In order to increase the selectivity of a target compound, utilizing of biological functions and/or biomaterials attracts much attention. In the present review article, we report a surface molecular imprinting technique, preparation of artificial biocatalyst, and the separation of precious metal ions with protein biomass. Furthermore, we developed a novel bio-adsorbent that shows a high performance for rare earth (REE) separation. It was found that Escherichia coli (E. coli) can be an efficient bio-adsorbent for REEs recovery.

Disinfectant for tap water treatment, sodium hypochlorite solution was placed on the market. Based on this product, we have also developed sodium hypochlorite pentahydrate as an oxidizing agent. From then on, for the purpose of being used by many researchers, we have been studying on basic oxidation reactions, and collecting information of physical properties. Here, we report the features of these chemicals and the reaction examples.

Furukawa Battery developed “UltraBattery” which put an asymmetry capacitor together to the negative plate of the lead acid battery. UltraBattery has the excellent charge acceptability and the high durability under the PSOC condition, it is a battery suitable for an idling stop vehicle. We released the flooded-type UltraBattery to the aftermarket in Japan in April 2013. Furthermore the flooded-type UltraBattery was adopted by Honda Odyssey Absolute and Honda STEPWGN vehicles. This report introduces a characteristic of UltraBattery.

Powders of LiNbO₃ have been synthesized by a wet-chemical method. The Nb precursor solution was obtained as a clear colorless solution when hydrated niobium oxide was dissolved in tetramethylammonium hydroxide solution at 80°C for 2 h. The Nb-cluster in the solution was characterized by electrospray-ionization mass spectrometry and infrared spectroscopy and was found to be TMA₆[H₂Nb₆O₁₉]. The LiNbO₃ precursor solution was obtained by Li/TMA ion exchange during mixing of the Nb precursor solution and the LiOH solution. The precursor solution was calcined in a muffle furnace at 300–800°C for 5 h. The crystal structures and the Nb/Li ratio of the obtained LiNbO₃ powders were characterized by X-ray diffraction and photoelectron spectroscopy. These showed that our low temperature (400°C) synthesis obtained crystalline LiNbO₃ powders with a stoichiometric composition and without the presence of any organic substances.

The synthesis of metal ion adsorbents from modified banana fibers comprising a Schiff base was investigated. The adsorption properties of a metal ion adsorbent were evaluated, and banana fiber (BF)-g-(glycidyl methacrylate)(GMA)(BF-GMA) were synthesized. A Schiff base 2,2’-{iminobis[ethane-2,1-diylnitrilo(E)methylidine]}bisphenol was synthesized via a reaction of diethylenetriamine and 5-bromo-salicyialdehyde in methanol. A metal ion adsorbent (BF-GMA(Br)) was synthesized via a reaction of the Schiff base with BF-GMA. Over 90% of La³⁺, Gd³⁺, Tm³⁺, Pr³⁺, Tb³⁺, Yb³⁺, Nd³⁺, Dy³⁺, Lu³⁺, Sm³⁺, Ho³⁺, Eu³⁺, and Er³⁺ were adsorbed in a pH range of 6.0–6.6 by the synthesized metal ion adsorbent. Almost 100% of In³⁺ at a pH value of 3.0–4.0 and 95% of Ga³⁺ at a pH value of 3.9 were absorbed, thereby showing the maximum adsorption percentage. Almost 15% and 25% of In³⁺ was adsorbed at a pH value of 1.4–1.6 and 1.8, respectively. Adsorption of Ga³⁺ was barely observed in the pH range of 1.4–1.8. These results show that banana fibers can be utilized as metal ion adsorbents.