The trailblazer in chemical synthesis creating new useful materials｜UTOKYO VOICES 068

Professor Shinichi Ohkoshi is a “wizard” in the world of chemical synthesis who keeps on creating new materials that never existed before. His strengths were nurtured from a young age: cohesion of form and shape came from playing with building blocks; wide-ranging knowledge was gained by reading illustrated reference books of science and astronomy. In addition, Ohkoshi, gifted with a singular creativity, was captivated by chemical reactions.

“Once you start thinking about creating a new material with small environmental burden, using commonplace elements, with no adverse effects to the human body, and something that is useful to society — you begin to see the problems that need to be solved, and get a sense of direction. A good example is the magnetic tape we developed recently with a new magnetic ferrite, using epsilon iron oxide (ε-Fe₂O₃) composed of iron and oxygen elements. The tape has the world’s smallest and most powerful magnetic coercivity (magnetic stability in the face of interference).”

Up until now, the only recording media with a proven track record of data storage of more than 50 years was magnetic tape. As we adapt to the world of the “100-year life span,” we are likely to see problems arising from the loss of stored data, for example in fields such as insurance. So there is a growing demand for a new recording media for reliable long-term data storage.

Furthermore, we are rushing into the era of big-data transmission. With the advent of the next generation of mobile internet connectivity (5G networks) and millimeter wave technology used in car radars, we need to find an electromagnetic wave absorber that can prevent electromagnetic interference and absorb waves outside a specific range. However, there are almost no materials that can selectively absorb millimeter waves of 80GHz and over. Thus, there are concerns that electromagnetic interference may occur in this bandwidth.

“Epsilon iron oxide not only allows for long-term big data storage, but it serves another role. It is a highly efficient millimeter wave absorber. We hope to see the material being used for other purposes besides a recording medium. We have already submitted multiple patent applications in preparation for commercialization. Since this is something that never existed before, we are getting the go ahead for lots of method-of-use usage patents. Things are going swimmingly! (Laughs). So far, we have submitted more than 140 applications and more than half have been accepted. We are aiming for production in five to ten years.”

Ohkoshi was the first in the world to create another novel material from oxygen and titanium. Lambda-trititanium-pentoxide is a material that releases stored heat energy upon application of pressure, and returns back to normal when heated. It is a new material for storing heat for a prolonged period, based on a completely unique concept. It requires no electricity, but stores discarded heat, which can be recovered on demand. The new material can be used to recycle industrial heat waste, heat energy from power plants, and heat waste from automobiles. It will be an efficient way to recycle energy. Implementation is eagerly awaited.

These results could never have been achieved by sticking to one novel field or to his own specialty. Ohkoshi combines organic and inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry, research on magnetism, and photochemistry among others. Using his collective strengths, Ohkoshi says, “I create new magnets, magnetic materials and ceramics that no one has seen before.”

“What makes research so fun, is that you can make your dreams come true. In order to make something that no one has ever even thought of, you bring all your basic knowledge and make use of every methodology that is out there. It’s an exciting process. In the corporate world, when you are working towards a goal, there will be restrictions such as cutting costs and developing new markets. But in academia you are given a free hand in research. And I think that is wonderful.”

“My ideas can entertain people, and make them happy. Their smiles become my motivation. That’s why I am so eager to show off my stuff!” says Ohkoshi, with a laugh. This trailblazer in the world of chemical synthesis is bound to keep on challenging himself to create new things that no one in the world has ever thought of.