Development of Hydrogen Energy and Energy Storage Technologies for Net-Zero Emissions

            To achieve the 2050 net-zero emission target, hydrogen energy, water electrolysis, CO₂ reutilization, and flow-battery energy storage constitute the major key technologies. Hydrogen is abundant, produces only water after reaction, and possesses high energy density, making it suitable as a transportation fuel, industrial energy source, and energy-storage medium. Industrial CO₂ emissions can also be converted with hydrogen into valuable fuels such as methane, ethylene, and methanol. Meanwhile, the intermittency of renewable resources such as solar and wind can be mitigated through flow batteries, enabling peak shaving and stabilizing power output.                The energy efficiency of these electrochemical reactions depends significantly on electrode properties, structure, and interfacial impedance. For example, water-electrolysis efficiency drops at high current densities due to sluggish oxygen evolution reaction kinetics and bubble formation, which increase interfacial impedance and energy loss. CO₂ capture and conversion are energy-intensive processes that require highly active and selective catalysts to improve efficiency and reduce cost. In flow batteries, the charge–discharge efficiency is influenced by the surface characteristics of porous graphite-felt electrodes and precise operational control. Across these electrochemical systems, carbon-based materials—particularly carbon nanotubes (CNTs)—play a key role. CNTs offer high electrical conductivity, chemical stability, large surface area, and excellent mechanical strength, forming three-dimensional conductive networks that enhance electron transport and catalysis while lowering overpotential and interfacial impedance.            Overall, the performances of water electrolysis, CO₂ conversion, and flow-battery storage depend on efficient, durable, and cost-effective electrode materials. To accelerate commercialization and reduce electrode cost, our team focuses on low-cost materials such as carbon, stainless steel, and nickel for developing electrodes used in water electrolysis and CO₂ electrochemical conversion. We also provide customized electrode components and testing services for material developers, supporting both experimental research and system-level integration. Currently, we have developed a stainless-steel-electrode for water-electrolysis with competitive performance, and we are now advancing toward large-scale commercial electrolysis systems to support future industrial deployment.