Research Center for Carbon Neutral Materials

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Center Overview

Center Objectives

In the work to respond to global warming, there is a demand for carbon neutrality, i.e., systems that do not emit carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas. Hydrogen can be produced from water, and since it does not emit carbon dioxide (rather it produces water) when it is used to generate electricity in fuel cells, it is attracting serious research attention as a central energy carrier for renewable energy.
The center will develop technologies for producing, storing, and transporting hydrogen, along with technologies for converting carbon dioxide into useful substances. The center will also use cutting-edge electron microscopes to perform 3D analysis of plant tissue; to elucidate structures that increase the efficiency of carbon dioxide absorption through photosynthesis; and to promote breeding development aimed at achieving a sustainable, zero-carbon society.

Research Direction and Future Prospects

Aiming to realize a carbon-neutral society, this research center will promote the development of innovative materials and processes that reduce environmental burden, centering on hydrogen production and storage technology and carbon dioxide conversion technology. In addition, by utilizing advanced electron microscope technology, the center aims to elucidate tissue structure that contributes to the improvement of the photosynthetic efficiency of plants.

The research center will pursue the following initiatives towards realization of a sustainable carbon-neutral society.

1. Deepening technological development
  • In our work to develop high-performance water splitting catalysts, we aim to improve the efficiency of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) by controlling the electronic structure of high-entropy oxides (HEOs). This technology will be the basis for realizing a low-cost and highly durable hydrogen production process.
  • We will work to develop an environmentally friendly ammonia production process that utilizes the nitrate reduction reaction (NO3RR); we aim to apply that process to the agricultural and energy sectors.
  • In the dry methane reforming (DRM) reaction, we will suppress carbon deposition through catalyst design and commercialize long-life, highly efficient catalyst technology. This research is expected to lead to the creation of a new chemical process that efficiently utilizes greenhouse gases as an effective resource.
2. Improving the efficiency of carbon dioxide absorption by plants
  • Through 3D quantitative analysis using an electron microscope, we will elucidate the relationship between plant leaf structure and carbon dioxide absorption efficiency. Based on these results, we will contribute to the breeding and development of next-generation crops with improved photosynthetic ability. In particular, we will set specific breeding goals targeting a three-dimensional structure that increases the photosynthetic efficiency of grass crops.
3. Expanding academic and social contributions
  • We will work to increase the international recognition of our research center by publishing multiple Q1 level academic papers per year and disseminating our research results both domestically and internationally.
  • We will work to expand the scale of our research by obtaining large-scale competitive funding, and accelerate the development of new technologies.
  • We will work to promote industry-academia-government collaboration with the aim of putting our developed technologies into practice in society. Specifically, we will deploy catalyst technology and crop improvement technology in the industrial sector and hence contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in local communities and the industrial sector.
4. Fostering the next generation of researchers
  • We will provide a cutting-edge research environment for young researchers and graduate students, aimed at fostering their leadership and independence. We will provide opportunities for those human resources to be actively involved in the entire process, from the setting of research topics to the presentation of results, opportunities that will develop them as the next generation of researchers.

Through these efforts, we aim to create innovative technologies that will help solve energy and environmental issues, thereby making academic contributions with societal impact.