Shirai Group (Energy Materials Laboratory, Nagoya Institute of Technology) focuses on the development of advanced functional materials, ex. structural- and surface- controlled metal, metal oxide and semi-conductive nano-materials via single-mode or multiple-mode microwave assisted homogeneous and heterogenous reactions or mechanochemical process, functional ceramic compounds through liquid phase synthesis or hydrothermal process. We also design and fabricate novel functional ceramics, such as the electrically conductive ceramic composites, porous ceramic filters, and dense ceramic bodies with high mechanical strength via gel-casting, tape-casting as well as non-firing techniques.  The developed materials are widely applied in visible-light photo-catalyst, optoelectronic and photovoltaic devices, thermal-catalyst for VOC decomposition and next-next-genration construction, aiming for energy saving and promoting long-term environmental benefits.