Evaluation of Adsorption Properties of Metal Oxide Surfaces
Adsorption properties of some kinds of finely divided oxides (powder) such as transition-metal oxides, rare-earth oxides, and mixed oxides including perovskite-type oxides are evaluated on the basis of the interaction between their surfaces and inorganic and organic molecules. The role of surface hydroxyl groups, which are formed by the chemisorption of water, in the adsorption of various kinds of molecules other than water molecule is also investigated. In addition to these, the elucidation of hydration mechanism for the rare-earth oxides and the experiments of making their surfaces hydrophobic are in progress.

Dinitrogen Adsorption on Copper-ion-exchanged ZSM-5 Type Zeolite
As to the peculiar properties of dinitrogen adsorption on the copper-ion-exchanged zeolite (CuZSM-5), the analysis of the state of copper ion species, which are assumed to act as adsorption sites for dinitrogen molecules, is now in progress by applying an adsorption calorimetry and by spectroscopic measurements such as IR and XAFS.

The Relationship between the Crystal Structure and Electrical Properties of Perovskite-type Oxides
The cation-anion-cation overlap integral is investigated to make clear the electrical properties from the crystal structure, the electrical resistivity, and the Seebeck coefficient.

Synthesis and Characterization of Related Rock-salt Type Oxides
Related rock-salt type (murdochite-type) oxides are synthesized using sol-gel process. The crystal structure and the CO oxidation on murdochite-type oxides are examined.

Investigation of the Surface of Perovskite-type Oxides
Perovskite-type oxides have the catalytic activity for the oxidation of the combustible gas. The perovskite surface is investigated from the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and the catalytic activity.