AIST : Global Zero Emission Research Center (GZR)Research TeamsArtificial Photosynthesis Research Team

Artificial Photosynthesis Research Team

CO₂-free fuel and CO₂ recycling

Learning from Plants to Create Energy for Humans

We research methods for producing chemicals in a highly economically rational way, to spread artificial photosynthesis technologies for converting solar energy into chemical energy.

Research themes

Development of economical hydrogen production technologies based on a photocatalysis-electrolysis hybrid system that combines photocatalytic reactions with a redox mediator such as iron ions
Investigation into hydrogen and high-value-added chemical production technologies
using semiconductor photoelectrodes and electrode catalysts

Research Team Leader / Greetings

Prime Senior Researcher (Leader, Artificial Photosynthesis Research Team)

SAYAMA Kazuhiro

I have been involved in research of photocatalysis and artificial photosynthesis for more than 30 years, ever since I studied at college. I am very fortunate as a researcher to be in an environment where I can devote myself to a single field of study. At GZR, we have deployed a system to search for catalyst materials using robotic technology. This is a deeply familiar　area to me, though I wish to actively incorporate new research methods.

Members

Chief Senior Researcher

SEKI Kazuhiko

Chief Senior Researcher

KUSAMA Hitoshi

Senior Researcher

MISEKI Yugo

Researcher

KODERA Masanori

Researcher

NANDAL Vikas

Research Assistant

OKADA Takumi

Clerical Staff

OKUDA Masami

Member

KON Yoshihiro

Member

KANEKO Masanori

Member

MAYUMI Daisuke

Research Assistant

SUZUKI Nozomi

Technical Staff

WANG Nini

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.