Yosuke Sano
Innovation Center

Currently, efforts to realize a decarbonized society are accelerating around the world. The Japanese government has also announced a plan to achieve net zero GHG emissions by 2050, bringing these efforts into greater focus. In particular, there is a growing movement toward the realization of a hydrogen society in which hydrogen is used as energy.
Mitsubishi Materials is focusing on research and development of hydrogen utilization in order to play a part in this movement. The realization of a hydrogen society requires the efficient production of large quantities of hydrogen. Among the production methods, water electrolysis, in which water is electrolyzed to hydrogen, is attracting attention. I am involved in the development of electrodes that are indispensable to the water electrolysis system. By utilizing our strengths in powder metallurgy and plating technology, we are developing electrodes with a characteristic Porous Structure* and are working to advance water electrolysis technology.
*Porous structure/Porous metal with a high porosity of 80% or more and a unique surface structure and composition

In my search for a company with advanced research and development capabilities, I joined Mitsubishi Materials in 2016, being attracted by its broad range of businesses and high level of expertise. At the time, it was becoming clear that water electrolysis technology was important for decarbonization. As soon as I joined the company, I started research and development of water electrolysis technology, gathering cutting-edge information from universities, etc.
In recent years, Mitsubishi Materials has been proactively taking on challenges in new fields. The development of water electrolysis technology is truly a new challenge for us. As the importance of this technology increases toward decarbonization, my mission is to develop unique products and technologies that cannot be imitated by other companies and to provide them in a timely manner. I believe that this is something that only Mitsubishi Materials, with its strength in handling metallic materials, can do. On the other hand, a hydrogen society cannot be realized by one company alone.
In addition to technical challenges faced by materials manufactures like us, there is a mountain of issues to overcome, such as development and maintenance of infrastructure compatible with a hydrogen society and social acceptability issues.
Therefore, it is not enough for me to be involved only as a researcher. It is also essential to have a perspective on how to contribute to society with the products we develop, formulating exit strategies. Instead of remaining confined within the company, we are building a system of external collaboration with universities and other companies while taking advantage of our strengths. Although it is sometimes a challenge, being able to work with the outside world and having my research results recognized externally motivates me.

My challenges are supported by Mitsubishi Materials‘ diverse business fields, the technology we have cultivated for more than 150 years since our founding, and our corporate culture. There is an atmosphere that allows us to take on challenges in new fields as society moves. For example, our “10% Culture,” a system that allows us to try new challenges outside of our business, supports the creation of new technologies. Another appealing aspect of the company is that even young employees can actively get involved in major projects. In this environment, I myself am taking on challenges in various fields without hesitation. Mitsubishi Materials has technologies and know-how centered on metallic materials that have been handed down over the years. My role is to apply these legacies to new fields and create new technologies that can reduce CO2 emissions. With the aim of becoming a leading company that contributes to a decarbonized society, I will do my utmost to develop the products necessary to realize a hydrogen society.