MORITA Hiroshi

While working at Sanyo-onoda City University, the author researched and invented the microbial fuel cell utilizing inorganic porous materials, which has a power generation capacity ten times greater than conventional ones. This achievement is attracting attention as an innovative technology that has the potential to replace or supplement the current electrical energy dependence on fossil fuels. After retiring from university, the author wanted to put the research results achieved at the former Morita laboratory into practical use in order to make a significant contribution to humanity's energy problems. Then, the author conducted the cooperating company in Tottori Prefecture that manufactures inorganic porous materials to carry out practical tests in a fallow field on the outskirts of Tottori City. From 2022 to 2023, 64 experimental microbial fuel cells were installed at the test site, and outdoor power generation data was obtained across seasons. During this period, we also conducted in the laboratory experiments to improve power generation and made improvements to problems that emerged during operation in natural environments. Furthermore, during this period, the electricity generated was used to light street- lamps and used for illumination during Christmas and cherry blossom viewing seasons, bringing us one step closer to practical application. At present, microbial power generation has not yet reached the point where it can replace commercial electricity, but it is suitable for use in remote areas, remote islands, and developing countries where electricity is not available, and as an emergency power source during disasters such as typhoons and heavy rain that have been occurring frequently in recent years. We believe that this technology can be put to practical use as a suitable power source in the situations described above.

天災や人災が立て続けに人類を襲い、現下の新型コロナ感染症の蔓延に至り、人類は大きな試練の渦中に置かれてしまった。産業は低迷し、土台を支える日本の科学技術の世界での地位が相対的に下がった。国力低下の大きな根源である人口減少を前提とした、日本の競争力を回復する科学技術研究や教育の在り方を今こそ考えなければならない。近年の社会変化の中で科学技術に対する見方も変わった。研究者・技術者は自己の価値観を大切にし、環境や社会に対する強い識と高い倫理観を有することが必要となった。産業界の変化に伴い採用する人材は即戦力化してきたが、一方で、企業の価値創造を担う技術者が求められている。科学技術や工学に携わる者は、人類の生存や地球環境の維持に、いっそう目を向けなければならない。人口減少に対しては科学技術を駆使して広義の生産性向上の研究を推進し、個人の行動効率化のためには知識科学教育を行うべきである。科学技術の成果を展開するにあたっては、企業で用いている生産性向上やコミュニケーションのツールも役に立つ。イノベーションのためには戦略が必要とされるが、立案には客観的な情報収集・分析と世の中の技術や研究の変化への俊敏な対応が不可欠である。研究資源の８割を企業が有するが、その効率的運用を図る必要があり、自社の得意分野に絞った研究投資を行い、他はオープンイノベーションに委ねることが肝要である。研究費の効率を論ずることは難しいが、研究開発のプロセスを細分化して新たな指標とその分解指標を用いた、きめ細かい管理手法を提案する。効率的な研究には企業連携や産学連携が重要であり、双方の役割を明確にして実行することが成功につながる。教育については、企業の目的志向の幾つかの手法を大学でも活用したい。学びは生涯を通じてのものなので大学では知識よりも学ぶ術を身に着けるようにしたい。学ぶ方法も学生同士が教え合い、意見交換するような形を授業に反映したい。そして、学ぶ熱意を醸成するために、学生は大学の早い時期に将来の夢や目標を見出して欲しい。

There is a need to develop new energy sources that can replace or complement renewable energies such as solar power generation and wind power generation, which have been put into practical use but have many problems in terms of economy and stability. The author has focused on the SMFC (Sediment Microbial Fuel Cell) power generation research as one solution to this problem. In particular, the control of microorganisms that are the source of power generation was examined to increase the electrical output, which is the key to practical application. By incorporating an inorganic porous structure into the fuel cell, the author has succeeded in accumulating microorganisms near the electrode for the first time. As a result, it was found that the output characteristics of the SMFC were remarkably improved by inserting the porous material, which was embedded in the soil in advance and promoted the accumulation of microorganisms and organic substances, in the vicinity of the anode. By improving the open-circuit voltage and the short-circuit current, the output power has increased about 6 times on average compared to the conventional one. It is considered that the reason for this is that the accumulation of microorganisms near the anode promotes electron charge transfer into the electrode, increases the amount of generated hydrogen ions, and accelerates the reduction reaction. Furthermore, the author tried to optimize the amount and arrangement of the inorganic porous material to be inserted, and to introduce iron ions that have the function of promoting electron transfer in the battery. As a result, excellent output characteristics for practical use could be obtained.

Immediately after the Great East Japan Earthquake, I arrived at the university and started research on renewable energy that is resistant to natural disasters. For 10 years, I continued my research with my dear students in areas where other researchers have not done much. Among them, I would like to introduce three technologies that I have a strong feeling for. We have developed a transparent solar cell that converts ultraviolet rays into electric power, including its formation technology, and achieved the world's highest level of efficiency. It was possible to show that wind power generation with a diffuser using the wind lens effect can generate power even in weak winds. Furthermore, the soil microbial fuel cell originating from microorganisms has achieved 10 times the conventional power generation by introducing the novel porous body, which is our invention, and is close to practical use. This area has long daylight hours due to the coast of the Seto Inland Sea, and although it is weak, the wind always blows, and there are many lakes and rice fields. We would like to receive natural energy from them and convert it into electric power, which will lead to the realization of local production for local consumption of energy.