The titanium oxide photocatalyst used in this study is a substance that synthesizes active oxygen from moisture and oxygen in the air when it receives the energy of ultraviolet rays.Since active oxygen has the effect of decomposing organic substances, stains, and odors, this catalyst has been widely used industrially in building materials such as paints, cosmetics, and deodorant agents.However, there is a drawback that the function can be exhibited only in a place exposed to strong ultraviolet rays such as outdoors.

　Therefore, in this research, we synthesized a new composite material in which a titanium oxide photocatalyst with high resolution is supported on spherical porous apatite with adsorptive ability (marimo apatite: trademark registration pending).It was confirmed that the photocatalytic activity was exhibited even with a weak ultraviolet intensity as low as that of a fluorescent lamp, and that the photocatalytic reaction was sustained even when the light irradiation was stopped.This has led to the development of a new material that has the two functions of adsorption capacity and resolution.

　Professor Nonami says that this catalyst, which can be used even under weak ultraviolet rays, can be expected to be commercialized in various fields as a prospect for practical use in the future.It may be combined with a visible light reaction type photocatalyst, and since it is familiar to the living body and harmless, it can be applied as a food additive, medicine, and cosmetics.Furthermore, since it has a large number of pores, by supporting a material with other functions in these pores, it is possible to combine it with various substances such as fragrances and chemical materials as well as photocatalysts. He is also enthusiastic about product development in collaboration with companies.

Paper information:[Transactions of the Materials Research Society of Japan] Synthesis of Titanium Oxide Photocatalyst Supported on Spherical Porous Hydroxyapatite