Energy Revolution with Carbon Material: Fuel Cells to Create a Hydrogen Society without Resource Depletion
#DeepTech Prize
Profile
Kenji Hayashida
Since my undergraduate studies, I have been researching fuel cell devices that generate electricity without emitting CO2. Fuel cells are also powered by hydrogen from water and oxygen from the air. My goal is to enhance the performance of fuel cells using cost-effective materials.
While reducing CO2 emissions is a critical global issue, the depletion of fossil fuels is another pressing challenge. Energy shortages not only contribute to poverty but can also lead to conflict over resources. I am committed to addressing this problem so that, 30 years from now, we can build a society free from the harm of resource depletion—a culture where everyone can thrive.
What do you hope to accomplish through your research?
My goal is to create a clean, depletion-free energy system that utilizes hydrogen generated from renewable energy sources. Fuel cells, which generate electricity from hydrogen and oxygen, are key to achieving this vision.
A material called “catalyst” is essential for fuel cells. The performance of this catalyst determines the power of the fuel cell. Currently, platinum is used as the catalyst, but its high cost - about 1 million yen - hinders the widespread adoption of fuel cells. To address this issue, I am developing a new carbon-based catalyst that is 1/300th the cost of platinum and more durable.
By 2030, hydrogen is expected to become cheaper than gasoline, reducing fuel costs for logistics, public transportation, and private vehicles. This shift will significantly improve our quality of life.
Through this research, I aim to drive a new energy revolution powered by hydrogen that will never run out. My ultimate goal is to build a society that thrives on sustainable energy and continues to develop over the next 30 years.
What approach are you trying to achieve?
We are investigating the causes of activity loss to enhance catalytic performance. By applying these insights to catalyst design, we aim to develop high-performance carbon catalysts. Performance can be extracted by replacing elements such as nitrogen and phosphorus with some carbon atoms.
Unlike the traditional “trial-and-error” method, our approach is guided by fundamental principles using surface science data. This strategy enables us to design catalysts that are not only highly active but also suitable for mass production.
The power output of a fuel cell is determined by “voltage × current.” In this project, the two teams share the task of obtaining “high voltage” and “high current” respectively. By doing so, we achieve a high-performance catalyst design that integrates the results of both.
After developing the catalyst, we will outsource the manufacturing of the catalyst to a company that currently purchases the raw materials. This integration of the catalyst into fuel cell devices will also be outsourced, thereby streamlining the manufacturing process. Finally, we will sell the catalysts directly to fuel cell manufacturers, accelerating the adoption of affordable, high-performance carbon catalysts in the market.
What is the research topic you will conduct for this project?
Achieving both high voltage and high current in fuel cells requires addressing multiple challenges simultaneously. To overcome this challenge, we are developing a high-performance carbon catalyst for practical use by integrating two research efforts:
1) Elucidation of the relationship between the strength of adsorption of oxygen molecules and catalytic performance (Voltage)
Catalyst performance is influenced by the strength of oxygen molecule adsorption, but it is not fully understood what microstructure affects the strength of adsorption and performance. Therefore, using surface science techniques, we analyze microstructures and energy levels to identify how they affect oxygen adsorption and catalytic performance. This research will clarify the key factors necessary for improving catalytic performance and realizing high-performance catalyst design at the atomic level.
2. Enhancing Catalytic Performance by Optimizing Macrostructure (Current)
Based on the results of 1, we will optimize the catalyst's microstructure and refine its macrostructure to boost power generation. A challenge with carbon catalysts is insufficient current. This is due to the inhibition of reactant migration inside the catalyst. By combining performance measurements and spectroscopic analysis, we aim to experimentally uncover the mechanism of reactant migration. Based on these insights, we will establish macrostructure design guidelines to improve current output and overall fuel cell efficiency.
Request for Research Funding Support
As fossil fuels deplete and the urgency for carbon neutrality grows, a hydrogen-based energy revolution is essential. However, the widespread use of platinum in fuel cells is limited by its high cost and scarcity of resources. To ensure a sustainable energy future, it is essential to substitute carbon materials, which are inexpensive and resource efficient.
This project aims to achieve the first energy revolution since petroleum with hydrogen fuel. Our research aims to establish a sustainable energy cycle by integrating renewable energy and fuel cell technology.
Your support will fund critical practical tests measurements and market research. These efforts will identify specific performance requirements for a marketable catalyst, and practical test measurements will identify elements that are missing for widespread use of the current catalyst. These studies and our research results will result in high-performance, low-cost carbon catalysts.
For resource-poor countries, creating a sustainable energy environment is a critical priority. We kindly ask for your support in our efforts to address the common energy challenges faced by the world.
Recommender's comment
Kotaro Takeyasu
Mr. Hayashida has been passionately researching platinum-free catalysts for fuel cells and has successfully developed innovative solutions to address the high-cost issue through academic studies on catalytic mechanisms. He is now dedicated to developing fuel cell devices for practical implementation. I am confident that his efforts will lead to a breakthrough in the adoption of next-generation clean energy. I kindly ask for your support in this important endeavor.
Junji Nakamura
Climate change poses a serious threat to life on Earth, yet progress in reducing CO2 emissions remains insufficient. Fuel cells are crucial for achieving carbon neutrality, but their high cost presents a significant challenge. Developing low-cost alternatives to platinum catalysts is an urgent priority. Advancing basic research is key to the practical application of promising carbon catalysts. I place great hope in the bold efforts of the younger generation to lead this innovation.
Project timeline
| Date | Plans |
|---|---|
| April 2025 | Market Research: Analyzing competitive pricing. |
| May 2025 | Power Generation Testing: Assessing the current catalysts through commissioned measurements. |
| September 2025 | Collaboration with a German Group: Working together to develop a high-performance carbon catalyst. |
| September 2026 | Completion of low-cost, high-performance carbon catalysts |
| October 2026 | Performance Verification: Confirming and fine-tuning performance through power generation tests |
| April 2028 | Commercialization: Launching carbon catalysts on the market |
Pledge Rewards
I will express our gratitude for your support by sending you a thank you email.
This is planned for March 2026.
Thank You Message
Support this project2 supporters are supporting with this reward. （No quantity limit）
Your name is featured in the acknowledgements section of my doctoral dissertation.This dissertation is accessible at the National Diet Library among other venues. This acknowledgment is scheduled for March 2026.
Thank You Message / Acknowledgement in Doctoral Dissertation
scheduled date details
| return | scheduled date |
|---|---|
| 博士論文の謝辞にお名前掲載 | March, 2026 |
5 supporters are supporting with this reward. （No quantity limit）
Your name is included in the acknowledgments of a research report that will be submitted to the academist Journal.
This acknowledgment is also planned for March 2026.
Thank You Message / Acknowledgement in Doctoral Dissertation / Acknowledgement in Research Report
scheduled date details
| return | scheduled date |
|---|---|
| 博士論文の謝辞にお名前掲載 | March, 2026 |
| 研究報告レポートにお名前掲載 | March, 2026 |
4 supporters are supporting with this reward. （No quantity limit）
You are invited to join an online science café where I will discuss this project.
This event is scheduled for July 2025.
Thank You Message / Acknowledgement in Doctoral Dissertation / Acknowledgement in Research Report / Online Science Café
scheduled date details
| return | scheduled date |
|---|---|
| 博士論文の謝辞にお名前掲載 | March, 2026 |
| 研究報告レポートにお名前掲載 | March, 2026 |
| オンラインサイエンスカフェ | July, 2025 |
0 supporters are supporting with this reward. （No quantity limit）
When this research is published in a scholarly paper, I include your name in the acknowledgements.
Thank You Message / Acknowledgement in Doctoral Dissertation / Acknowledgement in Research Report / Online Science Café / Acknowledgement in Research Paper
scheduled date details
| return | scheduled date |
|---|---|
| 博士論文の謝辞にお名前掲載 | March, 2026 |
| 研究報告レポートにお名前掲載 | March, 2026 |
| オンラインサイエンスカフェ | July, 2025 |
2 supporters are supporting with this reward. （No quantity limit）
You are welcome to visit our laboratory at Hokkaido University for a public tour.
This return implementation is scheduled for August of 2025.
*Travel expenses to Hokkaido University will be at your own expense.
Thank You Message / Acknowledgement in Doctoral Dissertation / Acknowledgement in Research Report / Online Science Café / Acknowledgement in Research Paper / Laboratory Tours
scheduled date details
| return | scheduled date |
|---|---|
| 博士論文の謝辞にお名前掲載 | March, 2026 |
| 研究報告レポートにお名前掲載 | March, 2026 |
| オンラインサイエンスカフェ | July, 2025 |
2 supporters are supporting with this reward. （No quantity limit）
I offer opportunities for individual discussions about this research. Details and dates will be arranged individually.
Thank You Message / Acknowledgement in Doctoral Dissertation / Acknowledgement in Research Report / Online Science Café / Acknowledgement in Research Paper / Laboratory Tours / Individual Discussion
scheduled date details
| return | scheduled date |
|---|---|
| 博士論文の謝辞にお名前掲載 | March, 2026 |
| 研究報告レポートにお名前掲載 | March, 2026 |
| オンラインサイエンスカフェ | July, 2025 |
0 supporters are supporting with this reward. （No quantity limit）
I provide on-site lectures for junior and senior high school students, sharing my experiences with science and the advantages of pursuing a doctoral program. Specific details and dates will be arranged on an individual basis.
Please note that accommodation and transportation fees are not included.
Thank You Message / Acknowledgement in Doctoral Dissertation / Acknowledgement in Research Report / Online Science Café / Acknowledgement in Research Paper / Laboratory Tours / On-site lectures (for junior high and high school students)
scheduled date details
| return | scheduled date |
|---|---|
| 博士論文の謝辞にお名前掲載 | March, 2026 |
| 研究報告レポートにお名前掲載 | March, 2026 |
| オンラインサイエンスカフェ | July, 2025 |
0 supporters are supporting with this reward. （Limited to 2）
I provide on-site lectures about this research. Specific details and dates will be determined case-by-case.
Please note that accommodation and transportation fees are not included.
Thank You Message / Acknowledgement in Doctoral Dissertation / Acknowledgement in Research Report / Online Science Café / Acknowledgement in Research Paper / Laboratory Tours / On-site lectures (for research content)
scheduled date details
| return | scheduled date |
|---|---|
| 博士論文の謝辞にお名前掲載 | March, 2026 |
| 研究報告レポートにお名前掲載 | March, 2026 |
| オンラインサイエンスカフェ | July, 2025 |
0 supporters are supporting with this reward. （Limited to 2）
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Acknowledgement in Doctoral Dissertation and others
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Acknowledgement in Research Report and others
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Acknowledgement in Research Paper and others
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On-site lectures (for junior high and high school students) and others
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On-site lectures (for research content) and others
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academist Prize 2nd adopted
