産総研：ゼロエミッション国際共同研究センターResearch TeamsArtificial Photosynthesis Research Team

Artificial Photosynthesis Research Team

Artificial Photosynthesis Technology aiming to Realize Revolutionary Solar Energy Utilization Technology

We pursue all the possibilities of artificial photosynthesis, such as realization of economical hydrogen production and application to the production of valuable products. We also develop fundamental technologies to improve the performance of artificial photosynthesis.

Research themes

Water splitting into H₂ and O₂ using photocatalysts
Development of economical hydrogen production technology that combines photocatalysis and electrolysis using redox mediators such as iron ions
Development of hydrogen and valuable substances production using photoelectrodes and electrode catalysts

Research Team Leader / Greetings

Leader

MISEKI Yugo

We are exploring the possibilities of artificial photosynthesis with the aim of expanding solar energy utilization technology. In addition to existing ideas for the economical hydrogen production methods, such as integrating it with electrolysis or simultaneous production with valuable products, we are also focusing on creating new methods of artificial photosynthesis utilization. In order to improve the solar energy conversion efficiency, we will not only conduct trial and error in actual experiments, but also collaborate with members who are skilled in theoretical interpretation such as computational science. We will also focus on developing methods that utilize robotic equipment and AI. We look forward to hearing from you if you would like to join us in solving these difficult problems!

Members

Chief Senior Researcher

SEKI Kazuhiko

Chief Senior Researcher

KUSAMA Hitoshi

Senior Researcher

KODERA Masanori

Senior Researcher

NANDAL Vikas

Principal Researcher (Artificial Photosynthesis Research Team)

SAYAMA Kazuhiro

Specific Technical Officer

HORIE Hirotaka

Clerical Staff

OKUDA Masami

Background

● Development of artificial photosynthesis technologies (APT) for utilization of enormous solar energy has been investigated to realize CO₂-free and sustainable society.

● APT can convert solar energy into chemical energy (H₂, organic compounds, valuable chemicals, etc.), mimicking the mechanism of photosynthesis in plants.

● Highly efficient and economical APT system should be realized using photocatalyst and photoelectrode prepared by simple processes.

Research topics 1: Water splitting into H₂ and O₂ using photocatalysts

Powdered semiconductor photocatalysts (oxides and non-oxides) for effective decomposition of water into H₂ and O₂ is developed. The researches are accelerated by using theoretical chemistry and computational chemistry.

Research topics 2: H₂ production on photocatalysis-electrolysis hybrid system

“Photocatalysis-electrolysis hybrid system” is AIST original technology, and low-cost H₂production with solar energy can be realized by the combination of large photocatalysis pool and low-bias water electrolysis using Fe³⁺/Fe²⁺ ion redox mediator.

Research topics 3: Photo-electrochemical process for production of H₂ and valuable chemicals to improve economical efficiency

High-value-added chemicals (hydrogen peroxide, hypochlorous acid, etc.) can be produced on oxide photoelectrodes using solar energy, with producing H₂ on the counter electrode. These chemicals can be used for sterilizing, bleaching, cleaning, etc. The product selectivities can be ~100% by AIST technology.

Future plan

・ Proposing of innovative systems with economic rationality and reduction of CO₂ emission effect by the fusion of artificial and natural photosynthesis.

・ Development of high-throughput screening system for materials on photocatalyst and photoelectrode. Utilization of machine learning for big data as research DX.