NIMS -Hokkaido University Interfacial Energy Conversion Materials Chemistry

Research

Major research themes

  • Construction and characterization of electrode catalysts for fuel cells.
  • Study the interfacial electron transfer processes using ultrafast spectroscopy.
  • Investigate the molecular dynamics at biointerfaces.
  • Study the anode/cathode reactions in next-generation rechargeable batteries.
  • Extracellular electron transport (EET) mechanism in iron- and sulfate-reducing bacteria (Electron transport dynamics in outer-membrane c-type cytochromes)
  • Study of microbial electrode catalysis, iron corrosion, and human microbiome based on the science of EET.

Electrocatalysts

We study the chemical reactions at solid/liquid interfaces where electron transfer plays a key role. We also develop methods for creating functional material phases using the integration of atoms, molecules and nanoclusters and conduct basic research on solid-liquid interfacial energy conversion reactions, including electrode catalysis and rechargeable battery-related electrode reactions to resolved energy issue.

In-situ characterization

In situ investigation of geometric, electronic and molecular structures of solid/liquid interfaces with high spatial and time resolution, we develop scanning probe microscopies, non-linear spectroscopies, gap mode Raman spectroscopy, surface X-ray scattering, X-ray absorption fine structure and visible pump - infrared probe methods.

Extracellular electron transport mechanism

In-situ physico-chemical analysis on the electron transport mechanism via outer-membrane bound c-type cytochromes in intact cell. We also conduct various microscopic measurements with most-advanced equipment in NIMS to monitor the electric property of bacterial nanowires.

Study for microbial electrode catalysis, iron corrosion, and human microbiome

We expand our knowledge and techniques on the EET mechanisms to various other fields. Electron uptake reaction from electrode or iron substrate, the microbial interaction with FeS nano particles, and inter-cellular and –species electron transport processes are investigated combined with the methods of biochemistry, and microbiology.