CATALYSIS FOR A BRIGHTER TOMORROW
We explore light-driven chemical transformations and molecular catalysis to create clean energy and valuable chemicals for a sustainable society.
OUR RESEARCH
Light-driven catalysis, CO2 conversion, and sustainable chemistry
Principal investigator, researchers, and students
Peer-reviewed articles and research outputs
Photochemistry, spectroscopy, electrochemistry, and analytical instruments
Latest updates, awards, and events
Access, address, and inquiries
WHAT WE DO
Catalytic Systems for Artificial Photosynthesis and Sustainable Energy Conversion
Our research focuses on the development of molecular catalytic systems for sustainable energy conversion and chemical transformations. By integrating transition-metal complex design, photochemistry, electrochemistry, and mechanistic investigations, we aim to convert abundant resources such as CO2 and H2O into valuable fuels and chemicals.
We develop artificial photosynthetic and photoredox systems inspired by natural photosynthesis. Our research explores water oxidation, oxygen activation, and light-driven chemical transformations using molecular metal catalysts, including sustainable H2O2 production from H2O and O2.
We design robust transition-metal complexes with tailored ligand environments for selective CO2 reduction. In particular, PNNP-ligated Ir, Ru, and Os catalysts enable efficient and durable photocatalytic conversion of CO2 into formic acid and CO, providing insights into structure–activity relationships.
We integrate molecular catalysts into light-driven and electrochemical systems for sustainable fuel production. Our studies include catalyst immobilization on electrode surfaces, selective CO2-to-formate conversion in aqueous media, and light-driven hydrogenation of CO2 and carbonyl compounds under mild conditions.
We investigate catalytic reaction mechanisms through time-resolved spectroscopy, electrochemistry, kinetic analysis, and computational studies. By identifying reactive intermediates and elucidating electron-, proton-, and hydrogen-atom transfer pathways, we establish molecular-level principles for improving catalytic activity, selectivity, and durability.
PI / ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR
Institute for Chemical Reaction Design and Discovery (ICReDD)
Hokkaido University
M2 (Nagoya University)
M2 (Nagoya University)
M1 (Nagoya University)
B4 (Nagoya University)
J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2025, 147, 47859–47866.
No matter what energy input: tetradentate PNNP-ligated iridium complexes for CO2 reduction
Chem.–Eur. J. 2025, 31, e202500328.
J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2024, 146, 25963–25975.
Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2024, 63, e202403886.
Chem. Commun. 2022, 58, 9218–9221.
Organometallics 2022, 41, 1865−1871.
A Highly Durable, Self-Photosensitized Mononuclear Ruthenium Catalyst for CO2 Reduction
Synlett 2022, 33, 1137–1141.
Recent Advances in Light-Driven Carbon–Carbon Bond Formation via Carbon Dioxide Activation
Synthesis 2021, 53, 3263–3278.
J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2020, 142, 10261–10266.
J. Syn. Org. Chem. Jpn. 2020, 78, 856–866.
Photocatalytic hydrogen evolution using a Ru(II)-bound heteroaromatic ligand as a reactive site
Dalton Trans. 2020, 49, 17230–17242.
Spatiotemporal control of amide radicals during photocatalysis
ChemRxiv. 2020, Preprint.
J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2019, 141, 9155−9159.
Photodriven Oxidation of Water by Plastoquinone Analogs with a Nonheme Iron Catalyst
J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2019, 141, 6748−6754.
J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2018, 140, 8405–8409.
Green Chem. 2018, 20, 948–963.
Bicyclic Baird-type aromaticity
Nature Chem. 2017, 9, 1243–1248.
Multi-Electron Oxidation of Anthracene Derivatives by Nonheme Manganese(IV)-Oxo Complexes
Chem. Eur. J. 2017, 23, 7125–7131.
Effects of Lewis Acids on Photoredox Catalysis
Asian J. Org. Chem. 2017, 6, 397–409.
Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2017, 56, 3510–3515.
Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2016, 55, 7450–7454.
Photocatalytic Oxygenation of Substrates by Dioxygen with Protonated Manganese(III) Corrolazine
Inorg. Chem. 2016, 55, 3218−3228.
Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Photocatalytic Water Oxidation by Persulfate
Chem. Asian J. 2016, 11, 1138–1150.
Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2016, 55, 3709–3713.
J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2015, 137, 4614−4617.
Catalytic Two-Electron Reduction of Dioxygen by Ferrocene Derivatives with Manganese(V) Corroles
Inorg. Chem. 2015, 54, 4285−4291.
Activationless Electron Self-Exchange of High-Valent Oxo and Imido Complexes of Chromium Corroles
Inorg. Chem. 2015, 54, 9223−9228.
Photocatalytic Oxygenation of 10-Methyl-9,10-dihydroacridine by O2 with Manganese Porphyrins
J. Phys. Chem. A 2014, 118, 6223−6229.
Inorg. Chem. 2013, 52, 13594−13604.
Production of hydrogen peroxide as a sustainable solar fuel from water and dioxygen
Energy Environ. Sci. 2013, 6, 3756–3764.
Energy Environ. Sci. 2012, 5, 7606–7616.
JASCO
Rapid acquisition of absorption spectra to monitor reaction kinetics and transient spectral changes.
KOFLOC
Precisely controls and mixes CO₂, H₂, and Ar gas flows for reaction experiments.
JASCO
Measures circular dichroism spectra to investigate molecular chirality and optical activity.
JASCO
Measures circularly polarized luminescence to characterize chiral excited-state emission.
UNISOKU
Temperature-controlled sample unit for spectroscopic measurements, including low-temperature studies.
Hitachi
Measures heat flow during temperature changes to study thermal transitions and material stability.
Hitachi
Records fluorescence excitation and emission spectra to characterize luminescent samples.
JASCO
Measures infrared absorption spectra for identifying functional groups and chemical bonding.
TOMY
Sterilizes laboratory equipment and materials using pressurized steam.
Nanophoton
Combines Raman spectroscopy with microscopy for spatially resolved chemical and structural analysis.
TOMY
Separates small-volume samples by high-speed centrifugation with temperature control.
Otsuka Electronics
Characterizes particle size distributions and zeta potential in dispersions.
JASCO
Measures optical rotation to characterize optically active compounds.
Hamamatsu Photonics
Measures absolute photoluminescence quantum yields using an integrating-sphere system.
Rigaku
Simultaneously measures mass change and thermal events during heating or cooling.
UNISOKU
Tracks time-dependent emission signals to investigate excited-state dynamics and emission lifetimes.
Mettler Toledo
Provides high-precision mass measurements for very small sample quantities.
JASCO
Measures ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared absorption spectra of samples.
ChemSpeed
Automates parallel reaction setup and screening under controlled conditions.
ALS / CH Instruments
Performs cyclic voltammetry and other electrochemical measurements to study redox behavior.
XYZprinting · da Vinci
Produces full-color 3D models for visualization and prototyping.
Musashi Engineering
Automates precise dispensing of liquids and pastes.
KEYENCE · VHX
Captures magnified digital images for surface and sample inspection.
JASCO
Separates and analyzes components of liquid samples.
Bruker · autoflex max
Measures molecular masses using MALDI time-of-flight mass spectrometry.
Nikon · SMZ25
Observes samples using stereoscopic optical microscopy.
AS ONE
Supplies purified organic solvents for moisture-sensitive synthesis.
JAI · LaboACE
Purifies compounds through recycling preparative liquid chromatography.
Techno Sigma
Provides controlled cooling for low-temperature chemical reactions.
Biotage · Isolera One
Automates flash-column purification of reaction mixtures.
Shimadzu · GC-2025
Separates and quantifies volatile components of reaction samples.
Bruker · Magnettech ESR5000
Detects paramagnetic species such as radicals and metal-centered spins.
Rigaku · MiniFlex
Analyzes crystalline phases and structures in powder samples.
VAC
Provides a controlled atmosphere for handling air-sensitive materials.
Taiatsu Techno
Enables chemical reactions under elevated temperature and pressure.
Thermo Scientific
Dries samples under reduced pressure and controlled heating.
KEM · MKC-710
Determines trace water content in liquids and other samples.
Rigaku · XtaLAB Synergy
Determines three-dimensional crystal structures from single crystals.
Leica
Documents and examines samples with a stereo microscope and camera.
JEOL · 400YH
Analyzes molecular structures and chemical environments using NMR.
GROUP UPDATES
GET IN TOUCH
For inquiries about our research or opportunities to join the group, please feel free to contact us.
Institute for Chemical Reaction Design and Discovery (ICReDD)
Hokkaido University
Room 03-102, North Campus Research Building No. 8
Kita 21-jo Nishi 10-chome, Kita-ku
Sapporo, Hokkaido 001-0021, Japan