Research Topics

Full-time professors of the International Research Center of Hydrogen Energy
Young researchers selected from international applicants were assigned as full-time faculty in April 2011 at the International
Research Center of Hydrogen Energy.

Advanced Device Research Division
Akari HAYASHI (Professor)

performance and durability as a fuel cell device, andinvestigation of their degradation mechanism are particularly■Affiliation：

focused on.

International Research Center for Hydrogen Energy■Academic Degree：●Division Outlook

Ph.D.

Our division has been focusing on development of next

■Professional Field：

generation fuel cells. Polymer electrolyte fuel cells operatingover 100 °C are mainly addressed in order to reduce the reaction
overvoltage. The research projects cover from material
syntheses to actual device development. Advanced analyses
with the in-situ electron microscope are also performed todesign novel materials. This division is supported by Advanced
Hydrogen Energy System Lab, which I am in charge of, and alsocollaborates with Hydrogen Utilization Process and Fuel Cell
System Labs.

Fuel Cells, Material Science,Electrochemistry●Main Research Topic
Development of fuel cells by controlling the material nano-structure－Electrocatalyts with controlled nano-space as a reaction site－We have been working on fuel cells, which directly convert
chemical energy to electricity without burning fossil fuels, forthe future sustainable society. Syntheses of electrocatalysts
through controlling their nano-structure, evaluation ofAdvanced System Research Division
Junichiro YAMABE (Research Professor)●Division Introduction

The objective of this division is to precisely clarify theeffect on hydrogen on mechanical and physical properties ofmaterials used for hydrogen equipment, and then secure thesafety of these materials. The development of materials withhigh-resistance for hydrogen environment is also conducted.
These research is carried out by cooperating with Fatigue
and Fracture of Materials Laboratory in Department ofMechanical Engineering and Metal Materials Research Divisionin HYDROEGNIUS.

■Affiliation：

International Research Center for Hydrogen Energy■Academic Degree：

Ph. D (Engineering)■Professional Field：

Material strength, Fracture mechanics●Main Research Topics
・ Surface coatings with excellent strength and resistance tohydrogen entry for steels
・ Establishment of finite-life design method for steels in
consideration of hydrogen degradation
・ Hydrogen permeation of metals and surface effect onhydrogen entry and release・ Hydrogen effect on fatigue-life properties of high-strengthsteels

Advanced Material Research Division
Hai-Wen LI (Associate Professor)●Division Introduction■Affiliation：

In this division, our research activities aim at the developmentof advanced materials and systems for efficient hydrogenstorage and transportation, incorporating the exploration of basic
scientific principles relevant to them. In particular, we focus on thedevelopment of metal hydrides and complex hydrides for“highdensity hydrogen storage”, as well as“other novel functions”suchas electrochemical properties. Currently we are working on projects
involving the syntheses, atomic/electronic structures analyses andproperty characterizations of hydrides, in conjunction with Hydrogen
Storage Systems Group in Department of Mechanical Engineering.

International Research Center for Hydrogen Energy■Academic Degree：

Ph. D (Engineering)■Professional Field：

Materials Engineering, Hydrogen Storage,
Inorganic Materials, Functional Materials●Main Research Topics
・ Syntheses and property characterizations of light element based
hydrides・ Analysis of atomic arrangements and electronic structures of hydrides
・ Establishment of designing guidelines of hydrides for highly efficienthydrogen storage/transportation
・ Exploration and designing of hydrides with novel functions such as
electrochemical

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