Sub-nano structured catalyst research cluster

Establishing the scientific principles of catalyst design and application in the subnanometer regime to contribute to the
realization of a decarbonized society

Akira ODA

Takane IMAOKA (Science Tokyo), Satoshi ISHIKAWA (Science Tokyo), Nao TSUNOJI (Tottori Univ.), Shunsaku YASUMURA (Univ. of Tokyo)

Subnanometer-sized materials exhibit dynamic physicochemical properties, discrete electronic structures, and an almost limitless diversity of multielemental compositions, all of which can give rise to extraordinary catalytic rate enhancements. However, because of the difficulty inherent in their rational design and precise characterization, the catalytic functions available in the subnanometer regime remain far from fully exploited. This research cluster seeks to confront this largely unexplored domain directly and to establish innovative catalyst design principles that will serve as a foundation for next-generation catalytic processes.
 The sub-nano structured catalysts addressed by this cluster include not only sub-nano particles, but also layered catalysts with sub-nano thicknesses and catalysts possessing subnanometer-scale local structures. With a view toward future social implementation, the cluster also investigates synthetic strategies that enable these metastable structures to be prepared easily and broadly by non-specialists. To this end, particular attention is given to highly spontaneous phenomena, with the aim of developing synthetic routes that are reproducible, scalable, and energy efficient. In terms of catalytic applications, the principal targets are the selective oxidation of CH₄, CO₂ hydrogenation, N₂O decomposition, and NH₃ decomposition/synthesis. Through these efforts, the cluster aims to resolve key limitations of conventional catalysts by leveraging the unique functionalities of sub-nano structured catalysts.