Hokkaido University Research Profiles

Japanese

12. Responsible Consumption and Production: 21

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  • 1. No Poverty
  • 2. Zero Hunger
  • 3. Good Health and Well-being
  • 4. Quality Education
  • 5. Gender Equality
  • 6. Clean Water and Sanitation
  • 7. Affordable and Clean Energy
  • 8. Decent Work and Economic Growth
  • 9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
  • 10. Reduced Inequality
  • 11. Sustainable Cities and Communities
  • 12. Responsible Consumption and Production
  • 13. Climate Action
  • 14. Life Below Water
  • 15. Life on Land
  • 16. Peace and Justice Strong Institutions
  • 17. Partnerships to achieve the Goal
  • A Novel Porous Structure with High Mechanical Performance for Additive Manufacturing

    Biomimetic design based on bone biomechanics

    A novel three-dimensional (3D) printed porous structure with high mechanical performance is designed biomimetically based on the insights of bone biomechanics. The resulting structure might be lightweight and mechanically isotropic with suppressed fracture progression and high energy absorption.

    Research

    In general, porous structures with repeating units, such as diamond lattices, suffer from mechanical issues, such as fracture development, low energy absorption, and mechanical anisotropy due to these repeating units. To address these issues, we develop a novel porous structure with high mechanical performance for additive manufacturing. The structure is designed biomimetically based on the insights of bone biomechanics. It has a framework made up of 3D isotropically interconnected beams. Here, the beam lengths and bifurcation counts are arbitrarily determined using probability distributions without any repeated units. Furthermore, the structure can be manufactured through the powder bed fusion of a laser beam using metal powders and material extrusion using plastic filaments. Additionally, compression tests revealed that the structure exhibited suppressed fracture progress after the initial fracture and increased energy absorption. Moreover, the fracture behavior of the structure was found to be independent of the compression direction because of its structural isotropy.

    Satoshi Yamada Assistant Professor
    PhD
    Division of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Faculty of Engineering
  • A method to evaluate radio wave propagation characteristics of in-vehicle wireless access services by large-scale electromagnetic field analysis

    Toward optimal design of wireless environments

    We have conducted research in various fields where radio waves are applied, including the evaluation of complex and special propagation environments in airplanes and passenger railroad cars, internal exposure of the human body to radio waves, electromagnetic interference evaluation and mechanism estimation regarding body medical devices implanted in the body, and evaluation of electromagnetic field leakage in wireless power supply devices for electric vehicles.

    Research

    The radio propagation environment inside a vehicle is a special environment that differs from the conventional propagation model due to multiple reflections caused by the surrounding metal and the presence of fixtures and passengers inside. It is therefore necessary to evaluate the characteristics of radio wave propagation, including the effects of absorption and scattering of radio waves by the bodies of passengers, to estimate the quality of the wireless connection under actual operational conditions. However, it is difficult to evaluate the propagation characteristics by actual measurement or simple numerical analysis (e.g., ray tracing). This study addresses modeling of the propagation environment in vehicles, which has been difficult in the past, and realizes a simulation method in a very large analysis space by using a supercomputer.

  • A New Plant Growth Promotion Technology That Stimulates Growth

    Next generation biomass production using wastewater and the possibility of using symbiotic bacteria for plant factories

    A completely new growth-promoting bacterium, P23, was discovered in ukikusa (subfamily Lemnoideae) at the Hokkaido University Botanical Garden. The P23 bacterium accelerates the growth of plants by stimulating a surface switch. Ukikusa is a high value-added biomass that grows on wastewater as a fertilizer, and symbiosis with P23 doubles its production rate.

    Research

    The aquatic plant known as ukikusa is a soft biomass that can grow by absorbing nitrogen and phosphorus from wastewater and contains almost no lignin or cellulose. Its protein content is approximately 30%, comparable to that of soybeans, and its starch accumulation can reach 50%, depending on the growth environment. Its protein can be used directly as livestock feed, while its starch is useful as a raw material for biofuel production and the production of HMF, a precursor for chemical products. To improve the production yield of the next generation biomass, we are developing technology to promote plant growth with the symbiotic action of surface bacteria. In addition to ukikusa cultivation, it is expected to apply this technology to hydroponic cultivation of vegetables and cereals (plant factories). This is an old but new biotechnology that does not involve genetic modification and follows the natural order of things.

    Masaaki Morikawa Professor
    Doctor of Engineering
  • Applied Research on Content Tourism

    International comparative study on the propagation and acceptance of culture through content tourism and its application to the planning of tourism town planning measures

    We are conducting an international comparative study of content tourism from the perspective of the propagation and reception of pop culture to clarify the role that such tourism plays in understanding others. The knowledge gained through this research is also returned to the fields of tourism and urban planning in the form of specific measures.

    Research

    Through this research, we are conducting an international joint research project on content tourism (the act of actually visiting a place that is given meaning by a “story” or “work” and its constituent elements, and experiencing the relevant content) with the following three objectives:
    First, we will clarify the role that such tourism plays in understanding others by rethinking content tourism from the perspective of the propagation and receipt of pop culture. Secondly, based on this, we will consider how to create a model exchange-oriented tourism town with content at its core. Thirdly, we will focus on the East Asian region, where Japan's geopolitical situation calls for international mutual understanding, and consider the possibilities and challenges that content tourism, triggered by Japanese content, has for Japan's cultural security.

  • Capturing and Insolubilization of Cesium by Aluminosilicates

    Capturing of cesium contained in decontamination waste by aluminosilicate (alkali feldspar)

    The insoluble form of cesium in incineration bottom ash was concentrated in the amorphous phase on the surface of a specific mineral, namely, alkali feldspar. This trapping phenomenon is applied to insolubilize cesium in soil and waste generated during decontamination, and we are developing a technology to control the leaching of cesium, even during long-term storage.

    Research

    The solubility of cesium (Cs) in incineration bottom ash is low due to strong trapping of Cs in the amorphous phase on the surface of microcline, which is a kind of alkali feldspar. When Cs salts such as Cs carbonate and Cs chloride are added to pure microcline and heated, Cs is trapped at an extremely high rate and becomes insoluble (Fig. 1). Since the Cs trapped by this process is fixed very tightly, it cannot be extracted unless hydrofluoric acid is used. Similar Cs trapping occurs when using a reagent to synthesize microcline (Fig. 2). In this study, we are applying this phenomenon of Cs capture by microcline (aluminosilicate) to Cs-enriched materials (e.g., fly ash with high Cs concentration) generated during volume reduction thermal treatment of removed soil and decontamination waste, aiming to establish a technology to reduce the mobility of Cs in the waste to be finally disposed of to the extent possible (Fig. 3).

  • Creation of Highly Active Catalysts Using Polystyrene-bridged Bisphosphine Ligands

    Design of metal complex catalysts using polymeric carriers as the reaction site and development of an efficient synthetic processes

    We have developed polystyrene-crosslinked bisphosphine ligands that can be used to create polymer-supported metal catalysts. Thanks to the effect of polymer topology, it is possible to suppress disproportionation of metal complexes and deactivation of catalysts caused by metal aggregation. It is particularly useful as a ligand for first transition series metal catalysts.

    Research

    Heterogeneous (insoluble) metal catalysts, which are easy to separate from the reaction mixture and have excellent reusability, can be used for organic synthesis in an environmentally-friendly manner. However, compared with the corresponding homogeneous (soluble) catalysts, they have a problem of reduced catalytic activity. We have developed a polystyrene-crosslinked bisphosphine ligand, PS-DPPBz, based on the topological control of polymer chains. Since this ligand is effective in generating highly active monochelate mononuclear transition metal complexes, it has significantly improved the efficiency of Ni-catalyzed reactions such as amination coupling of aryl chlorides and ester-azole coupling. PS-DPPBz can also be used for substrates to which it is difficult to apply existing catalysts. PS-DPPBz can be separated by filtration and reused, so it is expected to use this catalyst for industrial purposes.

  • Development of Innovative Anodized Aluminum and Their Functions

    When the surface changes, everything changes.

    We will introduce our research on the development of superior properties and new functions of aluminum by innovation of anodizing, which is an extremely well-known corrosion-resistant passive coating for aluminum.

    Research

    Anodic oxide film is an artificial passive film formed on the surface of aluminum, and was developed in Japan about 100 years ago. There are many anodized aluminum products around us, but our research group is reviewing the chemical substances and formation methods (anodic oxidation) used to form anodized aluminum surfaces from the ground up, and we try to develop a new anodizing method that exhibits superior properties and innovative functions. Specifically, we are developing anodized aluminum with highly ordered nanostructures, hard anodized aluminum with a Vickers hardness of Hv = 600 or higher, anodized aluminum with high corrosion resistance in acid, base, and chloride environments, and anodized aluminum that shines beautifully by producing luminescence and structural colors.

  • Development of Microstructure Prediction Simulation Technology for Metallic Materials

    From solidification to solid phase transformation

    In the manufacturing process of structural and functional materials, various material structures are formed during solidification, heat treatment, and plastic processing, and the characteristics of these structures determine the properties of the materials. We are developing a simulation method to predict the series of material microstructure changes from solidification to solid phase transformation.

    Research

    We are developing and applying methods for predicting temporal changes in the microstructure of metallic materials during the series of phase transformations that occur in the manufacturing process, such as solidification, grain growth, and diffusional solid transformation. We are specifically engaged in the development of a phase-field model, a method to simulate microstructure formation, and have succeeded in developing a model that calculates the diffusional phase transformation with the highest accuracy in the world. We are also working on microstructure control in various alloy systems by combining experimental approaches, atomistic approaches using molecular dynamics, and information science approaches such as data assimilation and machine learning. We are developing new theories of microstructure formation by using ultra-large scale calculations and obtaining results that lead to optimization of the actual processes.

  • Fire-safety Improvement Technology for Lithium-ion Batteries

    The use of lithium-ion batteries has been expanding rapidly due to their high energy density. On the other hand, since organic solvents are used in lithium-ion batteries, it is important to ensure their fire safety. With this study, we focus on the combustion phenomenon of organic solvents and study combustion inhibition technology.

    Research

    The use of lithium-ion batteries has been expanding rapidly due to their high energy density. On the other hand, since organic solvents are used in the battery electrolyte, it is important to ensure their fire safety. With this study, we intend to develop a method to quantify the effect of adding a combustion inhibitor to suppress the combustion of organic solvents, search for additives that are effective in suppressing combustion, and study the effect of the lithium salt contained in the electrolyte itself on the flammability of organic solvents. We also conduct modeling and numerical analysis of fire phenomena taking the elementary reaction kinetics of combustion in an electrolyte into consideration.

  • Hydrogenation with Homogeneous Palladium Nanoparticle Catalyst

    Selective synthesis of cis-alkenes and amines

    cis-Alkenes and amines, which are useful as raw materials for pharmaceuticals, agricultural chemicals and other chemical products, can be synthesized efficiently through hydrogenation of alkynes, organic nitro compounds and azides. The originally developed homogeneous palladium nanoparticles can be stored in solution for longer than a year and are easy to handle in air.

    Research

    We have found that homogeneous palladium nanoparticles can be obtained by treating palladium acetate with potassium tert-butoxide or sodium borohydride in the presence of alkynes (Fig.1). The nanoparticles can be stored in solution for longer than a year and are easy to handle in air. They exhibit excellent performance as hydrogenation catalysts and can efficiently synthesize cis-alkenes (2) and amines (4 and 6) from alkynes (1), organic azide compounds (3) and aromatic nitro compounds (5), respectively. They have excellent cis-alkene selectivity and functional group tolerance (no loss of the ketone, aldehyde, or benzylic hydroxy group, etc.). The catalytic activity is extremely high; the reaction proceeds quickly using only 1/1000 to 1/5000 equivalent of palladium of the substrate (raw material). It also has excellent economic efficiency and convenience, and we are examining the possibility of commercializing it in cooperation with companies.

  • Low-temperature Nitridation Method Using Sodium Amide

    Nitride and oxynitride synthesis without using ammonia gas cylinder

    This is a method used to convert oxides and other materials into nitrides and oxynitrides at low temperatures (300°C or less) by using a sodium amide melt to trigger a reaction with a highly concentrated and active nitrogen source. Nitrides and oxynitrides can be synthesized without having to prepare toxic ammonia gas cylinders.

    Research

    This is a new method for nitridation of oxides at low temperatures (300℃ or less). Conventional nitridation methods require the installation of toxic ammonia gas cylinders and toxic ammonia gas recovery facilities, and also use a large amount of ammonia due to the low ammonia gas usage rate. With the present method, the use of sodium amide as a flux minimizes the use of toxic ammonia and makes it possible to obtain oxynitride and nitride nanocrystals at low temperatures. Since sodium amide is a solid nitrogen source, it eliminates the need to install ammonia liquid cylinders. We have also discovered a method to synthesize oxynitrides by mixing chloride and sodium amide through an instantaneous temperature-programmed reaction.

  • Open Advanced Research Facilities Initiative NMR Shared Platform

    Program for promotion of shared use of advanced NMR facilities

    The Advanced NMR Facility is the largest NMR facility in Hokkaido, and is not only open to local industries, but also to industry, academia and research institutes nationwide.

    Research

    The Faculty of Advanced Life Science and the Faculty of Science of Hokkaido University play the central role in managing the Advanced NMR Facility. In cooperation with the Institute for the Promotion of Business-Regional Collaboration and the Global Facility Center of the Creative Research Institution, we aim to promote new applications, primarily in industry. For more information on the specifications of the 800 MHz solution NMR, 600 MHz solid-state NMR and other instruments, as well as application procedures for their use, please see our website. We hope that you will take advantage of the project to promote shared use of the Advanced NMR Facility at Hokkaido University.

  • Optimal Design of Advanced Composite Materials

    New functional composite materials with free fiber shape

    Advanced composites (carbon fiber-reinforced composites) have come to be widely used as structural materials, but their anisotropic properties have not yet efficiently been exploited. In our laboratory, we are developing a method to optimally design the fiber orientation (linear or curved) of composites.

    Research

    Advanced composites (carbon fiber composites, carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP)) are widely used as structural materials due to their high specific strength and stiffness. The development of fiber orientation technology has made it possible to arrange fibers not only in straight but also curved lines. Compared with straight fibers, design flexibility is greatly improved, and it is thus possible to produce CFRP components for specific part shapes and uses. In our laboratory, we have been producing composite specimens with curved fibers using a fiber stitching machine (Fig. 1), which is based on embroidery machine technology, to evaluate the mechanical properties of specimens and develop a unique method to optimize fiber shapes. For example, Figure 2 shows the optimum fiber shape to reduce the strain concentration around the holes in a wing model with multiple circular holes, and the strain distribution is shown in Fig. 3. It has been found that the strain concentration is reduced more than with straight fibers.

  • Portable Liquid Chromatograph

    Battery-powered, ultra-light, ultra-compact chemical analyzer

    Using proprietary technology, we have miniaturized the pump, column and detector, all key components of liquid chromatography, realizing a compact, B5 size, lightweight and portable liquid chromatograph weighing 2 kg. This allows us to instantly obtain analysis results on the spot.

    Research

    The pump we have developed for liquid chromatography is based on electroosmotic phenomena and can operate for a long time on dry batteries. Since there is no mechanical drive, it is extremely compact and lightweight, and does not generate pulsating flow. Using microfabrication technology, the column and (electrochemical and UV) detectors are mounted on small amounts of substrate, the size of a business card. Conventional packing materials are used for the column, so the same analysis conditions as before can be applied directly without modification. The electrochemical detector uses a uniquely developed comb-shaped electrode. Although small in size, it has comparable sensitivity as conventional detectors. Liquid chromatographs currently used as the main instrument for chemical analysis are large and heavy, limiting their use to specific locations in the laboratory, but the instrument we have developed can easily be used anywhere. The amount of solvent used can also be reduced to 1/100 to 1/1000 of conventional detectors.

    Akihiko Ishida Assistant Professor
    Doctor of Engineering
  • Prediction Model for Transport properties in Hardened Cement

    Prediction of transport properties of cement-based materials

    Concrete is widely used for infrastructure, and its longevity is essential for the construction of a sustainable society. To realize this, appropriate performance prediction technology is indispensable. In this study, we predicted the transport properties of hardened cement paste (HCP), which is a main component of concrete.

    Research

    The transport properties of porous materials such as concrete does not only depend on the porosity, but also on the spatial distribution of each phase. Therefore, the transport properties of HCP, which is a main component of concrete, was predicted. Figure 1 shows a cross section of HCP observed using a backscattered electron image, showing the distribution of each phase. We extracted each phase, calculated the autocorrelation function, and based on the results, distributed each phase in three-dimensional space to construct the three-dimensional spatial image model shown in Fig. 2. Figure 3 shows a comparison of the results of the diffusion coefficient calculated by the finite difference method and the measured values. The estimated and measured values agreed well with each other, even for different samples, indicating that the diffusion coefficients of hardened cement can be predicted using this model.

    Kiyofumi Kurumisawa Associate Professor
  • Process Design for Social Decision Making

    A social psychological approach to consensus building

    In situations necessitating decisions involving the entire community, such as those for national and local government planning, a wide range of opinions should be included in a comprehensive manner. The plan will also only be meaningful if it is shared by many people and linked to the actions of each individual. Process design is the key to realizing these goals.

    Research

    In situations requiring public decision-making (e.g., planning), simply setting of a philosophy may turn out to be pie in the sky. On the other hand, the more detailed one tries to be, the more different values may come into conflict. Designing the necessary dialog forum to overcome these problems is crucial. The key to this is the sharing of common goals. In other words, it is necessary to create new values to overcome the differences in values, and to create and implement a social vision that is not an abstract idea, but one that can convince people involved of its feasibility. At this laboratory, we design a series of such activities as process design. We specifically support more effective public decision-making by using public participation techniques for consensus building and behavior change approaches to put plans into practice.

    Susumu Ohnuma Professor Director of Center for Experimental Research in Social Sciences
    Doctor of Psychology
  • Research on Biomass Utilization as a Socio-Technical Systems

    Aiming to spread bioenergy through local circulation

    At the Laboratory of Sustainable Material Cycle Systems research is conducted on the development of technologies and social systems (socio-technical systems) to create locally distributed bioenergy from biomass such as food waste, sewage sludge, livestock manure, forest residues and rice straw.

    Research

    We are proposing a system (e.g., planning, modeling and evaluation based on experiments and field studies) that can contribute to both the environment and regional development (economy) by linking energy recovered from biomass (e.g., food waste, sewage sludge, livestock manure, forest residues, and rice straw) through combustion and methane fermentation with local energy consumers (e.g., public facilities, nursing and welfare facilities, agricultural facilities such as greenhouses and food factories). Furthermore, by obtaining cooperation from private companies, we are conducting research on creation of community through biomass utilization in collaboration with the endowed laboratory of biomass community planning (Visiting Professor Toru Furuichi, Specially Appointed Assistant Professor Satoru Ochiai, https://smcs.eng.hokudai.ac.jp/bio-com-p.html).

  • Research on Internal Communication in Organizations

    Communication in risk and strategic systems

    I am interested in the risk communication that is formed within management organizations. Risk can be broadly classified into pure risk and dynamic risk, and I am examining how these elements shape communication within organizations and define individual and group behavior.

    Research

    The primary purpose of my research is to identify the unique communication phenomena that form within organizations. In my research on pure risk, I explored internal/external organizational public relations, especially as pertaining to product accidents and the internal risk communication in organizations handling hazardous materials. I believe that communication that is created/disturbed/diffused/structured within an organization and that has some kind of inherent meaning/value for the organization will lead to novel organizational strategies, and that is what characterizes my research and makes it unique. In this regard, I have recently been examining how social organizations (e.g., photography) are organized and the intentions of it.

  • Simultaneous Observation of Electrical Properties and Structural Changes Using an Electron Microscope

    The relationships between electrical properties and structural changes can be evaluated and validated

    An electronic device fragment is placed in the electron microscope, and a movable probe electrode is applied to it, enabling observation by the electron microscope while evaluating its electrical characteristics. A MOSFET is connected to the sample side electrode to suppress excessive current. It allows evaluation of the correlation between electrical characteristics and structural changes and is useful to investigate the cause of failures.

    Research

    Our in-situ electron microscopy system is capable of three-terminal device measurements using two movable probes and a fixed sample holder as electrodes. A MOS transistor is inserted in the sample holder to limit the excess current flow due to stray capacitance.
    Microelectronic devices that are almost ready for practical application include devices such as phase-change memory and resistance change memory that can predict structural changes accompanying resistance changes. It is difficult to confirm the mechanism of resistance changes in microdevices due to their high operating speed and nanoscale structure, but this system enables the evaluation of such a mechanism and helps to efficiently investigate the cause of the defective operation and ensure its reliability. By using this system, we can also effectively confirm the operating functions and evaluate the causes of defects in nanostructured functional devices, such as nanomachines and nanostructured secondary batteries, which are expected to be further developed in the future.

  • Soft Error Testing of Telecommunication Equipment Using a Compact Electron Accelerator Neutron Source

    Preventing malfunctioning of telecommunication devices caused by cosmic rays

    As the semiconductor devices of equipment that support telecommunication networks are becoming more intensively integrated, there is concern that the probability of soft errors caused by cosmic-ray neutrons will increase. To address this problem, we are conducting soft error tests of telecommunication devices using a compact accelerator-driven neutron source at Hokkaido University.

    Research

    As telecommunication devices increase in capacity and become more sophisticated, semiconductor devices are becoming more and more integrated. However, there is concern that cosmic ray neutrons may cause an increase in soft errors, such as bit information upset and operation confusion. Therefore, in collaboration with NTT, we have reproduced soft errors using a compact electron accelerator-driven neutron source to create a place to develop countermeasure technologies in advance. This enables the advance prediction of the failure rate in the natural environment, the detection of errors and verification of operational measures, which will lead to improved reliability of the equipment.
    The feature of this technology is the use of a compact accelerator-driven neutron source. In the past, large-scale accelerator-based neutron sources were required, and it was difficult to secure sufficient test time and experimental space. However, through our research, we have demonstrated that it is possible to conduct sufficient tests even in a facility with a neutron intensity of several million times that in nature.

  • Super-hierarchical Structure Imaging Through the Combined Use of Neutrons and X-rays

    Non-destructive imaging of unknown information over a wide range of scales using multi-quantum beams

    Pulsed neutron transmission spectroscopy imaging is attracting attention as a method of non-destructive visualization of information that cannot be seen with other microscopic methods, and when it is combined with other quantum beams such as X-rays, it is possible to visualize information that cannot be seen with images alone.

    Research

    Hokkaido University’s laboratory facilities, where small accelerators are used, have a history of nearly half a century, and are attracting worldwide attention as pioneering facilities. We mainly produce pulsed neutron beams, and the transmission spectra obtained using these beams enable us to map information on crystal structure, microstructure, internal stress and temperature on a two-dimensional real image as a distribution map of the entire sample. We also use X-ray CT which can measure the three-dimensional structure of the inside of an object, and analyze the combined results from neutrons and X-ray studies to synergistically understand the interior information of an object. In the figure, shown as synergistic imaging based on information from neutrons and X-rays, information on elements that cannot be individually obtained is mapped on the inside structure shown on the X-ray CT image. X-ray CT shows the presence of wires in an Al cylinder, but when neutron information is added, we can see that each wire is a different material.