Energy System
Sugiyama Laboratory
Renewable energy system by interdisciplinary approach between electronics and chemistry
High-efficiency photovoltaics for green hydrogen production
To achieve carbon neutrality, CO2-free hydrogen is indispensable. Disruptive installation of photovoltaic is expected as a power source to produce green hydrogen in the regions with high irradiance. For this purpose, there is a growing expectation for high efficiency solar cells, far superior to conventional silicon solar cells. The key to achieving high efficiency lies in semiconductor nanocrystal technology. We are conducting research and development rooted in material chemistry and physics, from crystal growth to system evaluation of solar cells.
Physics of photocatalysts for producing hydrogen from sunlight and water
Photocatalysis is expected to be the ultimate technology for lowcost solar hydrogen production. In order to improve the efficiency of photocatalysts, it is essential to investigate the band structure of the interface between the semiconductor, which is responsible for the generation of photovoltaic power, and water, and to design a structure that can learn from high-efficiency solar cells. We are simultaneously developing new analytical methods and exploring highly efficient photocatalysts.
A system to produce green chemicals from CO2
In order to supply fuels that cannot be covered by CO2-free hydrogen, it is expected to realize a system to produce green chemicals by reducing the recovered CO2 with renewable energy. We are developing systems that take advantage of the benefits of electrochemistry, such as the development of a reaction field that can efficiently produce the desired hydrocarbons from CO2, utilizing our knowledge of fuel cells and water electrolyzers.
High-efficiency solar cells with nano-epitaxial structures
Photocatalysts for H2 production with high-efficiency PV structure
An electrochemical system for producing green chemicals from CO2
One of the pleasures of being a university faculty member is interacting with a diverse range of people both domestically and internationally, and expanding one’s network (and perhaps one’s stomach as well).
The first places I head to on business trips are supermarkets, and if possible, local markets. As a weekend chef, the moments spent exploring unfamiliar soy sauces and seasonings domestically, or astonishingly large cuts of meat (though I can't take those home...), and cheeses abroad, while looking for souvenirs and experiencing the local terroir, provide a blissful escape from the assignments I carry with me to the trip.
The most important thing is to fully enjoy the journey to the destination. Did you know that there is a wide variety of toilets on Shinkansen trains, including whether or not they have bidet seats? The diversity on airplanes is even more remarkable. Enjoying a fine drink in the best seat I meticulously reserved, while contemplating the origin of today’s aircraft, is a delight that makes me grateful to be alive.
Member
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- Professor
Masakazu SUGIYAMA
Research Area: Photovoltaic technology, energy system, carbon recycling - Professor
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