FACULTY

Akihiko FUKUNAGA, Professor　(Applied Physical Chemistry)

Biography

B.Eng. (Waseda University 1982); Ms.Eng. (Waseda University 1984); Nippon Oil Co. Ltd.,

(present ENEOS Co.) (1984-2019); Ms. Science, (Carnegie Mellon University 1997); Ph.D. (Waseda University 1999);

Professor, Waseda University (2019-)

Keywords

energy materials, fuel cells, electrolytic reduction, carbon recycling, hydrogen embrittlement, hydrogen fueling, carbon materials

Professor Akihiko FUKUNAGA

Building No. 121-513, 5133 Wasedatsurumaki-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-0041, Japan

E-mail:a.fukunaga”at”aoni.waseda.jp (I’m sorry to bother you, but please converts the “at” to @)

Research Interests

Energy is the foundation that supports industry and society. To realize a society that can develop sustainably, we aim to develop materials and devices that enable the spread and promotion of renewable energy and energy conservation.
In the field of energy generation, we are developing low-cost, high-performance electrodes. In the field of energy transportation and storage, we are working on research and development of safe and highly efficient systems and materials that use hydrogen as an energy carrier.

Fuel Cells

I have long been involved in the research and development of stationary fuel cell cogeneration systems (ENE-FARM) (polymer electrolyte fuel cell cells, cell stacks, and fuel processing systems). Currently, we are engaged in research on chemical synthesis using solid oxide fuel cells. We are investigating selective reaction control by studying electrolytes and electrode structures.

Electrochemical Reduction

We are working on the synthesis of carbon dioxide into useful chemicals by electrochemical reduction (carbon recycling). We are aiming to realize multi-step reactions by creating novel nanocomposite electrodes using semiconductor engineering. We are also working on the electrochemical synthesis of ammonia for the purpose of energy conservation.

Hydrogen Usage

In order to realize a hydrogen society, ensuring the safety of infrastructure is an important issue in addition to reducing production costs. We are studying the relationship between the behavior of hydrogen in materials used in hydrogen stations and their mechanical properties.

Representative Publications

  1. A. Fukunaga, “Difference between internal and external hydrogen effects on slow strain rate tensile test of iron-based superalloy A286.” International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 47, 2723-2734 (2022).
  2. A. Fukunaga, K. Zhao, Reaction Mechanism in Electropolishing of SUS304 Using Phosphoric Acid Electrolyte, Hyomen Gijutsu, 72,8, 443-449(2021).
  3. A. Fukunaga “Technology to reduce the cost of next-generation hydrogen stations.” JXTG Technical Review, 61,25-33(2019).
  4. A. Fukunaga, ”Slow Strain Rate Tensile Test Properties of Iron-Based Superalloy SUH660 in Hydrogen Gas” ISIJ International,59,2, 359-366(2019).
  5. K. Matsuoka, S. Sakamoto, A. Fukunaga ”Degradation of Membrane Electrode assemblies utilizing PtRu catalysts under high potential conditions”, Journal of Power Sources, 238, 251-256(2013).
  6. A. Fukunaga, S. Ueda ”Anodic surface oxidation for pitch-based carbon fibers and interfacial bonding strength to epoxy matrices” Composites science and technology、60, 249-254(2000).
  7. A. Fukunaga, S. Ueda, M. Nagumo ”Air-oxidation and anodization of pitch-based carbon fibers” Carbon、37, 1081-1085(1999).
  8. A. Fukunaga, T. Komami, S. Ueda, M. Nagumo,”Plasma treatment of pitch-based ultra-high modulus carbon fibers” Carbon, 37, 1087-1091(1999).
  9. A. Fukunaga, S.Chu, M. E. McHenry ”Synthesis, structure, and superconducting properties of tantalum carbide nanorods and nanoparticles”, J. Mater. Res., 13, 2465-2471(1998).