WATANABE LABORATORY / PEOPLE
People
Our team brings together different specialties in catalysis, reaction engineering, structured reactors and carbon circulation.
01 / PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
PROFESSOR
Ryo Watanabe 渡部 綾
Professor, Chemical and Biological Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Shizuoka University
Research areas: catalysis, reaction engineering, catalytic processes and resource conversion. Current interests include structured catalysts, CO₂ conversion, electrified reactions and redox catalysis using lattice sulfur.
Alumnus of Yasushi Sekine’s laboratory at Waseda University. He studied applied chemistry from undergraduate through doctoral level. In the Sekine laboratory, he investigated redox catalysis involving interactions between lattice oxygen and steam. This experience led to his current work on lattice sulfur, CO₂ conversion and electrified catalytic processes.
02 / ACADEMIC PATH
From Waseda Building on applied chemistry and catalysis, his research expanded from redox catalysis to structured catalysts, CO₂ utilization and electrified reactions.
2006 BSc, Department of Applied Chemistry, School of Science and Engineering, Waseda University Developed a foundation in applied chemistry and a research focus on catalysis and reaction engineering.
2008 Master’s degree, Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Waseda University Continued research in catalysis and redox reactions.
2009–2011 Research Associate, Applied Chemistry, School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Waseda University / Yasushi Sekine Laboratory Studied redox catalytic reactions involving interactions between lattice oxygen and steam in the Sekine laboratory.
2011 Doctoral degree, Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Waseda University Doctor of Engineering. Dissertation: “Redox reactions involving interactions between catalyst lattice oxygen and steam.”
2011–2017 Assistant Professor, Department of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Shizuoka University Combined functional composite-oxide catalysts with chemical reaction systems.
2018–2025 Associate Professor, Chemical and Biological Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Shizuoka University Expanded research into sulfide redox chemistry, structured catalysts, CO₂ conversion and multistage reaction systems.
2026– Professor, Chemical and Biological Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Shizuoka University Advancing carbon circulation and process electrification through catalysis and reaction engineering.
Doctoral and master’s students, grouped by year of study.
D2
Doctoral program
D2
Kazuhide Mino 美濃 一秀
Research Ethanol steam reforming over Co-based structured catalysts
From Shimada, Shizuoka, Japan
“Better to regret trying than not trying!”
D1
Doctoral program
D1
Prithvi Rasaili
Research Study on the catalytic conversion of greenhouse gases (CO2 and CH4) into high-value solid carbon.
From Barakshetra, Nepal
Welcome to my profile. If you share an interest in exchanging ideas, collaborating on research, or discussing new perspectives in catalytic reaction engineering, you are always welcome to connect.
M2
Master’s program
M2
Yu Nakazawa 中澤 優
Research Catalytic reaction systems for converting C1 compounds into solid carbon
From Aichi, Japan
“A treasure trove of experiences you can only have now! Let’s do our best together!”
M2
Masatora Oikawa 及川 雅虎
Research Direct methanation of biogas using multistage spiral-structured catalyst systems
From Iwate, Japan
“I have never met anyone with my unusual name, but recently discovered it apparently matches Yahoo’s Chinese name. I will work diligently on my project to achieve results and grow as a researcher.”
M2
Koshi Hiwaki 樋脇 亘志
Research Ammonia decomposition
From Toyota, Aichi, Japan
“I’ve had enough of gambling and drinking.”
M2
Taishin Matsuno 松野 太信
Research Cu–Fe/Zn spiral-structured catalysts for accelerating low-temperature reverse water–gas shift
From Aichi, Japan
“Working hard toward graduation.”
M2
Takehiro Matsushita 松下 岳広
Research CO₂ methanation using electrically heated structured catalysts
From Shizuoka, Japan
“A laboratory with a welcoming, family-like atmosphere.”
M1
Master’s program
M1
Inori Furuhashi 古橋 祈梨
Research Methane dry reforming using directly electrically heated structured catalysts
From Shizuoka, Japan
“Team Kinoko!” (mushroom-shaped chocolate biscuits)
M1
Sora Iwahashi 岩橋 宙来
Research Electrically heated bioethanol reforming
From Tokoname, Aichi, Japan
“Campaigning against Kinoko no Yama!” (chocolate biscuits)
M1
Kazuki Matsumoto 松本 和希
Research Solid-carbon production from C1 compounds
From Kyoto, Japan
“I’ve been really into TV dramas lately.”
M1
Shu Kato 加藤 集
Research Developing carbon-looping systems for large-scale CO₂ fixation
“Aiming for 100% carbon capture!”
M1
Ryoma Izawa 伊澤 遼馬
Research Ammonia synthesis using structured catalysts
From Kanagawa, Japan
“My catalysts and I are both growing. Nice to meet you!”
B4
Undergraduate
B4
Yuka Nishimura 西村 優花
Research Fuel production from C1 compounds using structured catalytic reaction environments
From Kofu, Yamanashi, Japan
“I’ve been watching ONE PIECE since last year.”
B4
Hiroyuki Akino 秋野 寛幸
Research Effects of electrical current configuration on e-dry-reforming performance
From Saitama, Japan
“I enjoy games, especially League of Legends.”
B4
Kento Nakamura 中村 健人
Research Heat and mass transfer in methanol reforming with electrically heated structured catalysts
From Gifu, Japan
“Live wholeheartedly.”
B4
Jun Shibusawa 渋澤 純
Research Production of odorants from syngas
From Aichi, Japan
“I think I’m getting into fishing.”
03 / STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS
Recent awards Selected recent student awards recorded in Shizuoka University’s faculty database.
2026.04 Shu Kato 91st Annual Meeting of SCEJ: “Performance of a multistage carbon-looping system for large-scale CO₂ fixation”
2026.03 Kazuki Matsumoto 28th SCEJ Student Presentation Meeting: “Effect of Co content on solid-carbon production from CO over Fe–Co–K catalysts”
2026.03 Yu Nakazawa 91st Annual Meeting of SCEJ: “Promotion of CO conversion and fibrous-carbon formation over Fe-based structured catalysts by Co and K addition”
