Research

Our interest is an energy conversion toward the carbon neutral. Current topics are CO₂ free hydrogen production from carbon resources, energy conversion of carbon resources using fuel cells, and chemical products production from CO₂ (CO₂ electrolysis). In CO₂ electrolysis, we are focusing that oxygen can also be produced from CO₂, which is useful in the space exploration. In addition, we research materials informatics based on DFT calculation (Density Functional Theory).

CO₂ electrolysis using solid oxide cells

CO₂ electrolysis is also attracting attention in the space and planetary exploration, where O₂ is a valuable resource. However, there are many unknowns about the phenomena occurring on the electrode. We are developing functional electrodes that can solve the problems of CO₂ electrolysis (e.g., CO₂ oxidation and carbon precipitation) by using operando X-ray analysis and first-principles calculations.

Operando X-ray analysis

We clarify the electrode surface of a solid oxide cell during operation in real time using the synchrotron radiation beamline of the SPring-8.

SOEC device for operando X-ray analysis

BL-3 experimental hatch in SR-center, Ritsumeikan University

DFT calculation and Materials Informatics

Density Functional Theory, or DFT for short, is a complex theory, but in recent years it has become a “tool” in materials research. X-rays and electron microscopes are also effective for considering atomic-level structures, but DFT calculations display atomic structures on a computer. We are also working on materials informatics, which applies the data obtained from DFT calculations to electrode development.

Atomic model of Ni/YSZ triple phase boundary

Electrodes development

Based on the information obtained from electron microscopy, operand X-ray analysis, and DFT calculation, we develop our own electrocatalyst and evaluate its performance.

Development of electrode and catalyst

Carbon-based energy conversion

In our laboratory, we are working on the development of turquoise hydrogen and carbon production, and direct carbon fuel cells.

Turquoise hydrogen and carbon production by chemical loops

We are working on the continuous production of turquoise hydrogen (hydrogen derived from fossil fuels but does not emit CO₂ during production) and solid carbon from pyrolysis of hydrocarbon gas.

Direct carbon fuel cells

We research the direct conversion of solid carbon into electrical energy, which is based on a solid oxide cell. Solid carbon has excellent storage properties and is abundant in industrial processes.