Yutaro TAKAYA
Associate Professor Department of Systems Innovation｜Tokoro-Takaya Laboratory
Biography
After receiving his Ph.D. from the University of Tokyo in 2012, he worked as a postdoctoral researcher at several research institutions, including the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) and the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC). From 2015 to 2021, he held positions as Assistant Professor, Lecturer, and Senior Researcher (Associate Professor) at the Faculty of Science and Engineering, Waseda University. He has held his current position since April 2021.
About My Research
Our society relies on a wide range of natural resources. At the same time, however, we face numerous challenges, including excessive resource consumption, environmental pollution associated with resource extraction, utilization, and disposal, and carbon dioxide emissions. Addressing these challenges requires not only the effective utilization of limited resources but also minimizing the environmental impacts associated with resource use. My research focuses on two major themes: "Resource Circulation" and "Environmental Conservation," covering a wide range of materials, from natural mineral resources to end-of-life products and industrial waste. For example, I am developing technologies to recover valuable metals from spent lithium-ion batteries, mineralize carbon dioxide using industrial waste, and treat wastewater from mining activities at low cost. Although these research topics may appear quite different, they share a common approach: understanding the properties of materials and utilizing them effectively to address resource-related and environmental challenges. One of the interesting aspects of my research is the potential to overcome challenges in resource recovery and environmental remediation by improving how existing technologies and principles are applied and combined. For example, integrating chemical reactions with physical operations, such as crushing, grinding, and separation, can sometimes reduce the consumption of chemicals and energy required for treatment. By focusing not only on improving individual technologies but also on optimizing overall process configurations and operating conditions, I aim to develop more efficient and environmentally sustainable processes.
Future Aspirations
My initial motivation for pursuing research was a desire to contribute to addressing global environmental challenges, particularly climate change. I began my research career by studying carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS) and have gradually expanded my research activities into areas such as resource recycling and environmental remediation. Despite this diversification, the fundamental motivation underlying my research has remained unchanged. I believe that addressing global environmental challenges and achieving sustainable resource utilization require diverse perspectives and approaches that extend beyond the boundaries of specific technologies or academic disciplines. Looking ahead, I intend to continue exploring a broad range of research topics without restricting myself to particular subjects or methodologies. By flexibly incorporating knowledge and techniques from different fields, I aim to advance research that contributes to solving environmental and resource-related challenges.
Beyond the Lab
During my student years, I played rugby and practiced martial arts. I still go to the gym occasionally to do strength training.
URL
Tokoro-Takaya Laboratory: https://webpark2254.sakura.ne.jp/
*Affiliations and titles are as of the time of the interview.
Young Researcher: Associate Professor Kazuki Shibanuma
Young Researcher: Associate Professor Hideki Fujii
