This report is a strategic proposal related to the research and development (R&D) involved in innovation of reaction processes that form the bases of processes such as energy conversion, chemicals synthesis, etc. Specifically, it focuses on an innovative reaction and separation technology that enables active control of electrons and ions by utilizing electricity, and/or light, etc. This makes it possible to simplify the chemical process and greatly reduce energy consumption. And it can lead to technological innovation that will contribute to the realization of a sustainable society.

In response to the COP 21 agreement, Japan is aiming to achieve a mandatory 2030 mid-term target reduction of GHG (greenhouse gas) emission by 26% and a long-term target of 80% reduction. Looking ahead to 2050, Japan has identified innovative technology fields in "Energy and Environmental Innovation Strategy (NESTI 2050)", including chemical processes. Also, looking to Europe and the United States, by utilizing surplus electric power from renewable sources such as solar and wind, Power-to-Gas program, which is conversion to hydrogen or methane, as well as that of power-to-X program aiming for liquid fuels and chemicals, have begun. In addition, to become the ultimate sustainability society, it is necessary to transform from use of fossil resources to cyclical use of carbon and hydrogen. The production scheme in this future will be characterized by existing chemical processes that requires large energy due to the chemical processes based on CO2 and water. An efficient method to utilize highly controllable energy sources such as electricity and light for chemical processes required much energy is essential, then additionally the following functions and effect would be expected.

• Realizing a reaction which can accomplish high reaction rate and selectivity, even if it is a reaction with high activation energy
• Increasing a reaction rate (decreasing activation energy) by external electric or electromagnetic field effect
• Simultaneous achievement of reaction and separation by virtue of separated reaction field
• Non-equilibrium reaction by separated reaction field

In this proposal, from the view of R&D trends with a long-term perspective in Japan, Europe and the United States, we aim for innovative reaction technology by promoting research and development tasks shown below.

• Reaction technology utilizing photo- and/or electrochemistry using solid state ionic
• Reaction technology utilizing light and electromagnetic waves: optical semiconductor catalyst, photo-metal complex catalyst, surface plasmon resonance, microwave chemistry and material development for them
• Bio-inspired reaction technology: Development of artificial enzymes etc.
• Reaction technology that combines various energy sources including low grade heat
• Research to utilize the external field effect such as electric field and electromagnetic field
• New materials related to the above method: New solid state ionic working at intermediate temperature, electrode catalyst, photocatalyst, material for separated reaction field, etc.
• Understanding of detailed reaction mechanism elucidation including various reactions and external field effects

The concept image is shown below.

Since the research period for this proposal would be long-term, it is necessary to consider the research phases separately along time. As the current technology would be on early stage, it is important for academic researches to understand detailed reaction mechanisms and to develop useful materials for devices.

In order to continue such basic research for a long term, it is important to demonstrate that the technology from basic research, whether it is a favorite technology or a derivative technology, has become some useful outcome.