Surface Hydrogen Engineering: Utilization of Spillover Hydrogen and Verification of Quantum Tunneling Effect

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project Area: Surface hydrogen engineering: Utilization of spillover hydrogen and verification of quantum tunneling effect
• Project/Area Number: 21H05098
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Transformative Research Areas (B)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Review Section: Transformative Research Areas, Section (II)
• Research Institution: Osaka University
• Principal Investigator: Mori Kohsuke 大阪大学, 大学院工学研究科, 准教授 (90423087)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 吉田 秀人 大阪大学, 産業科学研究所, 准教授 (00452425)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-08-23 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: スピルオーバー / 水素拡散 / 特殊合金ナノ粒子 / 量子トンネル効果

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The full scope of the “hydrogen spillover'” phenomenon, which has been known for a long time in the field of catalysts, has not yet been elucidated, and its use is extremely limited. In this research, we aim to establish a theory (surface hydrogen engineering) for making full use of high-density and highly active spillover hydrogen that moves at high speed on solid surfaces, and to develop innovative application fields, elucidation of controlling factors and application to synthesis of special alloy nanoparticles was investigated for the first time. In addition, by experimentally verifying the contribution of “quantum tunneling'”, in which chemical reactions proceed through potential barriers without following classical thermodynamics, we will identify the factors that cause it and demonstrate the possibility of reaction control.

Free Research Field

触媒科学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究成果で得られた知見は全くの未知であり学術的価値は極めて高く、環境、エネルギーを指向した新しい魅力ある研究分野を創成できる。また、『水素スピル―オーバー』の利用による新しい材料の開発は、既存プロセスの高効率化・省エネ化・低コスト化を実現する可能性を秘め、先進的なマテリアルサイエンス分野へも多大な波及効果をもたらす。さらに、『制御因子の解明』に関する成果は新たな研究分野の創出が期待でき、学術的な波及効果は極めて高い。また、近い将来実現されうる水素社会のさらにその先を見据えた次世代水素社会のキーテクノロジーとなる。