Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science
I conduct research on solvent extraction experiments with francium (Fr, element 87), the heaviest known alkali metal.
In heavy atomic systems, electron orbitals are known to contract or expand due to relativistic effects. Theoretical calculations predict that, owing to these effects, the ionization potentials and electron affinities of alkali metals decrease from K to Cs, but reverse to increase from Cs toward Fr and element 119. However, because all Fr isotopes are unstable with short half-lives, the number of atoms available for experiments is extremely limited. Consequently, experimental chemical research to verify relativistic effects in Fr remains largely underdeveloped.
In my research, I aim to evaluate the electronic structure of Fr by performing solvent extraction experiments using organic extractants known for extraction, coupled with quantum chemical calculations. Through these efforts, my ultimate goal is to experimentally elucidate relativistic effects in francium.