Position:     Assistant Professor
Degree:       Ph.D.
Laboratory: Nuclear Engineering Chemistry
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Analytical Chemistry and Solution Chemistry

Research focuses on investigating the chemical speciation and dissolution states of elements in inorganic solutions, leading to the development of advanced elemental separation technologies. Emphasis is placed on elucidating the chemical behavior of rare metals, rare earth elements (lanthanoids), and actinides in solutions to establish efficient separation and recovery processes. For instance, a novel single-step, high-efficiency elemental separation method utilizing specific organic ligands has been proposed, simplifying conventional processes. In the separation of valuable metals from high-level radioactive waste, high-efficiency separation has been achieved by integrating advanced extractants with salting-out effects. Furthermore, re-extraction techniques for elements that are difficult to separate have been developed, contributing to the establishment of more effective recovery processes. I will continue leveraging advanced techniques such as spectroscopic analysis, chromatography, chemical speciation analysis, and mass spectrometry to deepen the understanding of element chemistry. Through these efforts, I aim to develop novel separation and recovery technologies that contribute to sustainable resource utilization and environmental impact reduction.

Geochemistry

Radioactive decay serves as a “natural geological clock,” determining when geological phenomena have occurred and their respective timescales. Research in this field is dedicated to developing novel radiometric dating methods and establishing fundamental technologies to enhance accuracy. A unique multi-step dissolution technique has been developed to enable accurate and precise age determination of major rock-forming minerals, significantly improving the accuracy of radiometric dating. Since precise measurement of isotopic ratios in samples is crucial for accurate age determination, state-of-the-art mass spectrometric techniques such as laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) are employed, along with contributions to the development of mass spectrometry instruments. I will continue advancing new dating methods and exploring their applications in resource geology and disaster prevention research. Additionally, I aim to further develop in-situ dating techniques and trace element imaging methods to achieve multidimensional analysis of geological samples.

Publications

1. K. T. M. Ito, S. Takahashi, C. Kato, S. Fukutani, T. Matsumura, and T. Fujii, Solvent extraction of tin in nitric acids: evaluation of multiple extractants, J. Radioanal. Nucl. Chem., 334(1), 2467–2475 (2025).
2. K. T. M. Ito, T. Kawakami, C. Kato, S. Fukutani, T. Matsumura, and T. Fujii, Solvent Extraction of Selenium in Nitric Acid: Evaluation of Multiple Extractants and Proposal of a Novel Separation Process, J. Radioanal. Nucl. Chem., 333(10), 5183–5189 (2024).
3. N. Akizawa, K. Ito, S. Niki, T. Hirata, K. Okino, and Y. Ohara, Late dry back-arc magmatism recorded as dolerite dike intrusion in the Mado Megamullion, Shikoku Basin, Geochem. J., 58(5), 194-203 (2024).
4. K. T. M. Ito, Y. Hibiya, Y. Homma, T. Mikouchi, and T. Iizuka, The Promise and Potential Pitfalls of Acid Leaching for Pb–Pb Chronology, Chem. Geol., 525, 343–355 (2019).