Our laboratory focuses on the synthesis of ceramic (inorganic solid material) fine particles and the application to environment and energy materials. Ceramic nano-size particles such as titanium oxide, zinc oxide, and calcium carbonate are synthesized in an aqueous solution, and experiments are conducted to improve photocatalytic activity, light emission characteristics, and electrical/magnetic properties. We raise students that contribute to creating a sustainable environment and society through synthesizing high-performance ceramic materials in an environmentally friendly manner.

　Our research on ceramic fine particles is very useful for improving the performance and miniaturization of various electronic and optical devices that have been used in our daily lives. A typical example is multilayer ceramic capacitor (MLCC) used in smartphones. In recent smartphones, 700 to 800 of MLCCs are used in one smartphone. The downsizing of electronic components played a major role in making mobile phones from the size of a shoulder bag to the size of a palm and becoming a smartphone with various functions. The size of raw material powders was reduced to submicron size. By using nanometer-sized fine particles, electronic components are expected to be further miniaturized and highly functional. Another familiar use of ceramic fine particles is in cosmetic applications. Many kinds and major amounts of inorganic powders have been contained in foundations and sunscreens. We are working on the synthesis of ceramic fine particles with some unique functions as well as controlled shape and size.