Topic

We research on “Solid Catalysts”, especially “Intermetallic Compound Catalysts” and “Zeolite Catalysts”.

Intermetallic compound is a kind of alloy. Unlike usual alloy, i.e. a solid solution, the composition formula of intermetallic compound is expressed in a simple integer ratio. It has different crystalline structure and electronic state from its parent pure metals. Thus some intermetallic compounds have unique properties such as hydrogen storage capacity (LaNi₅), superconductivity (Nb₃Sn) and shape-memory effect (TiNi).

We have assumed that intermetallic compound also has unique catalytic properties. In fact, we have already reported the unique catalytic properties of intermetallic compounds such as Pt₃Co, PtCu, Pt₃Ti, Ni₃Sn, Pd₃Bi, CoHf₂, etc.

Zeolites are crystalline composite oxides which have regularly-ordered micro-pores (less than 2 nm in diameter). Today, over 200 types of zeolites have been reported and the shapes and diameters of their micro-pores vary from type to type.

We have researched the catalytic properties of proton-form (acidic) zeolites, cation-exchanged zeolites, metallosilicates, etc.