AWARDS
The 22nd (2022) Green and Sustainable Chemistry Award Winners
Awarded by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry
Practical Use of Polyurethanes Using Bio-based C5 Isocyanate and Its Derivatives
Satoshi YAMASAKI(*1), Toshihiko NAKAGAWA(*1), Yuta USUI(*1), Akinori RYU(*1), Hirokazu MORITA(*2)
(*1)Mitsui Chemicals, Inc., (*2)Tianjin Cosmo Polyurethane Co., Ltd
STABiO™ PDI™ is a world’s first new bio-based 1,5-pentane diisocyanate. STABiO™ PDI™ based derivatives (polyisocyanates) can decrease the curing time and reduce curing temperature. Moreover, they give high-performance polyurethane coatings which show improved chemical resistance owing to high NCO group content. STABiO™ PDI™ based polyurethane be applied to various uses in energy, mobility and healthcare industrial areas. They can contribute to the improvement of social comfort whilst reducing environmental impact.
Awarded by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
Nanocatalyst Engineering for the Use of Formic Acid as a Hydrogen Carrier
Kohsuke MORI
Osaka University
Hydrogen is regarded as one of the promising next-generation energy to replace fossil fuels. Therefore, its production from renewable energy, storage, transportation, and efficient utilization are important issues for the realization of a carbon neutral hydrogen energy process. Here, the pioneering research on the development of practical nanostructured catalysts to achieve the above goals, particularly the use of formic acid as a hydrogen carrier, are summarized.
Awarded by the Minister of the Environment
Technology for Tough Asphalt Pavement Using Low-grade Waste PET
Eiji SHIRAI, Yusuke AKINO, Ryoichi HASHIMOTO, Hiroki KAKIUCHI, Hirotaka KASHIWAGI
Kao Corporation
With global warming and increased logistics, the requirement to tough asphalt pavement in summer condition is increasing. To solve this issue, new asphalt additive ‘NEWTLAC’ which is from low-grade waste PET is developed. Affinity of asphalt and stone is improved by ‘NEWTLAC’ and tough asphalt pavement can be achieved. This technology is expected to contribute to Carbon Reduction of paving work and automobile driving.
Incentive Award
Development of Metal-free Sulfur-based Cathode Active Polymers “SPAN” for Next-generation Ultra-lightweight Rechargeable Batteries
Kenji KAKIAGE, Hirokatsu SHINANO, Yuji MORISHIMA, Kensaku AKIMOTO, Toru YANO
ADEKA Corporation
We (ADEKA Corp.) have developed metal-free sulfur-based cathode active materials for next-generation lithium–sulfur (Li–S) rechargeable batteries. In this symposium, we report on the performance of Li–S cells using our sulfurized polyacrylonitrile (SPAN / ADEKA AMERANSA SAM series) cathodes, Li-metal anodes, and electrolyte solutions. Ultra-lightweight Li–SPAN cells with high gravimetric energy density of >700 Wh/kg (world record) were actualized by optimizing cell designs. This achievement will promote “GSC” and lead to the realization of sustainable societies.
Incentive Award
Preparation and Application Development of CNF Obtained from NaClO Oxidized Cellulose
Jun TAKADA, Akihiro GOTOU, Shiroshi MATSUKI, Hidenari KAYANO, Yugo MIYATA
Toagosei Co., Ltd.
Toagosei developed a cellulose oxidizing process using a highly concentrated aqueous solution of Sodium hypochlorite(NaClO). This new process enables us to provide CNF that is easier to use than general CNF at a low price. The CNF produced with this process exhibits reinforcing effect on polymer materials than TEMPO-oxidized CNF. By promoting practical applications of CNF with this process, we can contribute to reduction of environmental impact.
Incentive Award
Development of Ashless Diesel Engine Oil “idemitsu AshFree”
Yasunori SHIMIZU, Hiroaki KOSHIMA, Moritsugu KASAI, Yukitoshi FUJINAMI
Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd.
In transportation business, measures such as improving the working environment for drivers are urgently needed. There is however a problem that the working environment deteriorates due to DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) troubles which are derived from engine oil. By using our newly developed engine oil, it is expected that DPF troubles will be greatly reduced, and the working environment will be improved.
Incentive Award
Development of Transparent Thermal Superinsulators Using Unused Biopolymer Resources
Satoru TAKESHITA
National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology
Chitosan, one of the most abundant and unused biopolymers, is derived from marine food waste of crustaceans.The author focused on high water solubility of chitosan and developed an ultralight porous material (aerogel) of chitosan. The chitosan aerogel consists of homogeneous three-dimensional network of chitosan nanofibers/nanoparticles and exhibits optical transparency, mechanical flexibility, and ultralow thermal conductivity favorable for thermal superinsulators. This presentation introduces recent progress on chitosan aerogels including hydrophobic modification and microstructure formation mechanisms.