The following release was issued jointly by Tosoh Corporation and Japan Carlit Co., Ltd.
Tokyo, Japan—A research and development (R&D) proposal jointly submitted by Tosoh Corporation, Japan Carlit Co., Ltd., and the National Institute of Physical and Chemical Research (RIKEN) was recently selected by Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO). The proposal of the “operation, manufacturing, and large-scale development of manganese oxide oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts for water electrolysis,” was in response to a public invitation for tendering by NEDO for “Collaborative Industry-Academia-Government R&D Project for Solving Common Challenges Toward Dramatically Expanded Use of Fuel Cells and Related Equipment (Project No. JPNP20003) / Technology Development for Advancement of Hydrogen Utilization.” Our project will be commissioned from June 2023 through March 2025.
About the R&D
The R&D proposal adopted by NEDO concerns a new catalyst (iridium-containing manganese oxide) for the production of "green hydrogen," which is attracting attention as an energy source for a decarbonized society. This project will develop an industrially viable production method for iridium-containing manganese oxides, an optimal operation method for water electrolysis, and technologies for larger-scale electrolysis equipment, thereby establishing the technological foundation necessary for commercialization.
Demand for green hydrogen is expected to increase in the future, but there have been concerns about the scarcity of the rare metal iridium which is used as a catalyst for water electrolysis. Iridium-containing manganese oxides are expected to be a solution to iridium scarcity because they exhibit high catalytic activity even with small amounts of iridium.
Roles
Tosoh Corporation: Production method for iridium-containing manganese oxides
Japan Carlit Co., Ltd.: Design, prototyping, and evaluation of electrolysis equipment (cells)
RIKEN: Catalyst evaluation and analysis
Iridium-containing Manganese Oxides
Iridium-containing manganese oxide is a new catalyst developed for efficient water electrolysis, discovered in a previous NEDO-sponsored R&D project focusing on “Advancement of Hydrogen Technologies and Utilization Project / Degradation analysis and stabilization improvement of polymer membrane water electrolyzer with non-precious metal catalyst under fluctuating power source” (Initial commission: RIKEN, Secondary commission: Tosoh Corporation, Japan Carlit Co., Ltd., Brother Industries, Ltd.). The advanced combination of relatively inexpensive manganese oxide and a small amount of iridium is characterized by lower cost, higher activity, and higher durability than conventional iridium catalysts.
Water Electrolysis and Green Hydrogen
Electrolysis of inexpensive water to obtain hydrogen and oxygen is called "water electrolysis.” Hydrogen is expected to be a valuable next-generation energy source for use in technology such as fuel-cell vehicles. Hydrogen produced through electrolysis using renewable energy sources such as solar power and wind power is commonly referred to as "green hydrogen." Since hydrogen can be produced without producing CO2 as a byproduct during electrolysis, this technology is a focus of research and development towards realizing a carbon-neutral society.
Fig: Green Hydrogen
TOSOH CORPORATION
Who We Are
Tosoh Corporation is the parent of the Tosoh Group, which comprises over 100 companies worldwide and a multiethnic workforce of over 14,000 people. It generated net sales of ¥1,064.4 billion (US$7.9 billion at the average rate of ¥135.5 to the US dollar) in fiscal 2023, ended March 31, 2023.
What We Do
Tosoh is one of the largest chlor-alkali manufacturers in Asia. The company supplies the plastic resins and an array of the basic chemicals that support modern life. Tosoh’s petrochemical operations supply ethylene, polyethylene, and functional polymers, while its advanced materials business serves the global semiconductor, display, and solar industries. Tosoh has also pioneered sophisticated bioscience systems that are used for the monitoring of life-threatening diseases. In addition, Tosoh demonstrates its commitment to a sustainable future in part by manufacturing a variety of eco-products.
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DISCLAIMER
This document may contain forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements concerning product development, objectives, goals, and commercial introductions, which involve certain risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements are identified through the use of the word anticipates and other words of similar meaning. Actual results may differ significantly from the results expressed in forward-looking statements.