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Brief Summary Report of MHE Project Japan for 2015 October - 2017 October
Phenomenology and Controllability of New Exothermic Reaction
between Metal and Hydrogen
Akito Takahashi1, Akira Kitamura1, Koh Takahashi1, Reiko Seto1, Yuki Matsuda1,
Yasuhiro Iwamura4, Takehiko Itoh4, Jirohta Kasagi4,
Masanori Nakamura2, Masanobu Uchimura2, Shunsuke Sumitomo2, Hidekazu
Takahashi2,
Tatsumi Hioki5, Tomoyoshi Motohiro5,
Yuichi Furuyama6,
Masahiro Kishida3, Hideki Matsune3
1Technova Inc., 2Nissan Motors Co., 3Kyushu University, 4Tohoku University, 5Nagoya
University and 6Kobe University
Project Aim: to verify the existence of new exothermic reaction between nano-metals
and hydrogen which will be applicable for future new clean energy source, and to study
the controllability of generated thermal energy.
In the following, brief summary of implementation and results by MHE-group Japan
is described in designated R&D issues for two years project period of 2015 October to
2017 October.
1) New MHE (metal hydrogen energy) Calorimetry Facility
In the first year (2015-2016) program, a new highly accurate oil mass-flow calorimetry system was
installed at Tohoku University. The system was designed by improving performances of the already
existing MHE calorimetry system (500 cc reaction chamber and many operation components) at Kobe
University. We fabricated components and assembled at ELPH (Electron Photon Science Research
Center) of Tohoku University. In July 2016, main body of system was constructed and started to make
performance test in open room, and after two months for primary tests, the system settlement was
finished in a new temperature-controlled (within ±0.1℃) room. Evaluated accuracy of the calorimetry
system is satisfactory, namely less than ±1.5％error in thermal-power measurement, less than ±0.1℃
error in temperature detection by thermos-couples and RTDs, and less than ±2％ error in thermal
flux measurement. The new system has started to be used for the collaboration experiments of 6-
parties-joint team since August 2016.
1) Implementation of Heat Generation Tests
Two MHE facilities at Kobe University and Tohoku University and a DSC (differential scanning
calorimetry) apparatus at Kyushu University have been used for excess-heat generation tests with
various multi-metal nano-composite samples. Members from 6 participating institutions have
joined in planned 16 times test experiments in two years (2016-2017). We have accumulated data for
heat generation and related physical quantities at room-temperature and elevated- temperature
conditions, in collaboration. Cross-checking-style data analyses were made in each party and
compared results for consistency. Used nano-metal composite samples were PS（Pd-SiO2）-type ones
and CNS(Cu-Ni-SiO2)-type ones, fabricated by wet-methods, as well as PNZ（Pd-Ni-Zr）-type ones
and CNZ（Cu-Ni-Zr）-type ones, fabricated by melt-spinning and oxidation method.
Results for room-temperature condition: Data of significant hydrogen absorption and heat were
obtained for Pd-containing samples of PNZ-type and PS-type. In the starting (virgin sample) runs, 50
～100kJ heat per 1-mol H(D) with 3.5 (PNZ) to over 1.0 (PS) H(D)/Metal hydrogen absorption were
observed. Post H(D)-charged runs after baking process gave 5～30kJ per 1-mol-H(D) heat with
smaller H(D)/Metal absorption values. The level of observed heat generation data at room
temperature condition was discussed to be explainable by chemistry-origin reactions. In the cases of
Cu-containing samples as CNZ-type and CNS-type, there were no observable H(D)-absorption and
heat generation phenomenon, at room-temperature condition.
Results for elevated-temperature condition: Significant level excess-heat evolution data were
obtained for PNZ-type, CNZ-type CNS-type samples at 200-400℃ of RC (reaction chamber)
temperature, while no excess heat power data were obtained for single nano-metal samples as PS-
type and NZ-type. By using binary-nano-metal/ceramics-supported samples as melt-span PNZ-type
and CNZ-type and wet-fabricated CNS-type, we observed excess heat data of maximum 26,000MJ
per mol-H(D)-transferred or 85 MJ per mol-D of total absorption in sample, which cleared much
over the aimed target value of 2MJ per mol-H(D) required by NEDO. Excess heat generation with
PNZ-type samples has been also confirmed by DSC experiments, at Kyushu University, using very
small (0.04 to 0.1 g) samples at 200 to 500℃ condition. Optimum conditions for running
temperature (around 400 degree C) and Pd/Ni ratio (around 1/7-1/10) were obtained by the DSC
experiments at Kyushu University to get highest heat flow (power). We also observed that the excess
power generation was sustainable with power level of 10-24 W for more than one month period,
using PNZ6 (Pd1Ni10/ZrO2) sample of 120g at around 300℃.
Reproducibility at different laboratories: Providing two divided sample powders of PNZ-type from
same-batch fabricated powder, independent parallel test runs were carried out at Kobe University and
Tohoku University. Results of excess heat generation data from both laboratories were very
reproducible for room-temperature and elevated-temperature conditions. Thus, the existence and
reproducibility of new exothermic phenomenon by interaction of nano-metal composite samples and
H(D)-gas have been confirmed.
2) Analyses and Evaluation of Generated Heat Quantity
Experimental data obtained by the collaboration runs were evaluated by parallel analyses of
participated members. As for consequence, we have confirmed that multi-metal composite samples
by melt-span-oxidation method and wet CNS-type did generate preferably significant excess heat at
elevated-temperature conditions. Excess-power reduction was made by comparing foreground runs
with blank (using ZrO2 or silica) calorimetry calibration runs. Integrated excess heat data at elevated-
temperature condition exceeded several MJ per ca. 100g sample, which is impossibly difficult to
explain heat generation level of a few 100kJ/mol-metal (at most) by known chemical reactions. In the
case of room-temperature condition for PS-type (mono-metal nano-particle) samples, experiments
showed ca. 50kJ/mol-H(D) heat generation, which is considered to be within the level of chemical
origin reactions. No convincing excess power data have been seen at elevated temperatures (over
100℃), for PS-type mono-Pd nano-particle samples.
Form these obtained knowledge, we will be able to conclude that Ni-based multi-metal nano-
composite samples are of very required necessary condition for generating sustainable high intensity
heat-power generation at elevated temperatures more than 200℃. It is encouraging towards industrial
application of thermal and electric power devices.
3) Sample Material Analyses before and after Runs
Various techniques such as XRD, SOR-XRD, SOR-XAFS, TEM, STEM/EDS, ERDA, ICP-MS,
and others have been used for material analyses of experimental samples before and after use.
By XRD analyses, co-existence of ZrO2 and Zr2Ni was identified for PNZ-type samples. It was
observed that the metal phase was fundamentally the same before and after H(D)-charging runs, but
the existence of hydride was seen by the lower-angle-side sift of XRD NiZr2 peaks.
By STEM/EDS analyses, we could observe that nano-structure of sample did not change much
before and after use. Ni and Pd atoms were seen in same localized zones in homogeneous ZrO2
supporting zone. Sometimes, NiZr2 zones were surrounded by ZrO2 layers and particles of Pd and Ni
were existing in inter-crystalline layer zones, as observed by TEM. For CNZ-type samples, crystal
phases of ZrO2 and NiO were seen before H(D)-charge runs, and after the run Ni and ZrO2 were seen.
NiZr2 components were not found in CNZ-type samples. Nano-structured CuO and NiO portions
were seen as randomly distributed in ZrO2 supporter zone before the run, and alloy-like Cu-Ni nano-
particles were seen after the run. For PNZ6 sample which provided the highest excess power level of
24 W per ca. 100g sample, Ni and Pd were not oxidized before and after runs as observed by the
SOR-XAFS analysis.
For PS-type samples, PdO crystal phase was seen before run, and reduced Pd-metal nano-particles
were seen in supporter mesoporous silica after run.
5) Oversea Trends of Study towards Industrial Applications
Information survey in over sea USA and European countries has been done. Trends of research
studies was picked up by participating international meetings as ICCF20 (the 20th International
Conference of Condensed Matter Nuclear Science) Sendai 2016 and IWAHLM12 (the 12th
International Workshop for Anomalies in Hydrogen Loaded Metals) Italy 2017. Survey of Russian
activity was done by Nissan Motors Co.. Activity in this field is now growing up worldwide. H(D)-
gas loading method is now the major experimental approach in the world. However research grades
in over sea groups at present do not look so high as providing highly accurate excess heat data with
good reproducibility. Our progress in this MHE project seems going much ahead in the world.
Foreseeing the industrial applicability, road-map study was made by our joint-team to draw the
realization of industrial devices in 5-10 years later. Direct usage devices of excess heat for warming
EV cars and family rooms as well as electric power devices with thermos-electric conversion systems
are looked for realization in 10-20 years later.
6) Program R&D Meetings
At the managing office Technova Inc. of this project, 9 R&D discussion/managing meetings were
held in 2016-2017. In every meeting, the joint-team members from 6 institutions, MHE-project
members and external science advisors have participated for reporting, discussing on latest-obtained
results, next experimental plans and tactics towards national project. For starting national project class
R&D activity, the joint team concept with 5 sub-groups of increment of excess heat level, material
development, mechanism study, substantial industrial application study and managing/strategy.
Note: The full final report (169 pages) to NEDO is written in Japanese.
Publications
[1] Akira Kitamura, Akito Takahashi , Koh Takahashi, Reiko Seto, Yuki Matsuda, Yasuhiro Iwamura,
Takehiko Itoh, Jirohta Kasagi, Masanori Nakamura, Masanobu Uchimura, Hidekazu Takahashi,
Tatsumi Hioki, Tomoyoshi Motohiro, Yuichi Furuyama, Masahiro Kishida: Collaborative
Examination on Anomalous Heat Effect Using Nickel-Based Binary Nanocomposites Supported by
Zirconia, Proc. ICCF20, published in JCMNS Vol.24, 2017
[2] Y. Iwamura, T. Itoh, J. Kasagi, A. Kitamura, A. Takahashi and K. Takahashi:
Replication Experiments at Tohoku University on Anomalous Heat Generation Using Nickel-Based
Binary Nanocomposites and Hydrogen Isotope Gas, Proc. ICCF20, published in JCMNS Vol.24,
2017
[3] Akira Kitamura , Akito Takahashi , Koh Takahashi , Reiko Seto , Yuki Matsuda, Yasuhiro Iwamura,
Takehiko Itoh, Jirohta Kasagi ,Masanori Nakamura , Masanobu Uchimura, Hidekazu Takahashi ,
Tatsumi Hioki , Tomoyoshi Motohiro, Yuichi Furuyama , Masahiro Kishida; Collaborative
Examination on Anomalous Heat Effect Using Nickel-Based Binary Nanocomposites Supported by
Zirconia, Proc. JCF17, 2017, JCFRS
[4] Yasuhiro Iwamura, Takehiko Itoh, Jirohta Kasagi, Akira Kitamura, Akito Takahashi, Koh
Takahashi, Reiko Seto, Takeshi Hatano, Tatsumi Hioki, Tomoyoshi Motohiro, Masanori Nakamura,
Masanobu Uchimura, Hidekazu Takahashi, Shunsuke Sumitomo, Yuichi Furuyama, Masahiro
Kishida, Hideki Matsune; Anomalous Heat Generation Experiments Using Metal Nanocomposites
and Hydrogen Isotope Gas, Proc. JCF17, 2017, JCFRS
Presentations
[1] Anomalous Heat Generation and Nuclear Transmutation Experiments at Condensed Matter
Nuclear Reaction Division of Tohoku University
Yasuhiro Iwamura
The Satellite Symposium of 20th International Conference on Condensed Matter Nuclear Science, September 26,
2016, Xiamen, China
[2] Collaborative Examination on Anomalous Heat Effect Using Nickel-Based Binary Nanocomposites
Supported by Zirconia
Akira Kitamura, Akito Takahashi, Koh Takahashi , Reiko Seto, Yuki Matsuda ,Yasuhiro Iwamura, Takehiko
Itoh , Jirohta Kasagi ,Masanori Nakamura, Masanobu Uchimura, Hidekazu Takahashi ,Tatsumi Hioki, Tomoyoshi
Motohiro, Yuichi Furuyama,Masahiro Kishida
The 20th International Conference on Condensed Matter Nuclear Science, October 4, 2016, Sendai, Japan
[3] Replication Experiments at Tohoku University on Anomalous Heat Generation Using Nickel-Based
Binary Nanocomposites and Hydrogen Isotope Gas
Y. Iwamura, T. Itoh, J. Kasagi, A. Kitamura, A. Takahashi and K. Takahashi
The 20th International Conference on Condensed Matter Nuclear Science, October 4, 2016, Sendai, Japan
[4] Heat evolution from silica-supported nano-composite samples under exposure to hydrogen isotope gas
Akira Kitamura, Akito Takahashi1, Koh Takahashi1, Reiko Seto, Takeshi Hatano,Yasuhiro Iwamura, Takehiko
Itoh, Jirohta Kasagi, Masanori Nakamura, Masanobu Uchimura, Hidekazu Takahashi, Shunsuke Sumitomo,
Tatsumi Hioki, Tomoyoshi Motohiro, Yuichi Furuyama, Masahiro Kishida, Hideki Matsune
The 17th Meeting of Japan CF-Research Society, March 19, 2017, Tokyo, Japan
[5] Anomalous Heat Generation Experiments Using Metal Nanocomposites and Hydrogen Isotope Gas
Yasuhiro Iwamura, Takehiko Itoh, Jirohta Kasagi,Akira Kitamura, Akito Takahashi, Koh Takahashi2, Reiko Seto,
Takeshi Hatano, Tatsumi Hioki, Tomoyoshi Motohiro,Masanori Nakamura, Masanobu Uchimura, Hidekazu
Takahashi, Shunsuke Sumitomo,Yuichi Furuyama, Masahiro Kishida, Hideki Matsune
The 17th Meeting of Japan CF-Research Society, March 19,2017, Tokyo, Japan
[6] Synthesis of Nano-Pd Particles Included in Pores of Mesoporous Silica and Their Thermal Stability
under Hydrogen Atmosphere
Tatsumi Hioki, Akihisa Ichiki and Tomoyoshi Motohiro
The 17th Meeting of Japan CF-Research Society, March 19，2017, Tokyo, Japan
[7] Materials structure clarification for novel exothermic reaction between metal and hydrogen
Masanobu Uchimura, Masanori Nakamura, Yuichi Furuyama, Akira Kitamura,Koh Takahashi, Reiko Seto,
Yasuhiro Iwamura, Takehiko Itoh, Jirohta Kasagi,Tatsumi Hioki, Tomoyoshi Motohiro, Masahiro Kishida, Akito
Takahashi
The 17th Meeting of Japan CF-Research Society, March 19，2017, Tokyo, Japan
[8] Effect of Supporter Material on Heat Evolution from Ni-based Nano-Composite Samples under
Exposure to Hydrogen Isotope Gas
Akira Kitamura, Akito Takahashi, Koh Takahashi, Reiko Seto, Takeshi Hatano, Yasuhiro Iwamura, Takehiko
Itoh, Jirohta Kasagi,Masanori Nakamura, Masanobu Uchimura, Hidekazu Takahashi, Shunsuke Sumitomo,
Tatsumi Hioki, Tomoyoshi Motohiro,Yuichi Furuyama, Masahiro Kishida, Hideki Matsune
The 12th International Workshop on Anomalies in Hydrogen Loaded Metals, June 6 ,2017, Costigliole d’Asti, Italy
[9] Anomalous Heat Generation Experiments Using Metal Nanocomposites and Hydrogen Isotope Gas
Yasuhiro Iwamura, Takehiko Itoh, Jirohta Kasagi, Akira Kitamura, Akito Takahashi,Koh Takahashi, Reiko Seto,
Takeshi Hatano, Tatsumi Hioki, Tomoyoshi Motohiro, Masanori Nakamura, Masanobu Uchimura, Hidekazu
Takahashi, Shunsuke Sumitomo, Yuichi Furuyama, Masahiro Kishida, Hideki Matsune
The 12th International Workshop on Anomalies in Hydrogen Loaded Metals, June 7 ,2017, Costigliole d’Asti, Italy
[10] Comparison of excess heat evolution from zirconia-supported Pd-Ni nanocomposite samples with
different Pd/Ni ratio under exposure to hydrogen isotope gases
Akira Kitamura, Akito Takahashi, Koh Takahashi, Reiko Seto, Takeshi Hatano,Yasuhiro Iwamura, Takehiko Itoh,
Jirohta Kasagi,Masanori Nakamura, Masanobu Uchimura, Hidekazu Takahashi, Shunsuke Sumitomo, Tatsumi
Hioki, Tomoyoshi Motohiro,Yuichi Furuyama, Masahiro Kishida, Hideki Matsune
The 18th Meeting of Japan CF-Research Society, November 24，2017, Sendai, Japan
[11] Reproducibility on Anomalous Heat Generation by Metal Nanocomposites and Hydrogen Isotope Gas
Yasuhiro Iwamura, Takehiko Itoh, Jirohta Kasagi, Akira Kitamura, Akito Takahashi,Koh Takahashi, Reiko Seto,
Takeshi Hatano, Tatsumi Hioki, Tomoyoshi Motohiro, Masanori Nakamura, Masanobu Uchimura, Hidekazu
Takahashi, Shunsuke Sumitomo, Yuichi Furuyama, Masahiro Kishida, Hideki Matsune
The 18th Meeting of Japan CF-Research Society, November 24，2017, Sendai, Japan
[12] Measurement of Anomalous Heat Generation in Hydrogen Flow by Differential Scanning
Calorimetry
Masahiro Kishida, Hideki Matsune, Akira Kitamura, Akito Takahashi, Koh Takahashi, Reiko Seto, Takeshi Hatano,
Tatsumi Hioki, Tomoyoshi Motohiro, Yasuhiro Iwamura, Takehiko Itoh, Jirohta Kasagi, Masanori Nakamura,
Masanobu Uchimura
The 18th Meeting of Japan CF-Research Society, November 24，2017, Sendai, Japan
[13] In-situ XRD and XAFS Analyses for Metal Nanocomposites Used in Anomalous Heat Generation
Experiments
Tatsumi Hioki, Kazuya Nakazawa, Akihisa Ichiki, Tomoyoshi Motohiro, Akira Kitamura,Akito Takahashi,
Koh Takahashi, Reiko Seto, Takeshi Hatano, Yasuhiro Iwamura, Takehiko Itoh, Jirohta Kasagi, Masanori
Nakamura, Masanobu Uchimura, Hidekazu Takahashi, Shunsuke Sumitomo, Yuichi Furuyama, Masahiro
Kishida, Hideki Matsune
The 18th Meeting of Japan CF-Research Society, November 24，2017, Sendai, Japan
