Research Groups

Methane Hydrate Production Technology Group

To realize to enhance productivity and recovery ratio of natural gas production from natural methane hydrate reservoir, we develop in situ pressurized methane hydrate-bearing sediment core analysis tools (PNATs) for natural methane hydrate-bearing sediment, and assess their properties. In addition, we are collaborating other research institutes to obtain a highly reliable reservoir model for commercial natural gas production.
Since gas hydrates have high gas involvement ability and high latent heat, we also explore industrial applications of gas hydrates as novel natural gas transportation media and heat accumulation materials.

Keywords : Natural methane hydrate-bearing sediment, Carbon resource, in situ analysis, Gas hydrate

a)		b)		c)
		a) Pressurized natural hydrate-bearing sediment core sample (Nankai trough) via PNATs system b) Core sample vessels c) In situ analysis apparatus for Hydro-mechanical properties

Methane Hydrate Development System Group

One of our research targets is the production methods of methane gas from subsea methane hydrates (MHs) around Japan. The methane obtained from the MH can be used also as a future hydrogen source. The other main research theme is feasibility study of CCS (Carbon dioxide Capture and Storage) using the MH reservoirs. We study gas production technologies from MH within sandy sediments. We analyze the unconsolidated sediments of MH reservoirs to develop the models for thermal conditions and flow assurance in the gas production systems of the depressurization method in order to enhance gas production. Since 2019 we develop essential technologies/methods of gas production from the bulky MH within shallow marine sediments. Our research for clathrate hydrates covers technologies for various industrial applications such as heat storage, gas separation/transportation/storage and CCS. We are investigating physical properties of gas hydrates in micro-scale to field-scale based on crystallography, geology, and thermodynamics.

Keywords : Unconventional energy, Methane hydrate resource development, Industrial application of clathrate hydrates, Exploration of innovative physical properties, Semiclathrate hydrates, Crystal structure and growth

Methane gas productivity improvement		Internal flow pattern prediction Investigation for inhibitors MH/ice formation behavior Thermal property, skin formation
		Nucleation-coagulation-agglomeration processes of MH shells

Crystalization using unidirectional growth apparatus		Semiclathrate hydrates Crystal engineering Cool energy storage Gas separation
		Crystal structure of semiclathrate and clathrate hydrates

Hydrocarbon Resources Conversion Group

We conduct researches about analytical technologies and process design technologies for effective conversion of hydrocarbon resources, such as biomass, wastes, petroleum, and coal, which are complex mixture of various kinds of hydrocarbon molecules. Our detailed analytical technologies clarify the mechanism of phenomena and help to develop novel conversion processes. Our process design technologies optimize the whole system of conversion processes in nano/micro/macro scales: molecular reaction/reactor/process/society/environment.

Keywords : Hydrocarbon resource, biomass, wastes, petroleum, coal, asphaltene, coke, molecular structure analysis, process analysis, pretreatment, extraction, pyrolysis, gasification, catalytic cracking, fouling

Development of effective conversion way using various analytical technologies Total optimization technology for effective conversion process

Energy Conversion Process Group

To realize a sustainable low-carbon society, energy conversion process group engages in comprehensive research activities on development of new technologies for clean and efficient usage of conventional hydrocarbon resources such as coal and natural gas. In addition, research works for the novel CCU (Carbon Capture and Utilization) process which can convert CO2 to fuel, syngas or valuable chemicals in conjunction with electricity/hydrogen derived from renewable energy producing syngas or chemicals. We deploy energetic research activities on the innovative thermo-chemical or electrochemical energy/material conversion processes, based on the fluidized bed technology, catalytic chemistry, gasification/pyrolysis technology and electrochemical device technology.

Keywords : Fossil fuels, Renewable energy, Hydrogen, CO₂ utilization, Chemical Conversion Process

Circulating fluidized bed gasifier		Automated catalyst evaluation system
SOFC/SOEC durability & reliability testing reactor		High-pressure catalyst-evaluation system

Energy Conversion Materials Group

Social implementation of various innovative technologies is urgently required under the “Green Growth Strategy through Achieving Carbon Neutrality in 2050 (METI, Japan)”. We are conducting research and development on the related technologies with Green Growth Strategy. Specifically, highly effective PtoGas technology combined with co-electrolysis and fuel synthesis reaction, direct electrolysis of CO₂ to solid carbon and O₂ in high-temperature molten salts, and hydrogen reduction of iron ores by circulating fluidized bed etc. are being developed through internal/external cooperation.

Keywords : Fuel synthesis via co-electrolysis, Direct CO₂ electrolysis and Co-produced carbon material, Hydrogen reduction iron-making

Direct electrolysis of CO2 to solid carbon and oxygen gas in high-temperature molten salts		Utilization of Circulating Fluidized Bed (CFB)
		Application of CFB to hydrogen reduction of iron ores toward zero-carbon steel manufacturing

Fuel synthesis via co-electrolysis (SOEC methanation etc.)
Combined technologies of “CO and H2 syngas production via co-electrolysis reaction of CO2 and H2O using ceramic SOEC cell” and “Fuel synthesis reaction” utilizing renewable energy

Energy Catalyst Technology Group

To realize a low-carbon society, our group aims to develop advanced catalysts combined with chemical reaction engineering and electrochemistry for extensive utilization of renewable energy and unused energy resources, which would contribute to the carbon dioxide capture and utilization, and hence reduce CO2 emission and global warming. Currently, we are developing new catalysts and composite materials for many kinds of chemical reaction systems, which can efficient and cost-effective produce energy carriers, fine chemicals and fuels such as ammonia, methane, light hydrocarbons functional organic compounds and biofuels using renewable hydrogen, biomass and recyclable CO2 as feedstocks. We are also studying on new chemical engineering and reaction system, which can utilize renewable electricity for the purpose as aforementioned.

Keywords : Catalysts, Electrochemical Catalysis, Carbon dioxide Capture and Utilization, Hydrogen・Energy Carriers, Methane, Biofuel

Hydrogen Industrial Use and Storage Group

To promote reliable and economical Hydrogen Society, we are developing highly durable high-capacity metal hydrides for hydrogen storage systems. In addition, based on the characteristics of metal hydrides, deeply understood through our fundamental studies using in-situ testing apparatuses, we are working on supplementary functionalities such as thermochemical hydrogen compressors and hydrogen purification.

Keywords : Hydrogen storage, hydrogen compression, FCV, H2 refueling station

Hitachi Zosen - AIST Collaborative Research Laboratory for Sustainable Green Energy Production