Exchanges

Research Exchange Objectives

In the 21st century, mixed-anion materials, which contain multiple anions in the same compound, have begun to attract attention as a new type of inorganic material. Compared to existing inorganic materials such as oxides and nitrides, mixed anion compounds have a unique coordination structure and crystal structure, and are expected to exhibit innovative functions that are fundamentally different. Japan is leading the world in the development of the world’s first visible-light water splitting photocatalyst, as well as novel reactions and catalysts that utilize the activity of hydride (H-) ions.

In 2016, the world’s first large-scale project on mixed anions was launched as a new academic field of study, “Synthesis of Mixed Anion Compounds toward Novel Functionalities” led by Hiroshi Kageyama, and through active collaboration among related researchers in Japan, new materials and phenomena have been discovered. From this, basic principles and theories have begun to emerge confirming this topic has a fast progressing new academic field. The Kageyama Scientific Research on Innovative Areas Program has been conducting unique initiatives such as joint research with overseas hub researchers and lecture tours in Japan and abroad, which have had a significant ripple effect.

The 2014 “New functions and inorganic materials based on anionic nanospaces” CREST project (Leader:  Prof. Hiroshi Kageyama) has allowed to accelerate the research and development on new mixed anionic materials. This project was developed along with Prof. Ryu Abe of the same department. Since 2017 and the JST project, joint research has been established with researchers in Belgium. In this way, mixed anion research has been expanding from basic science to applied science.

In this Core-to-Core project, Kyoto University (Graduate School of Engineering), based in Japan, will establish an international exchange framework with four universities and research institutes in the United Kingdom, France, Belgium, and China, and promote  hydrides and oxyfluorides, which have shown remarkable results in their applicability as functional materials. We will also establish new networks with other regions in Europe, America, Asia, and Oceania.

In order to develop the next generation of global leaders, young researchers, including students, will be dispatched to overseas research institutes and neighboring universities to give them opportunities to absorb the specialties of other countries (participating countries), etc. In addition, senior and mid-career researchers will visit several overseas research institutions for lecture/seminar tours to deepen research discussions, to promote mixed anion science and build international human networks. Through these activities, we will form an international center for creating new science and technology at the end of this project.

Research Exchange Plan

Plan for International Collaborative Research

The above-mentioned collaborative research can be encompassed by the concept of new material science of mixed anion compounds via synthesis, analysis, and functionalization. Each group has its own inherited style and culture in synthesis techniques and processes. By exchanging personnels and knowledge among international groups, we will be able to improve each other’s skills and develop novel methods that cannot be achieved through the sole deciphering of papers.

In mixed anion research, interdisciplinary research involving inorganic synthetic chemistry, analytical chemistry, photochemistry, condensed matter science, electrochemistry, catalytic chemistry, etc. is essential, even if only in the field of chemistry, and it is significant for young researchers to participate in this research.