The increasing concentration of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the air is a major global environmental issue. At the same time, CO₂ is an abundant and ubiquitous carbon resource on Earth. Our research focuses on converting this inert molecule into valuable chemicals and materials. By reacting CO₂ with both metal ions and organic molecules, we synthesize metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and covalent organic frameworks (COFs) that incorporate CO₂ into their structures. We develop technologies for CO₂ capture, release, and regeneration of their frameworks, which enable the CO₂ loop under ambient conditions. We also develop catalysis that employs metal–molecular hybrid glasses to convert CO₂ into carbon monoxide or formic acid—key feedstocks for chemical manufacturing. Operating in intermediate temperatures, these CO₂ reduction catalysts offer high reaction efficiencies and product selectivity.

We synthesize organic–inorganic hybrid materials using sol–gel process. When organotrialkoxysilanes are used as precursors, the resulting products feature inorganic and organic domains integrated at the molecular level. This hybridization imparts functionalities derived from the organic groups while improving the brittleness characteristic of inorganic materials. We have developed a fabrication method to produce transparent, low-density porous aerogels from such precursors. These materials exhibit mechanical flexibility and extremely low thermal conductivity. The ability to easily produce efficient thermal insulators could reduce dependence on fossil fuels and contribute to addressing global environmental and energy challenges.