International Joint Research

Japan－Thailand “Green Technology”

The Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) and the Thailand Program Management Unit for Human Resources & Institutional Development, Research and Innovation (PMU-B), promote international research interaction and exchange among researchers for Japan‒Thailand collaborative research projects in the field of “Green Technology.”

Counterpart

Program Management Unit for Human Resources & Institutional Development, Research and Innovation (PMU-B)

Program Officer（PO）

KUWABATA, Susumu (Professor Emeritus, Osaka University)

News

Projects

※The information is as of April 2025.

Project Title	Integration of high-purity biohydrogen production processes for FCEV utilizatio
Project Duration	April 2025 - March 2028 (FY2025 - 2027)
Japan-side PI	INADA, Miki (Associate Professor, Faculty of Engineering / International Institute for Carbon Neutral Energy Research, Kyushu University)
Singapore-side PI	Navadol LAOSIRIPOJANA (Professor, The Joint Graduate School of Energy and Environment, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi)
Abstract	This collaborative research aims to develop a bio-photocatalytic process for hydrogen production directly from sunlight by combining inorganic photocatalysts such as TiO2 and Ga(Zn)ON with enzymes such as hydrogenases and nitrogenases. The results of the Japanese researchers show that a quantum yield of 30% for 350 nm light can be achieved with bio-photocatalysts in the presence of sacrificing agents, but sacrificing agents are still required. In this study, hydrogen is produced by sunlight using enzymes grown on biowaste such as lignin, which is being investigated by the Thai team, with the biowaste as a sacrificial agent. The Japanese researchers will use oxynitrides and other materials to improve the activity in bio-photocatalysts, while the Thai researchers will grow bacteria in biowaste and produce hydrogen in a dark reaction. On the other hand, as impurities are expected to be present in the hydrogen produced in this process, impurity removal will be investigated and polymer-based fuel cells will be used to clarify that the lifetime is not affected.

Project Title	Innovative Green Technology: Thermotolerant Biohythane Production from Sugarcane Leaves for PM2.5 Reduction and Renewable Energy in Esan, Thailand
Project Duration	April 2025 - March 2028 (FY2025 - 2027)
Japan-side PI	IMAI, Tsuyoshi (Professor, Graduate School of Sciences and Technology for Innovation, Yamaguchi University)
Singapore-side PI	Alissara REUNGSANG (Professor, Faculty of Technology, Khon Kaen University)
Abstract	This collaborative research aims to develop an innovative “thermotolerant + low pressure operation” fermentation process to produce Biohythane, a renewable energy blend of hydrogen and methane, using sugarcane leaves as feedstock in northeastern Thailand (Esan region). Specifically, the Japan side will provide basic technologies for “thermotolerant fermentation at around 45 ℃” and “fermentation with low pressure operation”. The Thailand side will conduct a solubilization of sugarcane leaves by hydrothermal treatment and use the hydrolysate as material for producing Biohythane by an innovative fermentation process with “thermotolerant + low pressure operation” (bench-scale). Through this collaborative research by both sides, it is expected to provide a solution to smoke pollution, which is becoming a social problem in northeastern Thailand (Esan region), and also to offer the way to convert agricultural residues (sugarcane leaves), which are currently treated as waste, into renewable energy. Ultimately, its social implementation will lead to a decarbonized society.

Project Title	Study on the Drastic Enhancement of Hydrogen Production Efficiency in Z-Scheme Photocatalysts through Reverse Reaction Control
Project Duration	April 2025 - March 2028 (FY2025 - 2027)
Japan-side PI	KATO, Hideki (Professor, Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University)
Singapore-side PI	Pornapa SUJARIDWORAKUN (Associate Professor, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University)
Abstract	This collaborative research aims to development of green hydrogen production by remarkable improvement of efficiency in Z-scheme water splitting through exploring modification methods that suppress reverse reactions, which decrease the overall efficiency. The Japan side team will explore new modification methods to suppress reverse reactions and also elucidate the mechanism based on (photo-)electrochemical measurements. The Thailand team will investigate synthesis conditions of photocatalyst materials to maximize the modification effects developed in this project, also perform theoretical calculation to support elucidating mechanism, and provide new photocatalyst materials for Z-scheme systems.The joint research will significantly contribute to the advancement of green hydrogen production technology by the integration of these methods and materials

Project Title	Development of intermediate-temperature water electrolyzer using proton-conductive metalorganic frameworks
Project Duration	April 2025 - March 2028 (FY2025 - 2027)
Japan-side PI	HORIKE, Satoshi (Professor, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University)
Singapore-side PI	Kanokwan KONGPATPANICH (Assistant Professor, Molecular Science and Engineering, Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology)
Abstract	This collaborative research aims to significantly increase the efficiency of hydrogen gas generation by water electrolysis technology using a hybrid electrolyte material that exhibits high proton conductivity in a wide temperature range. The Japanese team will develop a new electrolyte material that combines metals and molecules, and the partner Thai team will construct a water electrolysis device using the new material, demonstrate hydrogen generation, and improve the device. The target temperature range for the devices will be 100 to 200℃ to achieve higher efficiency in water electrolysis and reduce the use of precious metal catalysts. The joint research between the two teams is expected to develop a technology for water electrolysis that is distinct from the organic polymers and ceramics used to date. The research will utilize the technological strengths of both the Japanese and Thai teams and will contribute to the dissemination and realization of a green hydrogen society and a low-carbon society.

Project Title	A Combined Spectroscopic and Machine Learning Approach to Boosting Green Hydrogen Production via the Electro-oxidation of Urea
Project Duration	April 2025 - March 2028 (FY2025 - 2027)
Japan-side PI	MAEDA, Nobutaka (Associate Professor, International Institute for Carbon Neutral and Energy Research, Kyushu University)
Singapore-side PI	Kaewta JETSRISUPARB (Assistant Professor, Faculty of Engineering, Khon Kaen University)
Abstract	The research aims to promote the production of green hydrogen through water electrolysis, contributing to the widespread adoption of fuel cell electric vehicles. This strategy focuses on utilizing urea electro oxidation as a powerful anodic reaction to enhance hydrogen generation at the cathode. This approach aims to reduce reliance on traditional fossil fuels and enables the production of environmentally friendly fuel using abundant resources such as water. In this proposal, we bring together expertise from three fields: electrochemistry, advanced spectroscopy, and machine learning. The goal is to design and improve electrodes that facilitate efficient urea oxidation and hydrogen generation. This international collaborative research is expected to achieve groundbreaking results in the development of electrode catalysts, aiming for higher hydrogen production rates and purity. Through this research, we aim to foster the development of world leading talent in both countries by combining electrochemistry, spectroscopy, and machine learning. The project seeks not only to advance the field of green hydrogen production but also to cultivate skilled professionals who can lead the world in these interdisciplinary areas. By leveraging the strengths of each field, we hope to make significant strides in creating sustainable and eco-friendly energy solutions.