Key Findings
Mitsui Kinzoku and Kyoto University have successfully demonstrated hydrogen production through water electrolysis using steam at 170°C. The researchers developed a proton-conducting glass membrane based on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) to facilitate this process. This achievement addresses a critical gap in electrolyte materials capable of operating within an intermediate temperature range of approximately 150–250°C.
Technical Details
The developed material is a proton-conducting MOF glass composite membrane. MOFs are porous materials consisting of organic molecules and metal ions. In the electrolysis process, protons (hydrogen ions formed when hydrogen atoms lose electrons) derived from water pass through this electrolyte membrane to be converted into hydrogen. The research specifically focuses on the electrolyte component of the production system rather than the entire system architecture.
Background and Context
The project was conducted through Co-Mit Lab, a co-creation materials research program established at Kyoto University’s Graduate School of Science in April 2026. The research team included Professor Satoshi Horike from the Graduate School of Science. The findings were published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society on October 21, 2026, and officially announced by the company on November 5, 2026.
Significance and Outlook
The primary application for this technology is the production of hydrogen using industrial steam and waste heat generated at industrial sites, as the membrane functions in a temperature range relevant to these resources. Beyond water electrolysis, the company identifies the following potential applications:
- Fuel cells
- Other energy-conversion technologies
Because MOF glass is suitable for shaping and processing and can incorporate various functional molecules, there is significant scope for adapting the material to diverse technical uses.
Source: https://jp.ibtimes.com/mitsui-kinzoku-demonstrates-hydrogen-production-170c-mof-glass-105126
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