Hydrogen in materials exhibits a wide range of concentration, high mobility, quantum nature, and superior chemical reactivity. All these features of hydrogen originate from its bonding and size flexibilities; neutral hydrogen (H0), covalently bonded hydrogen (Hcov.), proton (H+), hydride ion (H−), and also their intermediate states.
The purpose of this project is to develop a new materials science of hydrogen/hydrides (hereafter referred to as “Hydrogenomics”, i.e., hydrogen - omics (academic system)) as a guideline to "fully utilize" the diverse functionalities of hydrogen in materials.
The project will focus on the four most important functionalities of hydrogen originated from its bonding and size flexibilities (hereafter, referred to as “hydrogen functions”); i.e., “High Densification Ability (A01)”, “Interfacial Localizability (A02)”, “Fast Migration Ability (A03)” and “High Activation Ability (A04)”. Then the project will merge them to induce unprecedented “higher-order hydrogen functions (synergistic effect between its individual hydrogen functions)” with the support of “Advanced Measurement and Simulation Techniques (A05)”, which will also be developed within this project to capture the hydrogen functions more accurately than ever done before.
Shin-ichi ORIMO received his Ph.D. in 1995. He was a JSPS research fellow, a research associate in Hiroshima University, and a guest researcher in Max-Planck Institute for Metal Research awarded by Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship and MEXT Fellowship. He is currently a professor of WPI-AIMR as a director and Institute of Materials Research (IMR) as a Head of Section, Tohoku University. The related research was awarded by “Metals Meritorious Award (Japanese Institute of Metals), “The Commendation for Science and Technology (The Minister of MEXT)”, and “Science of Hydrogen & Energy Award”, and so on.
Research Outline
Senior Scientific Research Specialist for the Project
Yumi TANAKA / Associate Professor
Tokyo University of Science
(~ 31 Jul. 2018)
Izumi IWAKURA / Associate Professor
Kanagawa University
(~ 31 Jul. 2019)
Yuya OAKI / Associate Professor
Keio University
(~ 31 Jul. 2020)
Shinya FURUKAWA / Associate Professor
Hokkaido University
(~ 31 Jul. 2021)
Daisuke SUZUKI / Associate Professor
Shinshu University
Tomohiro YASUDA / Associate Professor
Kansai University
Reliable Achievement of Results via a Three-Stage Plan
Ⅰ: Enhancement of individual hydrogen functionalities
Ⅱ: Induction of higher - order hydrogen functions
Ⅲ: Development of innovative materials in collaboration with the entire research area
Training of Talented Young Researchers
16 members of the promotion team will unite to support young researchers with enrollment in temporary placements at domestic and overseas research centers to strengthen connections in strategic PR activities and to expand their career paths.
Provision of the Latest Equipment for Common Use
The latest equipment for use in synthesis and analysis activities will be installed and used widely as common equipment.
Encouragement of Unconventional Proposals for General Invitation Research
Researchers will be encouraged to propose a joint target of 30 research projects related to materials, devices, and reaction processes. Innovative materials will be developed in conjunction with regular research activities.
Continual Dissemination and Development of Hydrogenomics
Hydrogenomics study groups and collaborative research centers for the study of hydrogen science will be established and maintained. The application of research achievements to society will be promoted.