The Institute of Industrial Nanomaterials (IINa) is focused on the development of functional two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials and surface/grain boundary materials created under extreme conditions. IINa maintains the only explosion testing facility in Japan and an exceptional pulsed power testing facility, and is highly experienced at creating materials under extreme conditions. 2D nanomaterials have attracted significant worldwide attention due to their excellent material properties, and it is expected that to be that an entirely new industries will be established.

Professor Shintaro Ida’s research investigates functional 2D materials with a thickness of only one nm (one billionth of a meter) at the molecular level. His work focuses on the functional materials and application of the two-dimensional nanosheets synthesized from various elements of the periodic table. He is also investigating special structures that can be created using 2D materials but not with ordinary materials. Since nanosheets are obtained by exfoliating layered materials, Dr. Ida says that it is possible to impart various properties into the nanomaterials, such as electrical conductivity, semiconductor properties, or the ability for protons and ions to pass through the material.
Currently, he is concentrating on semiconductor nanosheets with photocatalyst functionality, i.e., breaking water into hydrogen and oxygen using only sunlight. Since hydrogen does not emit CO2 when burned, it can be used as a fuel to help reduce CO2 emissions. Now however, fossil fuels are the main source of hydrogen so the discovery of an effective photocatalyst could lead to the development of an energy system independent of fossil fuels.