Application for Academy Center Certification
World Premier International Research Center Initiative (WPI)
Host Institution

Kyushu University

Research Center

International Institute for Carbon-Neutral Energy Research (I2CNER)

Host Institution Head

Tatsuro Ishibashi

Center Director

Tatsumi Ishihara

Administrative Director

Andrew Chapman

Please prepare this application based on the content of your Center’s progress report and the progress plan you submitted for the Center’s
final evaluation. Summarize the Center’s future plans with regard to the following 8 items within five A-4 pages. (Also fill out the
appendices at the end of this form.)

1. Overall Image of Your Center* Describe the Center’s overall image including its identity.

I2CNER’s vision is to contribute to the creation of a carbon-neutral society through cutting-edge basic
research underpinning technology that will address the energy challenge for Japan and the world, andestablish a model international academic environment for the 21 st century. In executing this vision,
I2CNER aims to enable energy technologies which, when deployed, lead to carbon neutrality by 2050.
I2CNER’s mission and accomplishments are directly in line with Japan’s vision for a robust energy
future: energy security, economic efficiency, and environmental protection without compromisingsafety (3E+S). A unique and important component of I2CNER is the Satellite Institute at the University
of Illinois Urbana Champaign (UIUC), which facilitates complementary research activities and pioneers
student and researcher exchanges.
We built our vision on a balanced energy scenario for Japan involving a combination ofrenewable energy deployment and carbon capture and storage technologies, with the addition ofhydrogen into the energy system. I2CNER’s research efforts are intimately tied to this scenario because
the short-, mid-, and long-term milestones of each of our research project roadmaps were
established in consideration for the removal of the roadblocks in the development and deployment
timing of the various promising technology options within the scenario. By necessity the researchteams are composed of scientists and engineers from disparate disciplines and the research addresses
phenomena that span many decades in spatial and temporal scales. I 2CNER’s roadmaps and research
portfolio updates are also informed by the Institute’s scientific exchanges with a stellar list of
distinguished scientists from 24 partnering institutions across the globe.
The relevance of the I2CNER research efforts and objectives to enabling the green innovation
initiative of the government of Japan is demonstrated by the large number (129) of collaborative
projects in which its researchers have been involved with industry. A total of 63 projects resulted intechnology transfer events. Since its inception, I2CNER has applied for 387 patents and was granted 118
patents as of 2021.
Evidence of I2CNER’s international stature and relevance can be seen in its 3,769 publications since
inception with a total number of 100,492 citations and an h-index of 127, on par or better than the hindex of peer institutes. Our researchers have joint publications with researchers from 959 institutions
around the world, and 437 internationally recognized researchers visited I2CNER for scientific interactionand exchange. The Institute’s researchers are globally engaged and have been responsible fororganizing, co-organizing, or serving on the scientific committees of 232 international conferences, 341
international conference sessions/symposia or workshops, and 86 I2CNER international workshops. In
addition, I2CNER researchers have received a total of 364 national and international awards from various
professional societies and institutions around the world.
I2CNER provides a rich environment for young researchers to pursue transformative research in a
non-traditional and highly multi-disciplinary and international setting. A vital interdisciplinary program is

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I2CNERthe fusion of applied math with energy engineering, based on the Institute’s burgeoning relationshipwith Kyushu University’s (KU) Institute of Mathematics for Industry (IMI) and various departments at theUIUC. Of the 117 young researchers, 36 went on to take faculty positions at universities in Japan(excluding KU) and the world and 11 moved to positions within industry and national laboratories during
the period of FY2010 to FY2021.
I2CNER is spearheading KU’s globalization efforts within the University Reform Revitalization
Program, and I2CNER faculty are instructors in the international programs of KU. I2CNER’s operational
principles in research served as an example for the establishment of the Kyushu University Platform ofInter/Transdisciplinary Energy Research (Q-PIT) on October 1, 2016, an umbrella organization to
integrate campus efforts in research and education on energy across its various units, including social
sciences, economics, law, and political sciences.
In summary, I2CNER is a highly successful research and education test bed. It is a national andglobal experiment that tackles key scientific challenges along the path to providing Japan with carbon-

neutral and sustainable energy supplies and the advancing of low-carbon energy transition despite
limited energy resources through internationalization of scientific research and education in Japan, theUS, and the world at large. I2CNER is unique as the only Japan-led multi-university institute in the world
constructing the path to a carbon neutral society.

2. Mid- to Long-term Research Objectives and Strategies* Describe new challenges in the Center’s research objectives and plans after FY2020.

While I2CNER’s accomplishments have propelled Japan to the international forefront of carbon-neutralenergy research and associated technology development, there are still major challenges ahead. Our
focus continues to address basic science and engineering for energy with the overall goal of reduced CO2
emissions and the realization of a carbon neutral energy society. In response to the Final Evaluation’s Site
Visit Report’s advice/recommendation, our Energy Analysis Division (EAD) assessed the Technology
Readiness Level (TRL) of each individual research project. We are using this assessment to make best useof resources and better focus our research directions in order to meet the long-term carbon-neutrality goals.
As a result, I2CNER streamlines its research portfolio by reshaping its strongest research themes andphasing out those that are less impactful according to their respective TRL. In addition, I2CNER will continue
to invest in disruptive, high-risk high-payoff science as well as directed, discovery research, such as thebiomimetic activation of small molecules for the reduction of CO2 and N2 to produce hydrocarbons and NH3.
Moving forward, the three streamlined thematic research clusters or ‘Thrusts’ are Advanced
Energy Materials, Advanced Energy Conversion Systems, and Multiscale Science andEngineering for Energy and the Environment. This structure allows us to capture our most relevant
existing capabilities and to organize them for the best future impact. It also provides an efficientmechanism for top international and Japanese researchers to work interactively to accomplish common
goals which cut across disciplines. I2CNERl continues to rely on the central role of the current Energy
Analysis Division (EAD) that was integrated in the Multiscale Science and Engineering for Energy and theEnvironment Thrust. This includes the continued use of Roadmaps to set research goals and assess
progress for each individual research project within the thrusts, and estimate the contribution of I2CNER
research on future CO2 reductions. I2CNER sees that this Research-Project Roadmap approach, whichhas proven highly successful in the past, should direct science and resource planning for the future.
The Advanced Energy Materials Thrust combines the best features of the development ofmaterials for hydrogen generation, transport and storage, and materials for efficient energy conversion,
particularly for fuel cell and regenerative energy applications. More specifically I2CNER is carrying out
research on i) low cost high-strength, hydrogen-compatible stainless steels having yield strength 600MPa(current research status of TRL~4) by developing the next generation of hydrogen/fatigue andhydrogen/impurity interaction models, ii) highly selective catalysts for the conversion of CO2 tohydrocarbons including alcohol ( as an energy storage medium) and polymer electrolyte alcohol
electrosynthesis cells aiming toward energy storage for carbon recycling with higher efficiency thanbatteries (TRL~4), iii) interface design of molecular and hybrid catalysts for artificial photo-synthesis forphotoconversion devices that can provide low cost solar fuels with reasonable cost and efficiency(TRL~3); and iv) biomimetic activation of small molecules including nitrogen, NH3 synthesis under mild
conditions for the transport of hydrogen (TRL~3).
The Advanced Energy Conversion Systems Thrust focuses on the development and evolution ofsystems which either lower carbon emissions, increase energy efficiency, or both: i) the hightemperature electrolysis cell has the potential to take a large share in the electrolyzer market due to its

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I2CNERhigh efficiency and low cost. I2CNER’s research will focus on electrode materials in relation to waterassisted phase separation, the quantitative prediction of oxygen reduction, and the degradation
mechanisms for technological functional oxides (TRL~4), ii) the energy storage system utilizing
reversible fuel cell / novel battery is a promising means to modulate/adjust supply and demand inelectricity markets. We have developed an air-battery based on SOFC/SOEC concepts where H2 is used
to reduce hematite to metallic Fe thereby storing reducing equivalents as metallic Fe rather than H2.
Future research will optimize this device for higher roundtrip efficiency, capacity, and operating
temperature (TRL~4), iii) Electrocatalytic system for CO2-H2O co-electrolysis for production of syngas
which can be further converted to liquid fuel as a carbon free fuel (TRL~4), iv) I2CNER will advance theexciting photovoltaics technology of hybrid perovskite solar cells whose adoption in the PV markets canlead to drastic CO2 reductions. I2CNER research will focus on increasing the efficiency of the lead-freesystems we developed and found to exhibit promising durability (TRL~4).
The Multiscale Science and Engineering for Energy and the Environment Thrust pulls
together the range of challenges facing Japan’s and the world’s energy transition, namely the transition
from largely fossil fueled energy technology to a carbon-neutral or a carbon-free energy supply. In
addition, this Thrust enables the coordination of carbon reduction technologies, energy efficiency
technologies, and guidance for social, political, and investment strategies to coordinate this transition.
Negative emission technologies, contributed to by our CO2 separation and monitoring technologies, areexpected to be supported by the public. I2CNER’s research will focus on i) PVT measurements andaccurate equations of state for new refrigerants for next generation adsorption heat-pumps that will
penetrate our society as the energy demand due to air conditioning increases (TRL~4). Our research on
activated carbons has already shown great promise for record adsorption capacity of ethanol and CO2(TRL~4). ii) Further development of nanosized CO2 separation membranes (TRL ~4) and CO2 monitoring
technologies (TRL~7)—through improved understanding of the geophysics of CO2 storage (TRL~1) andreservoir characterization (TRL~5)—will enable effective Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) deployment.
I2CNER will continue to explore the efficient and selective conversion of captured CO2 into value added
products (TRL~4). In addition, capitalizing on talent and resources across KU, we will invite newmembers (WPI Professors) to diversify I2CNER’s expertise and research portfolio of the Thrust to include
the integration of renewable energy with the grid, the interaction of the energy networks with theenvironment, and social and economic dynamics.
3. Management System of the Research Organization* Describe the system of organizational management via which the center will execute the above-described research strategy and plan.
* In Appendix 1-3, list the Principal Investigators, enter the number of center personnel (researchers, research-support staff, andadministrative staff), and provide a diagram of the Center’s organizational management system.

To make best use of financial resources beyond 2020, I2CNER’s research operations, international
engagement, brain circulation, technology transfer, and socioeconomic outreach will be executed andadvanced through the “Three Thrust, Two Platform” approach. The three research Thrusts, outlined in
Section 2, will be interwoven with the Platform for International Collaborations and Partnerships
for I2CNER to maintain its international identity and the Platform for Societal Implementation andIndustrial Collaboration that will ensure technology transfer through the large and growing network of
I2CNER’s industrial interactions. In particular, we established the Mitsui Chemical Inc.- Carbon Neutral
Research Center (MCI-CNRC) which is the platform between I2CNER and Mitsui Chemical Inc. from 2021
and the fundamental results will be transferred to industry for practical use. I2CNER will continue tooperate under the strong leadership of the Director and is also supported by the President of Kyushu
University, President Ishibashi. Administrative Director Chapman will continue the oversight of the
Administrative Office.
I2CNER’s research program beyond 2023 will be anchored on 25 PIs (24 presently in I2CNER, 6 PIs
are resigned and 7 which have been newly appointed) and operate under the umbrella of three researchthrusts with the following composition: i) Advanced Energy Materials: Tenured I2CNER PI Kubota;
tenured I2CNER Associate Professors Yoon, Y. Takahashi, and KU PIs Ogo, Tsuchiyama, Sawae andYamauchi. The research activities of the thrust will be supported by the international PIs Sofronis,
Volkert and Somerday of the platform for international collaborations and partnerships, ii) Advanced
Energy Conversion Systems: tenured I2CNER PIs Matsumoto, Staykov; tenured I2CNER Associate
Professors, Matsushima, Watanabe and Edalati, and KU PIs Adachi, Ishihara and Fujigaya. The research
activities of the thrust will be supported by the international PIs Skinner, Lippert, and Gewirth of theplatform for international collaborations and partnerships, iii) Multiscale Science and Engineering forEnergy and the Environment: tenured I2CNER PIs Fujikawa, Saha and Chapman; tenured I2CNER

Kyushu University - 3
I2CNER

Associate Professor Nguyen, and KU PIs Sugai, K.Takahashi and Tsuji(U. Tokyo); international PIs Kenis,
Chakraborty and Stubbins will support the research activities of this Thrust.
I2CNER’s Platform for Societal Implementation and Industrial Collaboration will be tasked
to accelerate impactful technology development and transfer to industry for practical application, andfoster the advancement of interactions with national and international agencies. This platform will focus
on the goals currently pursued by the Industrial Research Division, augmented with a societal dimension
to advance the engagement of I2CNER with industry and society at a broader institutional level. Several
research laboratories collaborating with companies will also participate in this platform. Mazda
established a collaborative research laboratory on energy storage for transport and a similar
collaborative research laboratory is planned to strengthen collaboration with industry. Resources will besought to staff the platform with an expert that can bring the I2CNER research accomplishments to theattention of national and international corporations and help I2CNER execute its mission as a resource tonational agencies such as METI on the current state-of-the-art in energy research. With regard to thesocial implementation, I2CNER’s research will seek to deal with critical policy issues in Japan such as theaging, shrinking population with regard to low-carbon energy transition and will consider the impact of
behavior, specifically the environmental and social equity impacts of household consumption andparticipation in the energy system.
The Senior Advisory Committee (SAC) will be newly established by reorganizing the previous
External Senior Advisory Committee (EAC) with its role in advising regarding cutting-edge research andthe ongoing management of I2CNER. Some EAC members will remain and PI Sofronis will be the chair of
this SAC. Previous international PIs, Kilner, Tuller, and Kirchheim will also be newly appointed ascommittee members. This committee will convene annually at the same time as the annual meeting of
I2CNER at KU.
The Industrial Advisory Board will continue on with its role in advising on research relevance andcounseling on technology transfer. Lastly, this platform will be working with the PIs and faculty of thethree thrusts to pursue joint research funding among national agencies of the government of Japan, e.g.
JSPS, and counterpart international agencies, e.g. US NSF.

4. Plan for Promoting the International Circulation of World’s Best Brains* Describe your policy and concrete plan for promoting the international circulation of the world’s best brains, which is an importantfunction of the WPI Academy.

I2CNER will maintain its international identity through the Platform for International Collaborations
and Partnerships. This platform will involve Illinois, MIT, the Paul Scherrer Institut (PSI), Imperial
College, London, University of Edinburgh, Göttingen, and other institutions from the list of our 24
partnering institutions, e.g., the Helmholtz Institute Forschungszentrum Juelich. Through this platform,
I2CNER will continue its successful program on graduate student and postdoc exchanges, and facultysabbaticals. In addition, all 8 of our overseas Principal Investigators are world-class researchers who are
actively involved in I2CNER’s research operations. They spend between one to seven weeks at KU andtheir ongoing relationships with the faculty of KU are having a transformative impact upon I2CNER’s
overall research culture.
The Kyushu-Illinois memorandum of understanding (MOU) was renewed and went into effect on
August 26, 2019 and a specific agreement for student exchange was signed on September 30, 2019.
The revised MOU has cemented the strategic partnership between the two universities and broadened
the collaborations to other colleges and departments (such as engineering, social sciences, humanities,
economics, law, agriculture etc.). The Satellite Institute at the UIUC will continue to facilitate cooperative
research activities and personnel exchanges as follows: i) Kyushu faculty, postdoc, and student visits toIllinois will be facilitated by departmental and university personnel that will assist with visas, visitor
accommodations, and sabbaticals, ii) shared facilities and laboratory and office space will remain
available, iii) Satellite office will be maintained, iv) tuition waivers will be explored for up to 4 PhD
students from Kyushu if they come to Illinois to take courses, and engage in collaborative research.
Our international collaborations will be advanced by young researcher exchanges, travel, andsabbaticals. These operations will be supported by Gaisan Yokyu in the short term and for this purpose,
the Center for Energy Systems Design (CESD) was established in 2022. Under an alliance between 7
institutes (Hokkaido University, Tohoku University, Tokyo Institute of Technology, RIKEN, National
Institute of Materials Science, Kumamoto University, and KU), researchers can stay at each institute for ashort period of time to conduct joint research. Under the activities of this center and I2CNER, young
researcher exchange and travel be supported by Center funds. Some previous success stories include the

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I2CNERexchange of young researchers. Specifically, Prof. Chapman stayed at UIUC on a sabbatical utilizing theProgress 100 Program and there have been collaborations between PI Ishihara and PSI, Julich andImperial college. Young researcher Kwati Leonard stayed in Julich for 3 months to work on making thinfilm electrolysis cell. PI Kubota has recently started international joint research with prospective foreign
PI Volkert on hydrogen embrittlement using the support of JSPS. Also, I2CNER researchers will leverage
the established infrastructure, research culture, and international partnerships of the Institute tocontinue already established joint international programs such as the Core-to-Core Program with
Imperial College London, PSI, and MIT. Lastly, I2CNER will continue to work with the University of
Göttingen to establish an International Research Training Group that can be co-funded by the German
Research Foundation (DFG) and JSPS.
I2CNER’s annual international symposium and international thematic research workshops over the
past decade have proven to be successful platforms for international engagement and exploration of
new scientific directions as they have attracted hundreds of distinguished researchers from across theglobe. I2CNER will continue organizing this symposium and workshops within the Annual KU “Energy
Week” event supported by KU’s Platform Q-PIT. In addition, I2CNER will continue to organize workshopswith other WPI Centers and allied institutes. Lastly, the successful I2CNER Seminar Series (InstituteInterest Seminar Series, and I2CNER Webinar Series) will be utilized to engage key members of theinternational community from academia, national laboratories, industry, and government agencies (policy
makers).

5. Plan for Disseminating the WPI Program Achievements* Describe your policy and concrete plan for disseminating WPI center achievements both within the host institution and to otheruniversities, especially their experience and know-how accumulated on establishing top world research institutes and advancing system
reforms.

Drawing from its international research experiences and approach, I2CNER will continue its central
role within Q-PIT by helping to cross-pollinate a wide range of collaborations on energy research
between KU research units of diverse disciplines including social sciences, economics, law, and politicalsciences. This will allow I2CNER to capitalize on opportunities to broaden and enrich its energy portfolio
while also helping Q-PIT advance its mission to catalyze interactions between disparate disciplines andunits.
I2CNER will continue its efforts to support the KU Administration’s i) institutionalized crossappointment employment system, and ii) Intra-University Faculty Transfer System. By way of example,
in FY2023, 8 senior KU PIs from other KU units will be transferred to I2CNER.
A significant mission of the Platform for Societal Implementation and Industrial
Collaboration will be the engagement of the member corporations of the Japan-US Business Council(JUBC) with I2CNER in the form of partnership and industrial investment through the model of open
innovation whereby industry engineers are imbedded in I2CNER laboratories. Such activities of the
Platform will be a most demonstrable example of feeding the I2CNER accomplishments back into
society.
6. Plan for Sustaining the WPI Brand* Describe your plan for sustaining and enhancing the WPI brand.

I2CNER will sustain the WPI Brand by focusing on advancing outstanding research that setsinternational benchmarks, which brings international recognition, and by expanding global visibility.
In the area of scientific excellence, I2CNER’s research themes, outlined in the three Thrusts are theones in which I2CNER already set the international benchmark and will continue to do so in the future.
As of March 31, 2022, the Institute’s researchers were responsible for organizing, co-organizing, orserving on the scientific committees for 232 international conferences, 341 international conference
sessions/symposia or workshops, and 86 I2CNER international workshops. Our researchers have given
801 keynote, plenary and invited presentations in international conferences and fora. Indeed, this is solid
evidence that I2CNER will strive to expand on this record of recognized international engagement andglobal visibility. I2CNER placed 45 of our researchers at various Japanese (excluding KU) andinternational institutions. I2CNER will continue fostering its WPI culture for young researchers bymaintaining and improving its WPI research environment which it has built over the past 10 years.
As stated in the Section 4, I2CNER has launched two successful in on-line style seminar series: theInstitute Interest Seminar Series (IISS), which invites young researchers to introduce their cutting-edge
results, and the I2CNER Webinar Series (ISS), which invites established and recognized speakers from

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I2CNERother institutes to encourage the younger researchers within I2CNER. These seminar series are an
excellent showcase of I2CNER as a WPI institute.

7. Support by Host Institution* Describe measures that the host institution will take to support and sustain your Center.

I2CNER is a permanent research Institute of KU and at the center of the KU mid-term plan to“promote leading-edge research related to the carbon-neutral energy research domain in collaboration
with the University of Illinois, which is conducted at the International Institute for Carbon-Neutral
Energy Research (I2CNER).” During the past 10 years, I2CNER has been successful at winning andfilling positions, and KU will make efforts to secure additional positions for the Institute. By the end of
FY2022, I2CNER filled a total of 7 Associate and 4 Full Professor positions. I2CNER is also currently in theprocess of hiring 3 tenured Associate or Assistant Professors, and 1 tenure track Associate or AssistantProfessor in FY2022.
The university will grant I2CNER Building I for the time being and Building II constructed with WPI
funds for 10 years (total floor space of 4,236 m2 and 5,014 m2, respectively) free of charge to provide
I2CNER researchers with the requisite environment to continue their cutting-edge research. The spaceprovided by this support significantly exceeds the space allotment per researcher under the university's
regular policy
KU will support the salaries of the required staff members and administrative office members, thus
securing the successful operation of the “Three Thrust, Two Platform” I2CNER organization.

8. Resource Allocation Plan
* Describe your plans over a 5-year period for allocating resources acquired from both the host institution (e.g., financial resources andpositions) and from external research funding to execute the Center’s functions and activities described above.
* In Appendix 4, enter concrete numbers in the Resource Allocation Plan.

Financial resources and positions to be acquired from the host institution and their allocation have been
listed in the preceding Section 7. Regarding external resources, our vision is that I2CNER can remainstrong and agile by developing cores of embedded centers funded by external agencies (bothindustrial and governmental) and securing industrial projects. Drawing from the experience gained
from the establishment of the NEXT-RP Center, I2CNER will intensify its efforts to establish similarinternal research centers in response to national initiatives by government agencies such as NEDO,
METI, RIKEN, JSPS, and JST. With regard to establishing internal research centers, I2CNER will i) rely on
input from the Senior Advisory Committee to create new ideas that will attract funding from internationalfoundations, ii) utilize the Platform for Societal Implementation and Industrial Collaboration to attract
industrial projects for collaborative efforts in the form of open innovation on topics of mutual interest,
such as the ongoing project with Mazda Motor Corporation (Mobile Energy Storage for Low-Carbon
Society) and Mitsui Chemical Inc. (MCI-CNRC, carbon neutral technologies). Our ability to obtain
industrial funding to support our research operations is demonstrated by the 129 collaborative projects
we have had with major corporations (see Section 1) and the 63 projects that resulted in technology
transfer events. The award of 118 Patents are also an important resource for I2CNER toward the future
and this number of patents will increase over time.
I2CNER will intensify the ongoing dialogue with the Japan-US Business Council (JUBC) for potential
investment in I2CNER. In general, it is our plan that all our projects in the three Thrusts will seek
industrial support to underpin both research activities and human resources.

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I2CNER

Form 2WPI Academy Center
Form 2 FY 2023 List of Principal Investigators
NOTE:*Underline names of principal investigators who belong to an overseas research institution.
*Indicate newly added researchers in FY 2023 (2023.4.1-2024.3.31) in the “Notes” column.
*Enter the host institution name and the center name in the footer.

<Principal Investigators at the end of FY 2023>
Name

Tatsumi Ishihara

Masanobu Kubota

Miho Yamauchi

Brian P. Somerday

Petros Sofronis

Yoshinori Sawae

Principal Investigators Total: 25

AgeAffiliation(Position title, department,
organization)

Academic degree,
Specialty

Effort(%)*

Starting dateofparticipation

Status of participation(Describe in concrete terms)

62

Center director
Dr. of Engr.,
Prof.,
Catalyst and solid state
International Institute for Carbon-Neutral Energy
electrochemistry
Research, Kyushu University

95%

2010, Dec. 1st・Directs and administers the Institute2
・Located at I CNER
・Leads research activities of his group54

Dr. of Engr.,
Prof.,
Mechanical property ofInternational Institute for Carbon-Neutral Energy
materials, Hydrogen
Research, Kyushu University
brittlement100%

2019, Apr. 1st

・Located at I2CNER
・Lead PI of the Advanced Energy Materials
Thrust50

Prof.,
Department of Applied Molecular Chemistry
Institute for Materials Chemistry and Engineering/ Dr. of Science, Chemistry
International Institute for Carbon-Neutral Energy
Research, Kyushu University

90%

2012, Jan. 1st

・Located at I CNER
・Leads research activities of her group

55

Adj. Research Assistant Prof.,
Ph.D.,
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA/
Materials Science andInternational Institute for Carbon-Neutral Energy
Engineering
Research, Kyushu University

40%

2010, Dec. 1st・Leads research activities of his group・Research collaboration with Kubota

66

Prof.,
Department of Mechanical Science and
Ph.D., Micromechanics ofEngineering
materials, Environmental
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA/degradation of materials
International Institute for Carbon-Neutral Energy
Research, Kyushu University

90%

2010, Dec. 1st・Chair of Senior Advisory Committee
・Leads research activities of his group・Research collaboration with Kubota

55

Prof.,
Dr. of Engr.
International Institute for Carbon-Neutral Energy Biotribology, Polymer
Research, Kyushu University
tribology

80%2023, Apr. 1st

・Located at I2CNER
・Leads research activities of his group

Kyushu University-1

Note

2

Newly Added

I2CNER

Form 2Cynthia A. Volkert

62Prof.,
Institute of Materials Physics at the University of
Ph,D.,
Göttingen/Physics
International Institute for Carbon-Neutral Energy
Research, Kyushu University

Seiji Ogo

60

Prof.,
Dr. of Science,
International Institute for Carbon-Neutral Energy
Green Chemistry
Research, Kyushu University

95%

2010, Dec. 1st

・Located at I2CNER
・Leads research activities of his group

Toshihiro Tsuchiyama

52

Prof.,
Dr. of Engr.
International Institute for Carbon-Neutral Energy Materials Science andResearch, Kyushu University
Engineering

80%2023, Apr. 1st

・Located at I2CNER
・Leads research activities of his group50%

2023, Apr. 1st・Leads research activities of her group・Research Collaboration with Kubota

57

Prof.,
Dr. of Engr.
International Institute for Carbon-Neutral Energy Solid state ionics,
Research, Kyushu University
Electrochemistry100%

2010, Dec. 1st

・Located at I2CNER
・Executes duties of Associate Director
・Lead PI of Advanced Energy Conversion
Systems Thrust
・Chair of Faculty Recruiting Committee

51

Prof.,
Department of Materials, Imperial College
Ph,D.,
London/Materials Chemistry
International Institute for Carbon-Neutral Energy
Research, Kyushu University

30%

2023, Apr. 1st・Leads research activities of his group・Research Collaboration with Ishihara

Andrew A. Gewirth64Prof.,
Department of Chemistry,
Ph.D.,
University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, USA/
Chemistry
International Institute for Carbon-Neutral Energy
Research, Kyushu University

40%

2012, April. 1st・Leads research activities of his group・Research Collaboration with Ishihara

Tsuyohiko Fujigaya

47

Prof.,
Ph.D. Engr.,
International Institute for Carbon-Neutral Energy
Polymer chemistry
Research, Kyushu University

90%

2018, Apr. 1st

・Located at I CNER
・Leads research activities of his group

Chihaya Adachi

60

Prof.,
Dr. of Engr.,
International Institute for Carbon-Neutral Energy Materials science andResearch, Kyushu University
device physics

70%

2010, Dec. 1st

・Located at I CNER
・Leads research activities of his group

61

Prof.,Department of Chemistry and Applied
Biosciences,Laboratory of Inorganic Chemistry,
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, andDr. of Science,
Paul Scherrer Institut, Thin Films & Interfaces
Physical ChemistryGroup, Villigen-PSI, Switzerland/International Institute for Carbon-Neutral Energy
Research, Kyushu University

40%

2016, Aug. 1st・Leads research activities of his group・Research Collaboration with Ishihara

Hiroshige Matsumoto

Stephen SkinnerThomas Lippert

Kyushu University-2

Newly Added

Newly Added

Newly Added

2

2

I2CNER

Form 245

Associate Prof.,
Ph.D.,
International Institute for Carbon-Neutral Energy Physical and theoretical
Research, Kyushu University
chemistry

53

Prof.,
Dr. of Engr.,
International Institute for Carbon-Neutral Energy Nanoscience andResearch, Kyushu University
engineering

Takeshi Tsuji2

2018, Apr. 1st

・Located at I CNER
・Leads research activities of his group100%

2013, June. 1st

・Located at I2CNER,
・Executes duties of Associate Director
・Lead PI of the Multiscale Science andEngineering for Energy and theEnvironment Thrust

44

Prof.,
Depatment of Systems Innovation, Graduate
School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo/
International Institute for Carbon-Neutral Energy
Research, Kyushu University

Dr. of Science,
Geophysics, Digital rockphysics, CCS,
Geothermics

40%

2013, June. 1st・Leads research activities of his group・Research Collaboration with Sugai

Yuichi Sugai

48

Prof.,
Dr. of Engr.,
International Institute for Carbon-Neutral Energy
Petroleum Engineering
Research, Kyushu University

80%

2023, Apr. 1st

・Located at I2CNER
・Leads research activities of his group

Bidyut B. Saha

58

Prof.,
Dr. of Engr.,
International Institute for Carbon-Neutral Energy
Thermal Engineering
Research, Kyushu University

100%

2010, Dec. 1st

・Located at I2CNER
・Leads research activities of his group

75

Prof., Department of Nuclear, Plasma andRadiological Engineering, University of Illinois
Ph.D.,
Urbana-Champaign/
Energy Materials
International Institute for Carbon-Neutral Energy
Research, Kyushu University

20%

2020, Apr. 1st・Leads research activities of his group・Research collaboration with Chapman

43

Associate Prof.,
Ph.D.,
International Institute for Carbon-Neutral Energy Socio-Environmental
Research, Kyushu University
Energy Science

100%

2021, Jan. 4th

・Located at I CNER
・Administrative Director
・Leads research activities of his group

59

Ph.D.,
Prof.,
ThermophysicalInternational Institute for Carbon-Neutral Energy
Engineering,Research, Kyushu University
Nanotechnology, MEMS

80%

2022,Jan. 1st

・Located at I2CNER
・Leads research activities of his group

52

Professor,
Department of Chemical and BiomolecularEngineering, University of Illinois UrbanaChampaign/
International Institute for Carbon-Neutral Energy
Research, Kyushu University

40%

2023, Apr. 1st・Leads research activities of his group・・Research collaboration with Fujikawa

Aleksandar Staykov

Shigenori Fujikawa

James Stubbins

Andrew Chapman

Koji Takahashi

Paul J.A. Kenis

Ph.D.,
Microchemical Systems,
Electrochemical
Engineering, Reactor
Engineering

Kyushu University-3

100%

Newly Added

2

Newly Added

I2CNER

Form 2

Anutosh Chakraborty

48

Associate Prof.,
Cluster Lead, TFME Division,School of Mechanical Ph.D.,
and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang
Adsorption,
Technological University, Singapore/
Thermodynamics andInternational Institute for Carbon-Neutral Energy Heat Transfer
Research, Kyushu University

40%

2023, Apr. 1st・Leads research activities of his group・Research collaboration with Saha

Newly Added*Percentage of time that the principal investigator devotes to his/her work for the Academy center vis-à-vis his/her total working hours.

Principal Investigators resigned since FY 2023

Name

Next Affiliation(Position title, department,
organization)

Period of participation

Harry L. Tuller

Member of Senior Advisory Committee
Prof.,
Department of Materials Science andEngineering, Massachusetts Institute ofTechnology,USA

2010, Dec. 1st-2023.Mar.31st

John A. Kilner

Member of Senior Advisory Committee
BCH Steele Chair in Energy Materials,
Department of Materials,
Imperial College, London, UK

2010, Dec. 1st-2023.Mar.31st

Reiner Kirchheim

Member of Senior Advisory Committee
Prof.,The Institut für Metallphysik,
University of Göttingen, Germany

2011, Apr. 1st-2023.Mar.31st

Kazunari Sasaki

Prof.,
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of 2010, Dec. 1st-2023.Mar.31st
Engineering, Kyushu University

Joichi Sugimura

Undetermined

2010, Dec. 1st-2023.Mar.31st

Hiroaki Watanabe

Prof.,
Department of Advanced Environmental Scienceand Engineering, Interdisciplinary Graduate
School of Engineering Sciences, Kyushu
University

2018, Oct. 1st-2023.Mar.31st

Kyushu University-4

I2CNER

Appendix 3

World Premier International Research Center Initiative (WPI)
Diagram of Organizational Management System- Diagram the Center’s organizational management system and its position within the host institution in an easily understood manner.

I2CNER Organizational Structure
President of Kyushu University: Tatsuro Ishibashi
Executive Vice President for Research: Susumu Fukuda

I2CNER Director: Tatsumi Ishihara

Science Steering Committee

Associate
Director:

Associate
Director:

Administrative
Director:

Hiroshige
Matsumoto

Shigenori
Fujikawa

Andrew
ChapmanFaculty Recruiting Committee

Senior Advisory Committee
NEXT-RP( Research Center for Next Generation
Refrigerant Properties )Industrial Advisory Board

MCI-CNRC( Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.— Carbon Neutral
Research Center)

CESD( Center for Energy Systems Design )Multiscale Science and Engineering forvAdvanced Energy MaterialsAdvanced Energy Conversion Systems
Energy and the Environment

Kyushu University - 1
I2CNER

Director’s VisionInternational Institute for Carbon-Neutral Energy Research—Realizing a Carbon-Neutral Energy Society Rooted in Renewable Energy Via Hydrogen
Carriers—
December 22, 2022
ISHIHARA Tatsumi, Professor, Kyushu University
Overview
From the perspective of climate change and global warming, it will be important todramatically reduce CO2 emissions by proliferating the use of renewable energies. However,to meet the strong demand for carbon neutral environments, just proliferating renewableenergies will not be sufficient; it will also be necessary to reevaluate energy-usage systems
and totally redesign them. Toward achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, new and innovativetechnologies must be developed to enable the use of hydrogen as an energy carrier ofrenewable energy.
Strategies for capturing and storing CO2 or converting it to useful fuels will not be sufficientto achieve carbon neutrality. It will also be imperative to establish highly effective andefficient systems for producing and transporting renewable energies to hydrogen gas. In
responding to this requirement, research that crosscuts various space and time scales (frompicoseconds to kilometers, from nanoseconds to tens of thousands of years) is required but
will not by itself be sufficient; also needed will be a paradigm shift to an approach thatinvolves research carried out in a cooperative and complementary manner, one in which
researchers in fields different than conventional modes of chemistry, materials science, earthsciences and biology, etc., gather together, merge ideas, and collaborate. To this end, theInternational Institute for Carbon-Neutral Energy Research (I2CNER) was established in2010. Since then, I2CNER has built the infrastructures, environments and systems foradvancing innovative research conducted by top-level researchers in such diverse fields as
chemistry, physics, materials science, thermofluidic dynamics, earth sciences, andbiometrics who work together and stimulate each other. The consistent results achieved by
I2CNER in basic research on carbon-neutral energy have elevated the institute to the level ofa full-fledged WPI center. Considering, however, the changes that have occurred in theenergy environment over the past decade, a growing need has emerged to create societies inwhich substances are circulated starting with renewable energy that is not as geographicallylimited.

This will necessitate the creation of various new, basic theories that serve as foundations forinnovatively establishing safe and reliable systems in areas of hydrogen production, storage
and utilization, as well CO2 capture, storage, and conversion to useful substances. Recent
challenges, such as inability to inject widely fluctuating renewable energy into power grids(output suppression), highlight the importance of innovative, cross-disciplinary systems andconcepts for storing and circulating substances. Given the new trends in energy that haveemerged since the establishment of I2CNER, there is an increasing need to address sociallysignificant challenges such as conducting fused research on green hydrogen for carbon
circulation, on converting CO2 to hydrocarbons or alcohols, and on environmentally friendly
NH3 synthesis. Moreover, to address these complex and weighty challenges and tocontribute to ongoing technological and societal transformation, there is a need to cultivate
the next generation of researchers and to provide them to both Japan and the international
community. In this context, it’s I2CNER aim to establish newly fused sciences that span
multiple fields in its effort to elucidate, control and manipulate physiochemical anddynamics mechanisms at the interface of hydrogen, CO2, and substances.
Elucidating these mechanisms, I2CNER seeks to create innovative technologies such as forCO2 emission-free hydrogen production, hydrogen storage materials, hydrogen
embrittlement-resistant materials, efficient fuel cells, effective CO2 capture, undergroundstorage, and efficient conversion of CO2 to useful compounds, as well as artificial
photosynthesis. I2CNER’s ultimate vision is to contribute through scientific innovation andmultidisciplinary researcher development to the realization of a carbon-neutral energy
society, driven by new green innovation.
The University of Illinois, with which I2CNER has had an agreement for student and faculty
exchange since 2008, is also a strategic partnership school of Kyushu University, so Kyushu
University will continue to establish a satellite institution at the University of Illinois in the
U.S. to accelerate exchange. Concurrently, I2CNER is strengthening its exchange withinstitutions in Europe including Imperial College and Juelich National Research Institute.
And by strengthening Center for Energy Systems Design (CESD), constructed with a focus
on alliance with seven institutes within Japan, I2CNER is working to advance both domestic
and international brain circulation.
1. First of all
Given the current challenges of climate change and rising energy prices, there is a strong
public desire for renewable energy to be used to make the transition to a carbon-neutral

society. Global efforts are underway to achieve carbon-neutral societies, relying on
widespread adoption of renewable energy. While the adoption of renewable energy is atrend that suggests achieving carbon-neutral society is possible, reliance on renewableenergy alone, as seen in Europe, engenders issues such as unstable power sources andreduced reliability. To realize carbon-neutral societies, it will be critical to be able toefficiently convert renewable energy into primary energy, store it in energy carriers, andbuild societies that circulate and utilize this energy.
In Japan, with its limited in landmass and natural environment marked by many days ofstrong and seasonal winds including typhoons, there are limitations to the widespread
adoption of renewable energy. Accordingly, I2CNER’s vision for Japan’s future involves
importing energy carriers produced using renewable energy from overseas and using themfor materials and energy within Japan. Currently, hydrogen is considered a potential energy
carrier for this purpose, and while its direct use in fuel-cell vehicles is expected, challenges
exist in the storage and transport of gaseous hydrogen. Given such challenges, I2CNER is
exploring the synthesis of liquid fuels by reacting green hydrogen with CO2, which is wellsuited for transportation and matches existing infrastructure. Given this situation and with agoal of realizing a carbon-neutral society, I2CNER considers liquid fuels synthesized byreacting CO2 with green hydrogen important as it is suitable for the kind of transportationneeded to realize a carbon-neutral society and is well-matched to in-place infrastructure. In
addition to the conventional approach of directly using hydrogen, I2CNER considers it
important to comprehensively develop carbon-neutral energy, including technologies
needed for CO2 reuse, in contributing to the overall development of carbon-neutral energy.
Synthesis of valuable compounds from CO2 with renewable energy will make a significant
contribution to reducing CO2 in materials transformation. In addition to pioneering
advances in carbon-neutral technologies since its establishment, I2CNER is working tocreate a new research domain that merges concepts from cross-disciplinary fields such as
catalysis, electrochemistry and biochemistry for the purpose of attaining CO2 recirculation.
I2CNER is accelerating its effort to tackle challenges related to developing innovative
processes and materials, such as creating a synthesis method using NH3 in solar energy as acarrier for storing and transporting renewable energy, which has not been traditionallypursued.
As illustrated in Figure 1, I2CNER places focus on high-temperature electrolysis technology
for efficiently storing solar energy to hydrogen. On the other hand, high-temperatureelectrolysis enables high-efficiency not only in the electrolysis of CO2 but also in the coelectrolysis of CO2 and H2O. We are working to achieve resource recycling by leveraging
this high-efficiency, high-temperature electrolysis process. Subjecting the process tohydrogeneration, we are expanding it to fuel production. While traditionally addressing thecapturing of CO2 from the air, we are also considering the use of artificial photosynthesis
with a photocatalyst as the most effective means of recycling diluted CO2. We are focusing
on biocatalysts such as enzymes as effective catalysts, and expanding this research into new
domains.
With a slogan of “university that drives social change with integrative knowledge,” Kyushu
University has positioned itself as a green innovation hub in the fundamental fields of“decarbonization, medicine & health, and environment＆food.” Starting with thedevelopment of innovative technologies, the University makes policy recommendations onsuch things as building models for a decarbonized society, while cultivating highly skilledindividuals who can lead innovation. I2CNERs vision of a carbon-neutral energy societyaligns well with the strategy of the Kyushu University; it leverages the university’s strength
in the field of decarbonization, an area in which it is easy to obtain University’s support.

Figure 1, Research Areas Pursued by I2CNER

Publications in Top 1% Journal Percentiles

Figure 2, Evaluation of I2CNER’s Results

2. Key research areas
Since its establishment, I2CNER has been engaged in developing innovative crossdisciplinary technologies for the production, transport, and utilization of hydrogen, as well
as securing excellent researchers around the world and promoting brain circulation.
As shown in Figure 2, the center has achieved impactful results as a world-class research
center in the fields of hydrogen production and effective utilization, and innovative
conversion technologies of materials. However, with the rapid spread of renewable energy
and with the emergence of new situations related to energy, such as output control inrenewable energy sources like solar power, designing models for the comprehensive use ofenergy in energy-usage systems, including for the effective use of energy, has become
critical. On the other hand, it is impossible to build a society based on only renewableenergy. As is currently the case with oil and natural gas, there is a need to address issues
related to the storage, transport and utilization of renewable energy on a global scale. This
necessitates the transport of substances such as green hydrogen produced using renewableenergy or hydrogen-storage media such as methanol or ammonia, which are created byfurther reacting green hydrogen with carbon or nitrogen. For such substancetransformation, I2CNER is working on consolidating a wide range of expertise acrossdisciplines such as physiochemistry, catalysis chemistry, electrochemistry, mechanicalengineering, materials science, earth science, and biochemistry in its work to generateinnovative processes.
3. Research overview
I2CNER’s approach to achieving a carbon-neutral energy society involves creating a new
domain that integrates chemistry, physics, materials science, mechanics, earth sciences andbiochemistry with a focus on interface phenomena between substances. In other words, byscientifically integrating information across various time and spatial scales, from the atomic
level to the global macro scale, we are working to spur the advancement of interdisciplinary
research across a wide spectrum of related fields. This is a global challenge, and to tackle it,
we will need to accelerate international brain circulation while further developing our centeras a global leader in carbon neutralization. I2CNER’s goal is to achieve an environmentally
harmonious and sustainable carbon-neutral energy society. To address global warming anddevelop alternative energy systems to fossil fuels, we have established and are advancing
research on the following themes.
1) Producing hydrogen through artificial photosynthesis, such as photocatalytic water
splitting—Aimed at producing green hydrogen

2) Producing hydrogen-compatible structural materials—Aimed at designing a safe andreliable hydrogen society infrastructure3) Producing next-generation fuel cell materials—Aimed at establishing foundational
principles for high-energy conversion and creating new devices4) Elucidating fundamental thermal properties and heat-transfer characteristics of highpressure environments such as hydrogen and CO2 (e.g., 100Mpa)—Aimed at
elucidating interactions between hydrogen and substances under a wide range oftemperature and pressure conditions and also at the stability of supercritical CO25) Conducting advanced chemical conversion and catalysis—Aimed at establishingsubstance-conversion methods that do not generate waste6) Establishing advanced CO2 separation and concentration processes—Aimed atdeveloping efficient CO2 separation and concentration technologies
7) Investigating CO2 subsurface storage and stability—Aimed at elucidating the behavior of
CO2 in the subsurface and its stability in tri-phase coexistence with rocks and water
8) Analyzing and designing energy-utilization methods—Aimed at establishing a carbonneutral society
In addition to these themes, we are strengthening our research on the following initiatives in
response to current changes in the energy environment and society.
9) Developing high-efficiency solar cells and luminescent materials—Aimed at attaining
efficient energy conversion of solar power and developing low-power luminescentdevices10) Developing advanced CO2 conversion technologies—Aimed at chemical storage ofgreen hydrogen through synthesis of green fuels
11) Synthesizing NH3 as a hydrogen carrier under mild conditions—Aimed at hydrogentransport through the nitrogen cycle
By fusing theories and sciences in the field of machine learning and using materials
informatics, we are accelerating research in addressing these themes.
4. I2CNER’s organization and its collaborations with affiliated organizations
I2CNER’s organization and its collaborations with affiliated organizations are illustrated in
Figure 3, which depicts the center’s operational framework. I2CNER is structured into threeresearch clusters or ‘Thrusts’ for each research theme with researchers belonging to threeinterdisciplinary thrusts. This setup facilitates the generation of innovative science andtechnology by advancing research in interdisciplinary knowledge domains. The units are as
follows:
1) Advanced Energy Materials

Based on new sciences of surface, interface and microstructure for the use of hydrogen,water and CO2, this thrust works to develop molecular, nano, and structural materials. It alsoachieves material circulation as a hydrogen carrier.
2) Advanced Energy Conversion Systems
This thrust conducts research on energy conversion and systems with a focus on reducing
CO2 emissions and improving energy efficiency
3) Multiscale Science and Engineering for Energy and the Environment In transitioning
from a society centered on fossil fuels to a carbon-neutral one, this thrust comprehensively
considers and addresses various-scale challenges facing Japan and the world.
In these fields, we are introducing machine-design methods as a new approach to enhancing
research efficiency. Concurrently, we are restructuring our External Advisory Committee
into a Senior Advisory Committee to provide guidance to the center and advice on new
research directions. In addition, to further strengthen international collaboration and brain
circulation, we have established the Platform for International Collaborations andPartnerships and will facilitate the employment of outstanding young talents from aroundthe world and to promote exchange with internationally renowned researchers. Moreover,
we have established the Platform for Societal Implementation and Industrial Collaborationto accelerate the societal implementation of our research results and to promotecollaborative research with domestic and international industries. In particular, we haveestablished a comprehensive partnership with Mitsui Chemical Inc.— Mitsui Chemical Inc.Carbon Neutral Research Center (MCI-CNRC) with the aims of promoting the societal
implementation of carbon-neutral technologies, quickly disseminating our research results
to society, and advancing the center’s research from the vantage point of its societal
implementation.
We established the Center for Energy Systems Design (CESD) to promote the circulation oftalented researchers and boost collaboration with I2CNER’s surrounding research
institutions. Currently, CESD is carrying joint research activities with six domestic research
institutions: Hokkaido University, Tohoku University, Tokyo Institute of Technology,
RIKEN, National Institute of Materials Science, and Kumamoto University. It isstrengthening domestic center collaborations not only through joint research but also via
initiatives to foster young, multidisciplinary researchers. As we continue our satellite
partnership with the University of Illinois, we are advancing international joint researchwith European institutions engaged in energy and materials research, while promotinginternational brain circulation with them by inviting their researchers to our center andsending ours to theirs.

Figure 3, I2CNER Organizational Structure
5. Concluding Remarks
As part of I2CNER’s current reorganization, we are drawing upon our achievements inresearch and management over the past 13 years to further ensure the center’ssustainability. In reorganizing our team of PIs, we are placing expanded emphasis on
advancing fields of chemistry, most particularly on chemical conversion of CO2 into useful
substances and on synthesis of NH3 under mild conditions, both of which will be ofincreasing future importance. Expanding research in these fields is considered not only
important but also essential to realizing a renewable energy-driven carbon-neutral society inthe future. I2CNER will carry out its operations at the highest world scientific level, as
judged and promoted via rigorous evaluations conducted by leading domestic andinternational experts. To maintain and elevate I2CNER’s status, we are reorganizing ourExternal Advisory Committee into a Senior Advisory Committee, which will convene once a
year to provide the center advice on its plans, results and other matters. It’s our strong
expectation that the innovative scientific discoveries and research advances to be achievedby I2CNER will contribute significantly to the realization of the widely hoped-for carbonneutral energy society of the future.