Examples of Research Themes
1．Arts-science integrated research on circular economy and plastic recycling
Circular economy refers to a system in which waste is regarded as a new resource and resources are circulated without producing waste. The issue of plastic recycling has been attracting attention, but is it really best to recycle plastic in terms of energy? Which recycling method is most appropriate for each of the many types of plastics that exist? We will promote new recycling research that integrates the microscopic chemical-molecular level and the macroscopic statistical level.
2．Development of new materials that can be easily recycled
Waste disposal of materials such as plastics has become a problem from both environmental and economic perspectives. In recent years, research on materials that prioritize recyclability has been attracting attention, and our laboratory has been studying reversible polymers that can be reversibly combined, decomposed, and easily recycled, and developing wound-healing films with self-healing properties, just like human skin. We are developing new materials based on circular economy that can be degraded and recycled without environmental impactDevelopment of new materials derived from nature
３．Development of new materials derived from nature
As energy issues and waste disposal problems have been discussed in recent years, attention has focused on the synthesis of chemical substances and materials using biomass and bio-based raw materials derived from the natural world. One of the methods we have discovered is the decomposition of polyphenylene oxide, which has a similar structure to lignin contained in wood and is synthesized by an oxidative polymerization reaction, by radicals in water or ionic liquids. We are applying this technique to research methods that allow lignin to be decomposed by chemical reactions in an environment close to room temperature and atmospheric pressure. We are also developing biodegradable plastics from the degraded lignin.
4．Development of Marine Degradable Plastics
Marine plastic pollution has become a major problem in recent years. The problem ranges from direct damage caused by marine organisms eating plastics that have been dumped into the ocean to the contamination of ecosystems through the food chain caused by toxic substances attached to dispersed microplastics. The main quick-fix solutions are ethical and educational, such as making people aware of the need to throw plastics in the trash and collect them, but from the concept of green sustainable chemistry, we will also promote the development of new plastics that can be selectively and rapidly degraded in seawater. 5.
5．Promotion of education on Green Sustainable Chemistry (GSC)
It has been a long time since students were discouraged from chemistry, and it is generally believed that chemical substances are causing environmental pollution. Since the world is composed entirely of chemicals, we believe that chemistry is also the key to solving environmental problems. We will research how to promote and educate the general public, students, and children about green sustainable chemistry (environmentally friendly chemistry).
6．Utilization of insects as a resource
The development of insect diets and insect-derived materials is attracting attention as a solution to the current food and resource problems. Based on the circular economy, we will research how insects can be utilized as resources without burdening the environment.