Tokyo Institute of Technology · Chemistry
Professor Junko N. Kondo's research lab specializes in the design and synthesis of advanced mesoporous metal oxides with tailored structures and functionalities for energy and environmental applications. The lab focuses on controlling the crystallization of amorphous mesoporous oxides while preserving their ordered nanostructure through templating and reinforcement strategies, enabling high-performance photocatalysts. A key research direction involves understanding surface reactions on metal oxide catalysts—particularly ZrO2—using in situ infrared spectroscopy to elucidate mechanisms of small molecule adsorption and surface transformation, such as CO, CO2, and H2. The ultimate goal is to develop efficient, stable, and selective catalysts for sustainable energy conversion, including water splitting and CO2 reduction.
Figures are computed from collected data and may differ slightly.
Crystallization of an amorphous inorganic network of mesoporous metal oxides is achieved while maintaining the original ordered mesoporous structure. The methodology utilizes reinforcement (carbon or silica) to strengthen the periodic structure so that the original ordered mesoporous structure is preserved during thermal treatment for crystallization. The reinforcement is removed after crystallization to provide crystalline mesoporous metal oxide with the original ordered structure. Enhancement
The adsorption and reaction of H2, CO, CO2, OH(a)+ CO(g) and CO2(a)+ H2(g) have been studied in detail by infrared spectroscopy. Hydrogen is dissociatively adsorbed to form the OH and the Zr—H species and CO is weakly adsorbed as the molecular form. The infrared spectrum of adsorbed species of CO2 over ZrO2 shows three main bands at ca. 1550, 1310 and 1060 cm–1 which can be assigned to the bidentate carbonate species. The reaction of OH(a)+ CO(g) at 373 K gave rise to formate and bidentate carbo
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