VATIS UPDATE Article

Researchers at Waseda University, Japan, have developed a new method for producing hydrogen, which is fast, irreversible, and takes place at much lower temperature using less energy. This innovation is expected to contribute to the spread of fuel cell systems for automobiles and homes. The group led by Professor Yasushi Sekine, at Waseda University, developed a method which allows hydrogen extraction at temperatures as low as 150∼200°C.

This shift greatly reduces energy input needed to produce hydrogen fuel, extends catalyst life, reduces the cost of construction materials, and reduces complexity of heat-management (cooling) systems. Although the research group had already seen that a fast reaction would be possible even in the range of 150∼200°C by applying a weak electric field (surface protonics), the mechanism had not been fully understood.

In this research, the group is the first to explain the mechanism by observing the catalyst during reaction. Protons move quickly through water adsorbed on the catalyst’s surface, and protons’ surface “hopping” allows reaction to proceed at low temperatures. Furthermore, the collision of the protons and the adsorbates prevents reversal of the reaction. As momentum grows for the commercialization of hydrogen, this research is not only applicable to hydrogen production, but also to many consumer products.