Research activity information

• Machine Learning-Assisted Development of High-Performance Ethanol Synthesis Catalysts via CO2 Hydrogenation
  Pengfei Du; Abdellah Ait El Fakir; Shinya Mine; Bin Yang; Hongli Pan; Chenxi He; Nazmul Hasan MD Dostagir; Yuriko Ando; Jörg W. A. Fischer; Akihiko Anzai; Giles Allison; Ryo Toyoshima; Hiroshi Kondoh; Wei Zhou; Christophe Copéret; Ichigaku Takigawa; Ken-ichi Shimizu; Takashi Toyao
  Journal of the American Chemical Society, 29 Jul. 2026
  Scientific journal
• Interfacial Dynamics of Pt/TiO2 Encapsulation by Strong Metal–Support Interaction under Repeated Redox Cycles
  Abdullah J. Al Abdulghani; Yucheng Qian; Akihiko Anzai; Shuhei Shimoda; Ken-ichi Shimizu; Keiko Kojima; Takeharu Sugiyama; Nobutaka Maeda
  The Journal of Physical Chemistry C, 14 May 2026
  Scientific journal
• Machine-Learning-Guided Discovery of CH4 Combustion Catalysts Operating in the Presence of SO2
  Yuan Jing; Kah Wei Ting; Junxian Qin; Katsuya Yamada; Daichi Tajima; Akihiko Anzai; Shinya Mine; Ryo Toyoshima; Hiroshi Kondoh; Ichigaku Takigawa; Ken-ichi Shimizu; Takashi Toyao
  Journal of the American Chemical Society, 22 Apr. 2026
  Scientific journal
• Redox-Half-Cycle Dynamics of NH3−SCR on Sulfate-Modified CeO2 Revealed by Modulation Excitation Spectroscopy
  Yucheng Qian; Jörg W. A. Fischer; Ningqiang Zhang; Xiaomeng Dou; Akihiko Anzai; Takashi Toyao; Takeharu Sugiyama; Nobutaka Maeda; Ken-ichi Shimizu
  The Journal of Physical Chemistry C, 16 Apr. 2026, [Peer-reviewed]
  Scientific journal
• Continuous CO2 Capture and Selective Reduction to CO over Main-Group Dual-Functional Materials
  Shinta Miyazaki; Akihiko Anzai; Ken Nagai; Takumi Miyakage; Kota Oguri; Shinya Mine; Takashi Toyao; Yasuharu Kanda; Nobutaka Maeda; Daniel M. Meier; Ken-ichi Shimizu
  Journal of the American Chemical Society, 01 Apr. 2026, [Peer-reviewed], [Corresponding author]
  Scientific journal
• Machine-Learning-Guided Discovery and Statistical Analysis of Multielemental Reverse Water–Gas Shift Catalysts
  Duotian Chen; Shinya Mine; Gang Wang; Ichigaku Takigawa; Akihiko Anzai; Ken-ichi Shimizu; Takashi Toyao
  ACS Catalysis, 06 Mar. 2026, [Peer-reviewed]
  Scientific journal
• Enhanced N2O capture and reduction system using Cu/zeolite adsorbent and Pd/La/Al2O3 catalyst under O2-CO2-rich conditions
  Chenxi He; Leyang Zhang; Jörg W.A. Fischer; Jialei Zhang; Shinta Miyazaki; Ningqiang Zhang; Junxian Qin; Akihiko Anzai; Ken-ichi Shimizu; Takashi Toyao
  Applied Catalysis B: Environment and Energy, Mar. 2026, [Peer-reviewed]
  Scientific journal
• Solid-solution surface alloying of Cu nanocubes with platinum-group metals: pathway switching and catalyst stabilization in CO2 reduction
  Hirokazu Kobayashi; Sachie Hikino; Akihiko Anzai; Takahiro Matsuu; Mahiru Umeno; Tomohiro G. Noguchi; Masaki Donoshita; Tomokazu Yamamoto; Yasukazu Murakami; Kenichi Kato; Takeharu Sugiyama; Hiroyuki Setoyama; Tetsuroh Shirasawa; Yuya Shimohata; Takayoshi Ishimoto; Miho Yamauchi
  Chemical Science, 2026
  Scientific journal
• Selective Hydrogenation of CO2 From Direct Air Capture to CO Over Na‐Promoted Pt Dual‐Functional Material
  Shinta Miyazaki; Nobutaka Maeda; Akihiko Anzai; Shinya Mine; Takashi Toyao; Daniel M. Meier; Roman Selyanchyn; Shigenori Fujikawa; Zen Maeno; Ken‐ichi Shimizu
  Chemistry – An Asian Journal, Jan. 2026, [Peer-reviewed], [Corresponding author]
  Scientific journal
• Continuous direct air capture and conversion tandem system applicable to a wide range of CO2 concentrations
  Shinta Miyazaki; Akihiko Anzai; Masaki Yoshihara; Hsu Sheng Feng; Shinya Mine; Takashi Toyao; Ken-ichi Shimizu
  Industrial Chemistry & Materials, 2026, [Peer-reviewed], [Corresponding author]
  Scientific journal
• Nb-Promoted Pt/MoOx/TiO2 Catalysts for Low-Temperature CO2 Hydrogenation to Methanol
  Weiyang Zhang; Shirun Zhao; Yuriko Ando; Chenxi He; Bin Yang; Nazmul Hasan Md Dostagir; Akihiko Anzai; Ryo Toyoshima; Hiroshi Kondoh; Ken-ichi Shimizu; Takashi Toyao
  CHEMISTRY-A EUROPEAN JOURNAL, 31, 72, 23 Dec. 2025, [Peer-reviewed]
  English, Scientific journal
• Steam-Activated Lattice Oxygen Enhances Interfacial Redox Stability for Low-Temperature N2O Decomposition over Rh/CeO2
  Ningqiang Zhang; Chenxi He; Yuan Jing; Yucheng Qian; Yuan Qin; Hong Lin; Minami Obuchi; Ryo Toyoshima; Hiroshi Kondoh; Kohei Oka; Lingcong Li; Akihiko Anzai; Takashi Toyao; Ken-ichi Shimizu
  ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION, 64, 49, 01 Dec. 2025, [Peer-reviewed]
  English, Scientific journal
• CO₂ Capture and Reduction to CO in the Presence of CO over In–Cs/ZrO₂ Dual-Functional Materials
  Yuxuan Xie; Shinta Miyazaki; Lingcong Li; Kai Li; Fei Wang; Akira Oda; Atsushi Satsuma; Abdullah J. Al Abdulghani; Nobutaka Maeda; Akihiko Anzai; Takashi Toyao; Ken-ichi Shimizu
  ACS Catalysis, 15, 14, 12048, 12062, American Chemical Society (ACS), 30 Jun. 2025, [Peer-reviewed], [Corresponding author]
  Scientific journal
• Hydrocracking of Polypropylene to Light Alkanes over HMFI Zeolite Catalysts under H₂
  Yuriko Ando; Takumi Miyakage; Alisa Phuekphong; Akihiko Anzai; Mengwen Huang; Abdellah Ait El Fakir; Takashi Toyao; Makoto Ogawa; Alexander A. Kolganov; Evgeny A. Pidko; Ken‐ichi Shimizu
  ChemCatChem, 17, 16, Wiley, 23 Jun. 2025, [Peer-reviewed], [Corresponding author]
  Scientific journal, Abstract
  
  Chemical recycling of polyolefins represented by polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) via catalytic cracking has emerged as a promising strategy for converting waste plastics into valuable hydrocarbons. In this study, we investigated the selective hydrocracking of PP into light alkanes (C₁–C₅) using zeolite catalysts at 280 °C under 1 MPa H₂. An HMFI zeolite with high Al content exhibited the best catalytic performance among various zeolite catalysts tested. In situ DRIFTS comparing bare HMFI and externally‐silylated HMFI suggested that the external surface Brønsted acid sites serve as the active sites for the cracking of PP. Combination of in situ DRIFTS and UV–vis spectroscopy analyses identified the formation and consumption of oligomeric species as a reaction intermediate during reaction. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations suggested that a route in which the carbocation and alkoxide intermediates generated by hydrocracking of PP undergo low‐energy barrier transformations into gaseous products such as C₃ and C₄ hydrocarbons. This study advances the development of sustainable polyolefin recycling technologies.
• A Review on Catalytic Ethanol Synthesis via Hydrogenation of Carbon Dioxide
  Abdellah Ait El Fakir; Pengfei Du; Bin Yang; Nazmul Hasan MD Dostagir; Jörg W.A. Fischer; Akihiko Anzai; Ken-ichi Shimizu; Takashi Toyao
  ChemSusChem, Wiley, 02 May 2025, [Peer-reviewed]
  Scientific journal, The catalytic hydrogenation of carbon dioxide (CO2) is a promising strategy for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions while generating sustainable fuels and valuable chemicals. Among potential products, ethanol stands out as a renewable energy carrier due to its compatibility with existing fuel infrastructure and ability to reduce CO2 emissions when integrated into energy systems. Despite the success in converting CO2 into C1‐Chemicals with high yields, the selective conversion of C2+ products, including ethanol, remains a challenge due to the synthetic complexity. This review explores recent advances in CO2 hydrogenation to ethanol, emphasizing the catalytic performance of noble metals (e.g., Rh, Pd, Au, Ir, Pt) and non‐noble metals (e.g., Co, Cu, Fe) catalysts. Mechanistic insights into CO2 conversion and the role of metal active sites in governing selectivity and by‐product formation are addressed. A critical balance between reductive and C–C coupling steps for achieving high ethanol yields is highlighted, supported by thermodynamic analyses. Experimental results from batch and continuous‐flow reactor systems are discussed. Challenges such as low selectivity and by‐product formation are analyzed alongside strategies to address them, including advanced catalyst designs. This review outlines future research directions for catalyst development and the potential industrial application of CO2 hydrogenation to ethanol.
• Enhanced Hydrogen Supply to Atomically Dispersed Copper Sites through Close Cooperation with Oxygen Vacancies in Black TiO₂ to Promote CH₄ Production in CO₂ Electrolysis
  Akihiko Anzai; Masato Fukushima; David S. Rivera Rocabado; Takayoshi Ishimoto; Takeharu Sugiyama; Bunsho Ohtani; Hirokazu Kobayashi; Ming-Han Liu; Masaki Donoshita; Tomohiro Goroh Noguchi; Shailendra K. Maurya; Kenichi Kato; Chun Yat Sit; Paul Kenis; Miho Yamauchi
  ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 16 Apr. 2025, [Peer-reviewed], [Lead author]
  English, Scientific journal
• Extrapolative-machine-learning-guided discovery of multi-elemental heterogeneous catalysts for low-temperature NO reduction by H2
  Yuan Jing; Chenyang Zhang; Mine Shinya; Xiupeng Zhang; Chenxi He; Ningqiang Zhang; Xu Guo; Akihiko Anzai; Kohei Oka; Ryo Toyoshima; Hiroshi Kondoh; Ichigaku Takigawa; Ken-ichi Shimizu; Takashi Toyao
  01 Apr. 2025, [Peer-reviewed]
• Continuous De-NO_x under Rich/Lean Cycles by Multifunctional Catalysis of Platinum-Loaded Mordenites
  Ningqiang Zhang; Jiacheng Bao; Yucheng Qian; Bo Wu; Lingcong Li; Akihiko Anzai; Takashi Toyao; Ken-ichi Shimizu
  ACS ES&T Engineering, 5, 8, 1976, 1984, American Chemical Society (ACS), 11 Mar. 2025, [Peer-reviewed]
  Scientific journal
• Mechanism of selective reduction of N2O by CO over Fe-β catalysts studied by in-situ/operando spectroscopy
  Yucheng Qian; Shunsaku Yasumura; Ningqiang Zhang; Akihiko Anzai; Takashi Toyao; Ken-ichi Shimizu
  Chinese Journal of Catalysis, 69, 185, 192, Elsevier BV, Feb. 2025, [Peer-reviewed]
  Scientific journal
• Enhanced Nitrous Oxide Decomposition on Zirconium-Supported Rhodium Catalysts by Iridium Augmentation.
  Ningqiang Zhang; Chenxi He; Yuan Jing; Yucheng Qian; Minami Obuchi; Ryo Toyoshima; Hiroshi Kondoh; Kohei Oka; Bo Wu; Lingcong Li; Akihiko Anzai; Takashi Toyao; Ken-Ichi Shimizu
  Environmental science & technology, 59, 3, 1598, 1607, 28 Jan. 2025, [Peer-reviewed], [International Magazine]
  English, Scientific journal, The effective elimination of N2O from automobile exhaust at low temperatures poses significant challenges. Compared to other materials, supported RhOx catalysts exhibit high N2O decomposition activities, even in the presence of O2, CO2, and H2O. Metal additives can enhance the low-temperature N2O decomposition activities over supported RhOx catalysts; however, the enhancement mechanism and active sites require further investigation. In this study, we demonstrate the significant enhancement of the low-temperature N2O decomposition activity of a monoclinic ZrO2-supported Rh catalyst [Rh(1)/ZrO2] with Ir addition in the presence of N2O + O2 + CO2 + H2O. The promotional effect of Ir and the active sites on N2O decomposition in Rh(1)-Ir(1)/ZrO2 (Rh = 1 wt % and Ir = 1 wt %) were investigated by kinetic studies and in situ spectroscopic methods, including X-ray absorption spectroscopy, ambient-pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. These results indicate that both surface Rh and Ir species in Rh(1)-Ir(1)/ZrO2 were active sites for N2O catalytic decomposition at low temperatures, and Ir augmentation promoted the desorption of gaseous O2, which are regarded as key steps in N2O decomposition.
• Conversion of Polypropylene to Light Olefins by HMFI Catalysts below Pyrolytic Temperature: Catalytic, Spectroscopic, and Theoretical Studies
  Yuriko Ando; Takumi Miyakage; Akihiko Anzai; Mengwen Huang; Given Names Deactivated Family Name Deactivated; Takashi Toyao; Yuta Nakasaka; Alisa (Fern) Phuekphong; Makoto Ogawa; Alexander Kolganov; Evgeny A. Pidko; Ken-ichi Shimizu
  The Journal of Physical Chemistry C, 23 Jan. 2025, [Peer-reviewed], [Corresponding author]
  English, Scientific journal
• Direct Syngas-To-Ethanol Conversion over Lithium-Promoted Rh/MgO Catalysts
  Abdellah Ait El Fakir; Pengfei Du; Li Wan; HongLi Pan; Shirun Zhao; Nazmul Hasan M.D. Dostagir; Akihiko Anzai; Shinya Mine; Evgeny A. Pidko; Ken-ichi Shimizu; Takashi Toyao
  ACS Catalysis, 15, 3, 2033, 2044, American Chemical Society (ACS), 21 Jan. 2025, [Peer-reviewed]
  Scientific journal
• Operando spectroscopic studies on redox mechanism for CO2 hydrogenation to CO on In2O3 catalysts
  Lingcong Li; Duotian Chen; Akihiko Anzai; Ningqiang Zhang; Yikun Kang; Yucheng Qian; Pengfei Du; Abdellah Ait El Fakir; Takashi Toyao; Ken-ichi Shimizu
  Journal of Catalysis, Nov. 2024, [Peer-reviewed]
  English, Scientific journal
• Modulating Electronic States of Cu in Metal‐Organic Frameworks for Emerging Controllable CH4/C2H4 Selectivity in CO2 Electroreduction
  Mingxu Sun; Jiamin Cheng; Akihiko Anzai; Hirokazu Kobayashi; Miho Yamauchi
  Advanced Science, Sep. 2024, [Peer-reviewed]
  Scientific journal
• A membrane electrode assembly-type cell designed for selective CO production from bicarbonate electrolyte and air containing CO₂ mixed gas
  Akina Yoshizawa; Manabu Higashi; Akihiko Anzai; Miho Yamauchi
  Energy Advances, 2024, [Peer-reviewed]
  English, Scientific journal, A membrane electrode assembly-type electrochemical cell consisting of an all-Ag flow channel exhibits selective CO production from bicarbonate electrolyte and air containing CO2 mixed gas.
• Praseodymium Oxide Improving the Activity of a Silver-Loaded Calcium Titanate Photocatalyst for Carbon Dioxide Reduction with Water
  Hongxuan Qiu; Akihiko Anzai; Tayyebeh Soltani; Akira Yamamoto; Eri Fudo; Atsuhiro Tanaka; Hiroshi Kominami; Hisao Yoshida
  ACS Applied Energy Materials, 22 May 2023, [Peer-reviewed]
  English, Scientific journal
• Direct electrochemical CO₂ conversion using oxygen-mixed gas on a Cu network cathode and tailored anode
  Akihiko Anzai; Manabu Higashi; Miho Yamauchi
  Chemical Communications, 2023, [Peer-reviewed], [Lead author]
  English, Scientific journal, Electrochemical CO2 reduction (eCO2R) by direct introduction of 60% air-containing CO2 mixed gas was demonstrated using a porous Cu network cathode formed on a hydrophobic gas diffusion layer (Cu/P-GDL).
• BaTi4O9 Photocatalysts with Variously Loaded Ag Cocatalyst for Highly Selective Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction with Water
  Akihiko Anzai; Akira Yamamoto; Hisao Yoshida
  Catalysis Letters, 152, 8, 2498, 2506, Springer Science and Business Media {LLC}, Aug. 2022, [Peer-reviewed], [Lead author]
  English, Scientific journal
• Cu Modified TiO2 Catalyst for Electrochemical Reduction of Carbon Dioxide to Methane
  Akihiko Anzai; Ming-Han Liu; Kenjiro Ura; Tomohiro G. Noguchi; Akina Yoshizawa; Kenichi Kato; Takeharu Sugiyama; Miho Yamauchi
  Catalysts, 12, 5, 478, 478, {MDPI} {AG}, 23 Apr. 2022, [Peer-reviewed], [Lead author]
  English, Scientific journal, Electrochemical reduction of CO2 (ECO2R) is gaining attention as a promising approach to store excess or intermittent electricity generated from renewable energies in the form of valuable chemicals such as CO, HCOOH, CH4, and so on. Selective ECO2R to CH4 is a challenging target because the rate-determining step of CH4 formation, namely CO* protonation, competes with hydrogen evolution reaction and the C–C coupling toward the production of longer-chain chemicals. Herein, a Cu-TiO2 composite catalyst consisting of CuOx clusters or Cu nanoparticles (CuNPs), which are isolated on the TiO2 grain surface, was synthesized using a one-pot solvothermal method and subsequent thermal treatment. The Cu-TiO2 catalyst exhibited high selectivity for CH4, and the ratio of FE for CH4 to total FE for all products in ECO2R reached 70%.
• Praseodymium Oxide Improving Ag Loaded Calcium Titanate Photocatalyst for Carbon Dioxide Reduction by Water
  Hongxuan Qiu; Akihiko Anzai; Tayyebeh Soltani; Akira Yamamoto; Eri Fudo; Atsuhiro Tanaka; Hiroshi Kominami; Hisao Yoshida
  2022
• Non-oxidative coupling of methane over Pd-loaded gallium oxide photocatalysts in a flow reactor
  Surya Pratap Singh; Akihiko Anzai; Satoru Kawaharasaki; Akira Yamamoto; Hisao Yoshida
  Catalysis Today, 375, 264, 272, Elsevier {BV}, Sep. 2021, [Peer-reviewed]
  English, Scientific journal
• Simultaneous Formation of CO and H₂O₂ from CO₂ and H₂O with a Ag–MnO_x/CaTiO₃ Photocatalyst
  Tayyebeh Soltani; Akira Yamamoto; Surya Pratap Singh; Akihiko Anzai; Eri Fudo; Atsuhiro Tanaka; Hiroshi Kominami; Hisao Yoshida
  ACS Applied Energy Materials, 4, 7, 6500, 6510, American Chemical Society ({ACS}), 26 Jul. 2021, [Peer-reviewed]
  English, Scientific journal
• Carbon monoxide as an intermediate product in the photocatalytic steam reforming of methane with lanthanum-doped sodium tantalate
  Wirya Sarwana; Akihiko Anzai; Daichi Takami; Akira Yamamoto; Hisao Yoshida
  Catalysis Science & Technology, 11, 16, 5534, 5542, Royal Society of Chemistry ({RSC}), 2021, [Peer-reviewed]
  English, Scientific journal,

  A NaTaO₃:La photocatalyst without a cocatalyst can produce carbon monoxide as a partially oxidized product in photocatalytic steam reforming of methane (PSRM) at around room temperature.

• Calcium zirconate photocatalyst and silver cocatalyst for reduction of carbon dioxide with water
  Tomoko Ishii; Akihiko Anzai; Akira Yamamoto; Hisao Yoshida
  Applied Catalysis B: Environmental, 277, 119192, 119192, Elsevier {BV}, Nov. 2020, [Peer-reviewed]
  English, Scientific journal
• Platinum-loaded lanthanum-doped calcium titanate photocatalysts prepared by a flux method for photocatalytic steam reforming of methane
  Akihiko Anzai; Kenji Fujiwara; Akira Yamamoto; Hisao Yoshida
  Catalysis Today, 352, 1, 9, Elsevier {BV}, Aug. 2020, [Peer-reviewed], [Lead author]
  English, Scientific journal
• Photodeposition Conditions of Silver Cocatalyst on Titanium Oxide Photocatalyst Directing Product Selectivity in Photocatalytic Reduction of Carbon Dioxide with Water
  ahmed hammad; Akihiko Anzai; Xing Zhu; Akira Yamamoto; Daiki Ootsuki; Teppei Yoshida; Ahmed EL-Shazly; Marwa Elkady; Hisao Yoshida
  Catalysis Letters, 150, 4, 1081, 1088, Springer Science and Business Media {LLC}, Apr. 2020, [Peer-reviewed]
  English, Scientific journal
• Silver-loaded sodium titanate photocatalysts for selective reduction of carbon dioxide to carbon monoxide with water
  Xing Zhu; Akihiko Anzai; Akira Yamamoto; Hisao Yoshida
  Applied Catalysis B: Environmental, 243, 47, 56, Elsevier {BV}, Apr. 2019, [Peer-reviewed]
  English, Scientific journal
• Highly selective photocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide with water over silver-loaded calcium titanate
  Akihiko Anzai; Naoto Fukuo; Akira Yamamoto; Hisao Yoshida
  Catalysis Communications, 100, 134, 138, Elsevier {BV}, Sep. 2017, [Peer-reviewed], [Lead author]
  English, Scientific journal

• HMFIゼオライト上でのポリプロピレン解重合による低級炭化水素合成
  安齊亮彦; 安藤有里子; 宮景琢充; 鳥屋尾隆; 清水研一, 触媒討論会予稿集(CD-ROM), 135th, 2025
• HMFI触媒を用いたポリプロピレンの接触分解による低級オレフィン合成と反応条件の検討
  安藤有里子; 安齊亮彦; 鳥屋尾隆; 清水研一, 触媒討論会予稿集(CD-ROM), 135th, 2025
• CO₂吸蔵還元による連続的CO合成に有効なアルミナ担持Cs触媒
  宮崎眞太; 宮景琢充; 安齊亮彦; 前田修孝; 鳥屋尾隆; 清水研一, 触媒討論会予稿集(CD-ROM), 135th, 2025
• 酸化インジウム触媒上の逆水性ガスシフト反応機構のオペランド解析
  清水研一; ZHANG Ningqiang; LI Lingcong; 安齊亮彦; 鳥屋尾隆, 触媒討論会予稿集(CD-ROM), 136th, 2025
• CO共存下におけるCO₂吸蔵還元に有効なIn-Cs/ZrO₂触媒
  宮崎眞太; 前田修孝; 安齋亮彦; 鳥屋尾隆; 清水研一, 触媒討論会予稿集(CD-ROM), 136th, 2025
• セリア担持硫酸触媒上でのアンモニア脱硝機構
  銭宇澄; 安齊亮彦; 鳥屋尾隆; 清水研一; 前田修孝, 触媒討論会予稿集(CD-ROM), 136th, 2025