Page 5 - Shimadzu Journal vol.4 Issue1

Insight from Customer

found useful in tracing the degradation process of photocatalysts. This
equipment was also integrated into Shimadzu's equipment. In this way,
we can now use this equipment to perform accurate measurements of
the quantum yield of photoreactions, while simultaneously tracing
changes in the spectra of the reaction solution.

Why are you interested in artificial photosynthesis?
What is the goal of your research?
My entry into this field was probably influenced by my experience of
the 1973 oil crisis. The family business was as a wholesaler of
cosmetic and sanitary products. When the first oil crisis hit, nearly all
stocks of these products were sold out, and for days on end we had
no products to sell. I can still remember the frantic atmosphere in the
family shop at the time. I felt first-hand how a lack of oil would result
in an extremely dangerous situation for humanity. After that, I studied
industrial chemistry at Kobe University, where I found myself moving
into research into artificial photosynthesis. I then moved away from
Kobe University, which had no laboratories performing research into
this field at the time, to became a postgraduate at the Graduate How are our instruments helping you?
School of Engineering of Osaka University, which was a mecca for
photochemistry research then and since. It is there I came under the It is essential to the advancement of photochemistry that the
tutelage of Chyongjin Pac (currently a professor at Korea University), a efficiency of photoreactions conducted by different research groups
world authority in photochemistry, which was a very positive can be evaluated with high precision and without difficulty. I hope
experience for me. sincerely that Shimadzu instruments will be introduced in many other
Since then, I have been pursuing research focusing on fundamental laboratories, allowing us to debate with them from the same
research into the chemistry required for conversion of light energy into standpoint. In that respect, I would like to see improvements made
chemical energy. I am particularly interested in the utilization of that reduce the price of these instruments so they can be introduced
sunlight for recycling carbon dioxide. The overall objective is quite to all laboratories.
obvious: to utilize sunlight to convert carbon dioxide into a
high-energy substance. A real-world practical application of this idea What are Shimadzu's strengths compared to other
would provide a method of resolving in one blow the problems of vendors (not limited to the instruments)?
energy, dwindling carbon-based energy sources, and of global
warming, which are, problems faced by all humanity that are likely to Shimadzu's strength is its comprehensive reach. Even this project was
become more grave as time goes on. realized thanks to the involvement of a Shimadzu specialist in
spectroscopy and a Shimadzu engineer skilled at system design and
system structure.

Finally, could you share any requests that you have with
respect to analytical and measuring instrument vendors?

I am extremely grateful for the interest you have shown in the
evaluation of photoreactions. Since research advances in parallel in all
areas of the world, I would like you to make progress towards the
launch of products on a worldwide scale.

It was significant to know what you think of us and our
collaboration. We will strive to meet your request more
than ever. Thank you very much.

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