Vol.23 No. 3
Mastering Hydrogen
How far have we come in harnessing hydrogen energy?
Hydrogen energy holds the key to achieving a decarbonized society. To realize large-scale hydrogen supply, technological breakthroughs are needed in three critical areas: producing hydrogen through water electrolysis, storing and transporting it in liquefied form, and using it safely and efficiently.
At the heart of these innovations lies materials science.
The properties of materials can significantly affect both the efficiency and safety of hydrogen production, liquefaction, and storage.
Despite its promise as a clean energy source, hydrogen poses a unique risk to materials—embrittlement.
At NIMS, we are tackling these challenges head-on, conducting research across every stage of the hydrogen cycle—production, storage, and utilization—to minimize risks and fully leverage the power of materials. NIMS continues to take on the challenge of building a hydrogen society by integrating knowledge and technology.
Research Highlights
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2025.07.22
Producing Hydrogen | Unlocking Green Hydrogen Production with AI and Mathematical Model
Green hydrogen, produced by splitting water using electricity from renewable energy sources, emits no CO₂ during production. As such, it is drawing attention as a key technology for realizing a sustainable energy cycle. A research team led by Ken Sakaushi is striving to enable the large-scale deployment of water electrolyzers by developing high-performance, low-environmental-impact electrocatalysts […]
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2025.07.22
Storing Hydrogen | Harnessing the Power of Magnetic Materials to Boost Hydrogen Liquefaction Efficiency
To liquefy hydrogen for large-scale transportation and storage, NIMS is developing a magnetic refrigeration system. Akiko Saito and her materials development team are actively involved in the research and development of magnetic materials—core components with the potential to significantly enhance liquefaction efficiency. Where the Magnetic Refrigeration Project Stands Today Magnetic refrigeration technology is drawing attention […]
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2025.07.22
Using Hydrogen | Clean Power Generation with Hydrogen Fuel:
Revolutionizing Turbine Development with Metal 3D PrintingThe shift from fossil fuels to hydrogen for thermal power generation is gaining momentum. However, burning hydrogen efficiently requires more complex turbine structures. Toshiro Osada and Masahiro Kusano are working together to tackle this challenge using metal 3D printing and advanced property prediction programs. The Challenge of Controlling Hydrogen Combustion Thermal power remains a cornerstone […]
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2025.07.22
Column | Overcoming Hydrogen Embrittlement: A Thorough Investigation into Fracture Mechanisms
The Hidden Vulnerability of Metals — Hydrogen Embrittlement Hydrogen embrittlement represents a critical vulnerability in metallic materials, where the intrusion of hydrogen significantly reduces mechanical properties such as tensile strength. Unlike conventional brittle fracture, its mechanism is highly complex. What’s more, as the strength of a metal increases, the hydrogen concentration required to trigger failure […]
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2025.07.22
Column | Ensuring the Safety and Reliability of Hydrogen Infrastructure An Inside Look at Materials Testing in Hydrogen Environment
In Search of Hydrogen-Resistant Metals In a unified effort among industry, government, and academia, Japan is striving to establish a large-scale hydrogen supply chain centered on liquefied hydrogen. The vision involves using electricity generated by mega-solar power plants overseas—such as in Australia—to electrolyze water, producing large quantities of hydrogen, which are then liquefied and transported […]
