |
Representative: Chun-Yi Chen
Near infrared energy remains untapped toward the maneuvering of entire solar spectrum harvesting for fulfilling the nuts and bolts of solar hydrogen production. We report the use yolk@shell nanocrystals as dual plasmonic photocatalysts to achieve remarkable hydrogen production under visible and near infrared illumination. Ultrafast spectroscopic data reveal the prevalence of long-lived charge separation states for Au@Cu7S4 under both visible and near infrared excitation. Combined with the advantageous features of yolk@shell nanostructures, it is possible to achieves a peak a record-breaking quantum yield for hydrogen production in the absence of additional co-catalysts. The design of a sustainable visible- and near infrared-responsive photocatalytic system is expected to inspire further widespread applications in solar fuel generation. In this work, the feasibility of exploiting the localized surface plasmon resonance property of self-doped, nonstoichiometric semiconductor nanocrystals for the realization of wide-spectrum-driven photocatalysis is highlighted. The current study not only delivers a new type of plasmonic photocatalyst paradigms enabling efficient H2 production from the untapped near infrared energy, but also illustrates the utility of the novel yolk@shell nanostructures in plasmonic photocatalysis. The finding of this work offers a promising strategy to the expansion of the photo response range for the currently available photocatalysts in order to realize full-spectrum driven solar H2 production.
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2. Development of active and uniform complex metal oxide catalysts |
Representative: Satoshi Ishikawa
Solid catalysts are utilized in various fields such as efficient resource conversion and energy production. However, their functions are not fully understood. This is because, to achieve high catalytic performance, the catalyst state becomes highly complex in terms of its structure and components, making it extremely difficult to identify the catalytic active sites. In this study, we aim to develop highly active complex metal oxide catalysts with a uniform manner. Unlike conventional catalysts, these catalysts have a uniform composition and structure, allowing us to investigate the relationship between their crystal structure and catalytic function to clarify the catalytically active structures. By integrating inorganic synthetic chemistry, catalysis science, and analytical chemistry at a high level, we elucidate the catalytic functions of highly active catalysts.
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3. Seismic performance evaluation of nonstructural components based on response characteristics of buildings |
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Representative: Tadashi Ishihara
The demand for the continuous use of buildings after earthquakes has been increasing year by year. Now that a certain level of earthquake resistance of the structural frame has been secured, it is important to control seismic damage to nonstructural components (NSCs). In the seismic design of NSCs, the response characteristics of various buildings are not always fully taken into account. Seismic resistance of NSCs is often confirmed using design seismic forces and target deformations, which may result in insufficient design targets. This study examines the seismic response and behavior of NSCs considering the response characteristics of buildings and evaluates their seismic performance.
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4. Development of materials digital transformation approach and new electronic functional materials and devices |
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Representative: Toshio Kamiya
Combining data analysis as well as materials simulations and experimental materials research has become important to accelerate the development of new materials and devices. Thus, it is an urgent issue to build a new materials digital transformation system (MDX). In this project, we welcome ideas of a part of such MDX approach, its total design, or related issues.
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