4

Third year atKasumigaoka High School

Takaharu YOSHIDA

Third year atKasumigaoka High School

Natsuko ARAI

Third year atKasumigaoka High School

Hidehiro TAKEMOTO

Thermophysical Properties Division, Lead Principal Investigator, I2CNER

Prof. Yasuyuki TAKATA

CO2 Separation and Concentration Division, Lead Principal Investigator, I2CNER

Prof. Masaki MINEMOTO

Third year atKasumigaoka High School

Ami KAMIOKA

The World Premier International Research Center Initiative (WPI) is a project that was launched by the Ministry of Education,

Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) in 2007. The WPI seeks to form an ideal research environment within visible

research centers that maintain high research standards, where leading researchers will be attracted from all over the world.

Refer to :MEXT Website http://www.mext.go.jp/english/research_promotion/1303822.htmJSPS Website http://www.jsps.go.jp/english/e-toplevel/index.html

Hello! I2CNER vol.4 May 2012I²CNER holds a variety of events.For details, please see ➡ http://i2cner.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/results/seminar.php (I²CNER Event Information)

As a person engaged in publishing newsletters, I realize the importance of the expressions “ability to send out messages to the world” and “your own technology.” I will continue to strive to deliver useful information to our readers. We welcome your opinions and comments.

[Published by] International Institute for Carbon-Neutral Energy Research (I²CNER)I²CNER Administrative Office, 744, Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka CityFukuoka Prefecture, 819-0395 (Kyushu University Ito Campus)Tel. +81-(0)92-802-6935 Fax. +81-(0)92-802-6939E-mail: wpinewsletter@i2cner.kyushu-u.ac.jpURL: http://i2cner.kyushu-u.ac.jp

[Edit & Design] ISHIDA TAISEISHA Inc. [Photography] Osamu IRIE[Edit & Planning] I²CNER Administrative Office, Public Relations

(Mika HANAMURA, Sanae AITANI)

Editors’ Postscript

National Institute for Materials Science International Center for MaterialsNanoarchitectonics (MANA)

Kavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe (Kavli IPMU),Todai Institutes for Advanced Study, The University of Tokyo

Kyoto UniversityInstitute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (iCeMS)

Established to integrate the cell and material sciences, the iCeMS combines the potential power of stem cells (e.g., ES/iPS cells) and of mesoscopic sciences to benefit medicine, pharmaceutical studies, the environment, and industry.

An innovative research center, which pursues the goal of comprehensive understanding of immune reactions through the fusion of immunology, various imaging technologies, and Bioinformatics.

Osaka UniversityImmunology Frontier Research Center (IFReC)

Tohoku UniversityAdvanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR)

Integrating physics, chemistry, materials science, bioengineering, electronics and mechanical engineering, AIMR is striving to create innovative functional materials. A mathematical unit joined the team in 2011 to help establish a unified theory of materials science, aiming at the realization of a global materials research hub.

A major focus of our activities is the development of innovative materials on the basis of a new paradigm “nanoarchitectonics”, ground-breaking innovation in nanotechnology.

With accumulated research on mathematics, physics and astronomy, this research core works to bring light to the mysteries of the universe, such as its origin, and to provide an analysis of evolution.

Toward the realization of a low-carbon society, I2CNER aims to resolve the challenges of the use of hydrogen energy and CO2 capture and sequestration by fusing together sciences from atomic level to global scale.

Kyushu UniversityInternational Institute for Carbon-NeutralEnergy Research (I2CNER)

I am engaged in research on underground structures and changes in physical properties using geophysical exploration technology. Although it may sound unspectacular at first, my studies cover issues such as earthquakes and tsunamis, and even the structure of the moon. I would like to contribute to the realization of a sustainable society by using this comprehensive studying method in the areas of environmental resources, disaster prevention and space exploration. Recently, I have been working on reducing CO2 in the air by injecting it underground. This is my first experience of living in Fukuoka. There are many attractive places in Kyushu, and I am looking forward to visiting them. I want to energetically carry on with my research in this place blessed with nature, where I can feel close to the sea and mountains.

Masaaki SADAKIYO

I graduated from a doctoral course at Kyoto University last spring and then came to I2CNER. I am very excited about working in Fukuoka, and am enjoying the delicious seafood here. I am engaged in research on the development of new ion conductors and gas separation materials. An ion conductor is an important solid material which is used in solid electrolytes in fuel cells. Through the I2CNER project, I would like to create new materials that contribute as much as possible to society. On holidays, I like to spend time at home playing the guitar and the piano. I started marathon running last year to make up for my lack of exercise. I am hoping to finish with a better time this year than last year.

John DRUCE

The aim of my work at I2CNER will be to develop new materials to be used in devices that produce hydrogen to power fuel cells.Having lived in the UK all my life, moving to Japan will be a big change. I have always been fascinated with the country and culture of Japan, and so I am looking forward to the experience of living and working in such an amazing country.In my free time, I play soccer and go to the gym. When I was younger, I took judo classes for several years…although I haven’t been for a long time. I hope to take it up again whilst in Japan. My other big interest is music; I play guitar (and some piano), and enjoy going to see live bands when I can.

Arnaud MACADRE

After obtaining my PhD at Kyushu University, I was appointed to a post-doctoral position in I2CNER. I work on understanding the relationships between grain size of steel, fatigue phenomenon, and hydrogen, in order to develop stronger and safer steel structures to work in contact with hydrogen. My specialty in France was already the strength of materials, but I was focused on modeling. In Japan, I studied the necessary experimental methods. I have learned that failing can lead to important growth if you work on it.Since I am interested in Japanese culture, I started training in iaido in France, and of course I have continued with it here in Itoshima. I really enjoy the atmosphere of washitsu, and when I find time, I go to hot springs or baths.

Prof. Ping Chen(I²CNER Hydrogen Storage Division, Principal Investigator/Affiliated with Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences) Won the 8th China Youth Award for Women for Science

Takeshi TSUJI

Introduction of New Researchers

AssociateProfessor Carbon Capture and Storage

Post-doctoralResearch Associate Hydrogen Production Post-doctoral

Research Associate Hydrogen Structural Materials

AssistantProfessor Advanced Materials Transformations

What is WPI?

I2CNER Search

From Kyushu University to the world. Introducing research activities that will bring us to the realization of a carbon-neutral society. MAY 2012 Hello! I2CNER

I want to study at the Dept. of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science!

Takaharu YOSHIDA

ElectricaCompute

Takaha

High school students visit Prof. Minemoto and Prof. Takata of I2CNER.

What is a carbon-neutralsociety?

This is a society where CO2 emissionsgenerated by energy use are reduced to a minimum, and where a balance is achieved

between emissions and the amount absorbed and stored in the natural world.

I like chemistry andworld history!

Natsuko ARAI

I like chemistry!

Ami KAMIOKA

I can’t decide which departmentI should apply for, Mechanical andAerospace Engineering or Agriculture.

Hidehiro TAKEMOTO

Third year,Kasumigaoka High School

Third year,Kasumigaoka High School

Third year,Kasumigaoka High School

Third year,Kasumigaoka High School

Prof. MinemotoCO2 Separation and Concentration Division

Page 3

Prof. TakataThermophysical Properties Division

Page 5

Fuel CellsConducts research on next-generation fuel cells that can efficiently realize direct electr ici ty generation from hydrogen etc., and proposes new concepts to that effect. CO2

Collection

Reduction

Capture

Hydrogen Structural MaterialsInvestigates the mechanisms by which hydrogen is deleterious to the s t reng th o f me ta l s , and conducts research into materials that can handle hydrogen safely.

Hydrogen ProductionResearches a hydrogen production method with zero CO2 emissions that uses solar power.

Hydrogen

Production Storage Distribution Use

Carbon Capture and StorageStud ies s tab le methods o f storing (sequestering) separated and concentrated CO2 deep underground or under the sea.

Thermophysical PropertiesConducts research on the thermophysics of hydrogen and CO2 in various conditions, including high pressure behavior and heat conductive properties, and studies how heat is transmitted.

Clar

ifying

thepro

perties of hydrogen through data measurementCO2 Separation and Concentration

Studies inexpensive methods of ef f ic ient ly separat ing and concentrating CO2.

Aiming

athig

h-perf

orm

ance and low-cost CO2 separation and concentration

Hydrogen StorageConducts research on materials that can store hydrogen compactly and safely.

Advanced Materials TransformationsS t u d i e s g r e e n c h e m i c a l reactions that realize materials transformation without producing waste as a by-product.

Energy Analysis Energy Analysis of the relevance of I 2 C N E R r e s e a r c h f r o m S c i e n c e , Technology, and Time Scale viewpoints.

Intro

duci

ngth

eni

nere

sear

chdi

visi

on

s ofI²C

NER, who are engaged in cutting edge research to create a green and clean Carbon-Neutral societyfree

of CO

2 emissions.

Last September saw the launch of I2CNER’s 9th research division, the Energy Analysis Division.

Here, we introduce our two professors who are engaged in the energy industry in Japan and the USA.

It is vital for the Energy Analysis Division to have frank discussions with researchers.

After serving as director of Osaka Gas Co., Ltd. and Executive Advisor of the Council for Science and Technology Policy of the Cabinet Office, he assumed his present position, Standing Corporate Auditor of Gas and Power Co., Ltd.

Honda: The Energy Analysis Division plays the role of a catalyst for

I2CNER. I would like to manage things so that each research team can,

through discussions with researchers, point its vector toward the goal of

realizing a low-carbon society. To do so, we are considering supporting

cooperation with outside organizations.

I think another one of our roles is to analyze which meth-

ods are energy-efficient with minimal CO2 emissions,

clarify what technological challenges are needed for

us, and propose what we consider to be an optimal

energy system.

Let’s establish a sustainable energy system!

Honda: Hydrogen energy is a secondary energy, which is generated

from a primary energy, such as solar power and fossil fuels. There-

fore, a hydrogen society will not directly be a low-carbon society. It

will be necessary to use not only hydrogen energy, but also solar

and wind energy, in order to establish an energy system that can be

operated in an efficient and integrated manner.

Energy has become one of the most important issues in the world. Clean and sustainable energy is needed for the survival of the earth and humankind. For this reason, highly capable, talented individuals who will actively work in the energy field are in great demand.

How to be an analyst

After working for Monsanto Company (USA) and serving as Technology Development Manager for the Department of Energy (DOE), USA, he now serves as an independent consultant for hydrogen and fuel cell projects, and biomass projects of the DOE.

Message toYoung People

Paster: It is a goal of the Energy Analysis Division to deepen under-

standing of sustainable energy. Specifically, we need to analyze the

technological challenges involved in successfully reducing green-

house gasses and energy consumption in an economical and

comprehensive manner.

Although it takes time to see results, I think it is our role to thoroughly

discuss these issues with researchers, deepen their understanding,

identify problems, and direct research in the correct direction. We

would like I2CNER researchers to utilize the results of our analysis to

achieve the best potential research outcomes.

Honda: For the energy field, I hope we will have people who take a

social science approach, for example. Specifically, regarding the

Energy Analysis Division of I2CNER, a wide-ranging knowledge of

energy, and the communication skills needed to

effectively discuss these issues with researchers and

summarize multiple research results are required.

Paster: In this field, many people become analysts after studying chemi-

cal engineering, mechanical engineering, and economics. The reason

for this is that students can learn basic analysis while studying these

fields. I would rather see students acquire basic knowledge at university

first, and then accumulate the experience needed to be an analyst.

Prof. Kuniaki HONDA, WPI Professor (Japan)

Prof. Mark PASTER, WPI Visiting Professor (USA)

Paster: When I first started working in the hydrogen fuel cell field, I

never imagined that hydrogen would be a key to solving our energy

issues. However, among the various energy sources, such as solar

and wind power, hydrogen energy has become an important factor

with great potential. We need to integrate sustainable energies so

that we can cope with whatever conditions arise.

Toward the realization of a low-carbon society!

CO2 Separation and Concentration Division, Prof. Masaki MINEMOTOInternational Institute for Carbon-Neutral Energy Research (I2CNER), Kyushu UniversityLead Principal Investigator,

Minemoto Matsukuma Nice to meet you, every-

one. Now, I have a question for you. How do you think

we can decrease CO2？

Yoshida Use natural power for power

generation.

Kamioka Drive less.

Minemoto Matsukuma

Yes, there are many ways to

decrease CO2, and it is very important to do it synthetically.

Minemoto Matsukuma The CO2 Separation and Concen-

tration Division is working on research under the following

themes to reduce CO2 emissions, which cause climate change.

- Collection of emitted CO2

2- Collection and use of fuels with fewer CO2 emissions

(methane hydrate)

- Extraction of more energy from less fuel

Today, we will introduce you to the first two themes of

research.

Minemoto Matsukuma Our first research theme

is the collection of emitted CO2. Much of the energy

used in our l i fe is generated at power plants, and a

large amount of CO2 is emitted into the air. For example,

of gas which is discharged from a thermal power

p lan t w i th a genera t ing capac i t y o f m i l l i on kW

amounts to 2. million m per hour is CO2. This amount

could fi l l the Fukuoka Yahoo! JAPAN Dome within

hours. We developed a device to separate and collect

the CO2 emitted from power plants and other sources,

using CO2 adsorbents.

Minemoto Matsukuma Our lab is engaged in

researching CO2 collection using a honeycomb structure.

Using adsorbents with the honeycomb structure makes it

possible to decrease losses due to pressure and to treat

a large volume of gas. When we stuff this adsorbent into

a cylindrical rotor and run emission gases through it by

alternately repeating cooling and heating processes

while it rotates, only CO2 is absorbed and removed.

Minemoto Matsukuma The second research theme

regards the recovery of fuels that result in fewer CO2

emissions. Have you ever heard of methane hydrate

All No.

Minemoto Matsukuma Methane hydrate is a

material that looks like sherbet, which is made by a combi-

nation of methane and water molecules produced in low

temperature and high pressure conditions. We know that

methane hydrate is plentiful under the ocean floor around

Japan, and it has been attracting a lot of attention as a

potential energy source in recent years. It is said that

there is enough methane hydrate to replace all current

natural gas usage for years. We are studying how to

recover this methane hydrate, which creates fewer CO2

emissions than oi l and

coal, and has much less

o f a n i m p a c t o n t h e

environment.

Minemoto Now, let’s take an actual look at an experi-

mental device. This device recovers methane hydrate

using the gas lift method. The plastic balls at the bottom

simulate methane hydrate.

Minemoto As methane hydrate exists in a solid state

under low temperature and high pressure conditions, it

is difficult to recover.

Takemoto How did you discover al l this methane

hydrate buried in the ocean floor

Minemoto Methane is made of dead animals and plants.

We found that there were bubbles coming from the ocean

floor and so we studied them. We learned they were

methane gas, which was the start of the discovery.

Arai How big wi l l the pipe put into the ocean f loor

actually be

Minemoto It will most likely be about ｍ in diameter.

Methane hydrate is produced at a pressure of more than

MPa. So we will put the pipe into the ocean floor at a

depth below m, and recover solid methane hydrate

while sucking out sea water at a speed of approximately

m sec. We are currently looking for a more efficient

method, and would like to achieve tangible results within

a few years. We originally expect to conduct this experi-

ment in Hakata ay. When we do, we will send you an

invitation.

Minemoto Research should be shared with other

people, as it is meaningless if you keep it to yourself.

Disseminating research results to the world and making

contributions to society are the ultimate goals of research.

In addition to physics, chemistry, and mathematics, it is

necessary to acquire expressive ability and an under-

standing of Japanese. We also have increasing opportuni-

ties to deliver presentations on research results overseas,

so you will certainly need English skills in the future, as

well. I think what you are studying now will be the founda-

tion of your studies at university, and will surely be useful.

I hope today’s experiences will give you ideas to think

about for your future. Make the most of your studies, and

have a meaningful high school life.

Let’s collect CO2!

Mechanism of Climate Change

How can we reduce CO2？

CO2 Separation and Concentration Division

The CO2 Separation and Concentration Division is working on the following research themes, using fluid dynamics to reduce CO2 emissions.

CO2 adsorbentMaterial that can absorb CO2 at low temperatures and release it at a high temperature.

In December, 99 , the Kyoto Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC was held, and Japan promised a reduction in the rate of greenhouse gas emissions by 2 .（This took effect in Feb. 2 ）

Honeycomb structureThis refers to a structure where regular hexagons or regular hexagonal prisms are arranged as a grid. Honeycomb describes the honey-filled grid built by bees.

otor-Shaped Honeycomb Type Adsorbent

ecovery of Methane Hydrate

What is a gas lift method?

Share our Ideas with the World!

CO2 S

The COfollowing

In Decwas herate of

Considering the environmentaland energy issues of tomorrow

❶Collection of emitted CO2

❷Collection and use of fuels with fewer CO2 emissions（methane hydrate）❸E traction of more energy from less fuel

CO2 Concentration Collection Device Using Honey Comb Type Adsorbent

Experimental Device forRecovering Methane Hydrateby Gas Lift Method

Conceptual Diagram of Gas Lift Methodurning

methane hydrate▶

In this method, we extend a pipe down to a methane hydrate reservoir under the ocean floor, inject gas into it to induce a rising flow, and suck out the methane hydrate.

Since the Industrial Revolution in the th century, humankind has burnt oil and coal for use as energy, and this has increased the level of greenhouse gasses such as CO2, methane, and chlorofluorocar-bon in our atmosphere. As greenhouse gases absorb infrared rays emitted from the earth’s surface, which normally would be released into space, the earth’s temperature increases, as it would in a green-house. Since the most prominent greenhouse gas is CO2, various efforts to decrease CO2 are being carried out worldwide.

Associate Prof. Yosuke MATS K MA(Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kyushu University)

To Pipe Line

500～3000m

Sea Surface

Recovery Tank (CH gas Separate System)

CH gas

Rising Flow

Gas Injection

Mechanical DisturbanceMachine

Methane Hydrate Reservoir

Ocean Floor

CompressorCompressor

［ reenhouse gas］It lets visible light to pass through, but absorbs infrared rays (heat).

Kyoto Protocol

Greenhousegas

EarthInfraredrays

Sea Land

Sunlight

Let’s go tothe lab!

researc

Takata Kyushu University has a hydrogen station

where hydrogen can be compressed to approximately

MPa, and then stored. Using this, we can fill a

hydrogen vehicle with hydrogen at approx. MPa.

The latest hydrogen vehicles can be filled with hydro-

gen at approx. MPa. The hydrogen gas spontane-

ously flows from high pressure to low pressure, and

so we need to store hydrogen at a much higher

pressure ( MPa) in the hydrogen tank from which

we deliver the hydrogen. y the way, do you now

understand the ideal-gas equation of state

All Yes, we do.

Takata Then, I have a question. ased on the

ideal-gas equation of state, when the temperature

is constant and the air pressure is t imes

greater than the atmospher ic pressure, what

fraction will the volume of hydrogen be reduced

to

All .

Takata That’s right! Except, actually, it will be

. The equation of state of real gas is much

more complex than that for an ideal gas. Real gas

has a molecular vo lume, a lbei t t iny, and the

intermolecular force is also a factor. If the tempera-

ture is too low or the pressure too high, th is

formula is no longer valid. Still, we need to have

hydrogen at high pressures to facilitate hydrogen

storage and transportation. So, we are trying to

make a new equation for the state of hydrogen by

measuring accurate data of real hydrogen in order

to design equipment that can handle it at high-

pressures. Our research will be an important key

to realizing a carbon-neutral society.

Takata We are conduct ing exper iments on

unknown hydrogen properties at high temperature

and high pressure conditions using state of the art

equipment in cooperation with AIST (National

Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Tech-

nology).

Sakoda For example, we have a device that can

measure up to MPa and ℃. MPa is

equivalent to the pressure on the ocean floor at a

depth of m. As high-pressure hydrogen

requires caut ion in handl ing, we conduct our

experiments by remote control from a monitoring

room to ensure safety.

Takata Although hydrogen itself is not dangerous,

it can be dangerous if it leaks, and so we have

installed a sensor on the ceiling just in case.

Arai Why is it dangerous if hydrogen leaks

Takata If hydrogen leaks, it mixes with oxygen in

the air, and when the ratio of hydrogen and oxygen

reaches a flammable combination, explosion can

occur. However, hydrogen is lighter than air, so it

tends to disperse upward, and only water is gener-

ated, even if it burns. Hydrogen has this image of

being highly flammable, but with proper use, it can

be a safely handled energy carrier. Our research is

essential in securing safety and trust.

Takata We are also studying viscosity and the

thermal conduction of hydrogen. Do you under-

stand viscosity

All What is it We have no idea.

Takata For example, frying oil is thick when put

into a pan, but it thins out as it is heated. In this

case, the higher temperature causes a decline in

oil viscosity.

Next, what is thermal conductivity When we dip a

stainless steel rod into hot water, how do we feel

Let’s do a quick experiment. Dip those two stain-

less steel rods into hot water.

Arai …… Hot!

Takata Which is hotter

Arai This one! It’s very hot!

Takata Only one of them got hot, right In fact,

water was trapped in the rod that got very hot, and

its pressure had been decreased so that it would

boil at ℃- ℃. It is based on the same principle

in which water boils at around ℃- ℃ on top of

Mt. Fuji. So when we put the rod into hot water,

the water inside boils and the steam rises to the

tip of the rod to cause condensation. The heat

emitted at this t ime makes the rod hotter. The

other rod has nothing inside, so it does not heat

so easily when it is dipped into hot water. In this

way, heat conduct iv i ty indicates how heat is

conducted. We are studying hydrogen properties

in a special environment at high pressures by

replacing such measurements with hydrogen. It is

important to measure accurate data of hydrogen

viscosity and thermal conductivity in order to design,

produce and use hydrogen vehicles and stations

safely and efficiently.

Takata Whatever future course you choose, it is impor-

tant to have your own original technology. Obtain

abilities that cannot easily be copied by other people.

Also, we now have more opportunities to communicate

with people abroad than ever before. Last year, seven

students from my lab attended international conferences

overseas and delivered presentations in English. I would

like you to work actively in the international arena.

Securing safety and trust!Making an e uation of state for hydrogen!

Success at the technological forefront of world!

What is the ideal-gas e uation of state ?

The ideal-gas e uation of state

Thermophysical Properties Division

This refers to an equation that indicates the state of an ideal gas, which is obtained from the combined gas law and Avogadro’s law.Setting P for pressure, for volume, n for mole number, R for gas constant and T for absolute temperature, the following equation is established.

❶Combined gas lawThe volume of a gas with a constant mass is inversely proportional to the pressure, but directly proportional to the absolute temperature.

❷Avogadoro’s lawAll kinds of gasses at the same temperature and pressure have the same number of gas molecules included when their volumes are the same.

❸ Ideal gas

This is a hypothetical gas whose gas molecules have no volume, nor intermolecular force. (Actual gas molecules have a volume, and an intermolecular force exists.)

Everyone,how was theinterview

Measurement of Viscosity and Thermal Conductivity

I learned that hydrogen penetrates various materials, and so I wondered if hydro-gen penetrates my body as well. It was very interesting and the time passed quickly.

After listening to today’s talks, I have become interested in the environ-ment. The Ito Campus is very beauti-ful and I thought it would be enjoyable if I could study at a place like this. It was a good experience for me today.

At university, they were conduct-ing so many detailed research experiments on heat and hydrogen, which were totally different from what we were familiar with. I feel like studying more at Kyushu University. I had an enjoyable day today.

It was the first time I have ever heard about Japan having a resou rce ca l l ed me thane hydrate. Now, I have a strong desire to enter Kyushu Univer-sity. I will keep studying hard.

gen als,

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Hidehiro Takemoto

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rom nano to macro, from low to high temperatures

Takaharu Yoshida

Ami Kamioka

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Oh, it’s hot !!

Natsuko Arai

Studying science means

reading textbooks earnestly

and trying to understand them.

Research Assistant Prof. Naoya SAKODA(International Research Center for Hydrogen Energy, Kyushu University)

Thermophysical Properties Division, Prof. Yasuyuki TAKATAInternational Institute for Carbon-Neutral Energy Research (I2CNER), Kyushu UniversityLead Principal Investigator,