Mitsui Kinzoku and Kyoto University: Proton-Conducting MOF Glass Membrane for 170°C Hydrogen Production

Nikkei Japan

Overview

Mitsui Kinzoku and Kyoto University have developed a proton-conducting MOF glass membrane capable of producing hydrogen via water electrolysis at 170°C. This material enables the utilization of industrial waste heat and steam in the 150–250°C range, a temperature bracket previously lacking suitable electrolytes.

In Depth

Key Findings

Mitsui Kinzoku and a research group led by Professor Satoshi Horige at Kyoto University’s Graduate School of Science have successfully demonstrated hydrogen generation using water electrolysis at 170°C. This was achieved through the development of a new proton-conducting MOF (Metal-Organic Framework) glass composite membrane that functions in medium-temperature ranges.

Technical Details

The developed MOF glass membrane specifically targets the 150–250°C temperature window. In validation tests, the research team utilized water vapor at 170°C to drive the water electrolysis process. The MOF glass structure is noted for its versatility, as it allows for the integration of various functional molecules and is compatible with molding and processing techniques.

Background and Context

While water electrolysis is critical for achieving a decarbonized society, a gap existed in electrolyte materials suitable for the medium-temperature range. This specific range is highly valuable because it aligns with the temperature of waste heat and steam typically generated in industrial plants. The research was conducted through the “Mitsui Kinzoku Co-Creation Materials Research Course (Co-Mit Lab),” which was established at the Kyoto University Graduate School of Science in April 2026.

Significance and Outlook

The ability to produce hydrogen at 170°C opens the possibility of integrating hydrogen production directly into industrial infrastructures to leverage existing waste heat. Beyond water electrolysis, the moldability and functional flexibility of MOF glass suggest potential applications in other energy conversion fields, such as fuel cells. The findings of this research were published online in the Journal of the American Chemical Society on October 21, 2026.

Get our weekly technology intelligence — free

Receive an infographic that lets you judge at a glance whether each field’s analysis report is worth reading.

Subscribe Free — Weekly Tech Intelligence

By subscribing, you’ll receive Troy-Technical’s weekly technology intelligence newsletter.

• Your email and selected fields are used only to deliver the newsletter.
• We never share your information with third parties.
• You can unsubscribe anytime via the link in each email.

See our Privacy Policy for details.

Agree & Continue ▶

Takes about a minute · Unsubscribe anytime