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 H₂ production 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.

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