| Project Title | Japanese Researcher | Position and Institution | Abstract of Research Project | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Swiss Researcher | ||||
| 1 | Highly Efficient Solar H2 Production by Photo-Biocatalytic Water Splitting | Tatsumi ISHIHARA | Professor, Kyushu University, International Institute for Carbon Neutral Energy Research |
This project aims to develop novel concept photocatalyst of inorganic-biocatalyst for highly efficient H2 formation by solar energy. Although powder catalyst has been studied thoroughly, there are serious issues on low efficiency as well as separation of H2 and O2 formed. In contrast, biocatalyst like hydrogenase forms H2 with high efficiency when electron is transferred. New catalyst is consisting of oxynitride inorganic semiconductor as electron source and biocatalyst, and both component is coupled by using redox mediator like methyl viologen. The Japanese research team will develop the more active and stable biocatalyst than Fe-Fe hydrogenase. The Swiss team will develop the oxynitride compound for reduction of redox mediator. A new type photocatalyst is expected to be created for generation of hydrogen with high efficiency. |
| Thomas LIPPERT | Professor, Neutron and Muon Research Division, Paul Scherrer Institute | |||
| 2 | Development of new hydrogen storage alloys for utilization of renewable energy and construction of the design guidelines aimed at practical use | Toyoto SATO | Assistant Professor, Institute for Materials Research, Tohoku University | This proposal aims to develop new magnesium based hydrogen storage alloys, which have higher gravimetric and volumetric hydrogen density than a practical hydrogen storage alloy and exhibit hydrogen absorption desorption reaction at practical operative conditions, for utilization of renewable energy. The Japanese team will synthesize new Mg based alloys and investigate the hydrogen absorption and desorption properties. The Swiss team will characterize surface and crystal structures of Mg based alloys using X–ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy and Synchrotron Radiation Powder X–ray and Neutron Diffraction for elucidation of hydrogen absorption and desorption mechanism. The complementary research leads to development of Mg based alloys with high hydrogen density and hydrogen absorption and desorption under feasible conditions. |
| Andreas ZÜTTEL | Professor, Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL) |
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| 3 | Hydrogen fuel generation via photoelectrochemical and photovoltaic driven water splitting | Masakazu SUGIYAMA | Professor, Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo |
The research aims to develop an all-oxide based PEC water splitting system with high solar to hydrogen (STH) conversion efficiency and stability, and a PV electrolysis system with high STH conversion efficiency and stability at moderate cost. The activities on metal-oxide photoelectrodes and perovskites in Switzerland and III-V semiconductor photovoltaics and photoelectrochemistry in Japan will be combined in material design, physical understanding and system engineering for the goal of improving the performance and understanding of solar hydrogen production systems, such as the development of Cu2O photocathodes, novel surface protection layers for photoelectrodes, water splitting electrocatalysts, tailoring perovskite and III-V photovoltaics for solar water splitting, and the design of overall solar water splitting systems. |
| Michael GRÄTZEL | Professor, Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL) |
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