Development of Carbon-Neutral Energy Cycle by Highly Selective Catalysis

Research Project Outline

We propose carbon-neutral (CN) energy cycle as the most practical energy circulation system. The CN cycle employs a Pt-free alkaline type fuel cell for selective oxidation of alcohols to acids. Aiming at materialization of this cycle, highly-selective base-metal catalysts will be developed. Fuels are regenerated by reduction of the waste acids in the system with photocatalytically-generated hydrogen or hydrogen produced in the waste heat utilization system, so that the CN cycle will be an environmental benign circulation system.