"Methane reforming" is a process that turns methane (CH 4 ) into hydrogen - which can be utilized as an environmentally friendly source of energy. The biggest downside is that methane reforming, in its current state, is not quite so gentle on the environment. The conventional process typically requires extremely high temperatures of 800-900°C, resulting in large energy consumption and harmful carbon emissions. How can we generate environmentally friendly fuel in a way that isn't harmful to the environment?
We are one step closer to making the process a lot greener thanks to a study led by Assistant Professor Chunli Han and Associate Professor Akira Yoko at Tohoku University. The team of researchers achieved low-temperature methane reforming based on a chemical looping process combined with water splitting. By using an excellent solid oxygen carrier to shuttle oxygen between reaction steps, the process bypasses conventional limitations of steam methane reforming. As a result, methane reforming can be achieved at 500-600°C, significantly improving overall energy efficiency.
This study is a collaborative effort between researchers at the Advanced Institute for Materials Research (WPI-AIMR) and the International Center for Synchrotron Radiation Innovation Smart (SRIS) and was recently published in N ano-Micro Letters on March, 17 2026.
The key objective of this research was to develop solid oxygen carriers capable of activating CH 4 , and reversibly releasing and storing lattice oxygen at low temperatures. The researchers employed cubic CeO 2 nanoparticles (cCeO 2 ), which exhibit superior oxygen storage and release capacity, as the support material. By precisely controlling the microstructure of the NiO/CeO 2 oxygen carrier, including the size and distribution of Ni active sites, and applying a reaction-driven activation pretreatment, the team achieved a highly active and stable material.
"It's a simpler, more efficient process that eliminates the need for steps such as additional gas separation and purification units," remarks first author Chunli Han.
The newly developed NiO/cCeO 2 oxygen carrier excels in being more energy-efficient, while still reliably producing hydrogen. As we continue to develop oxygen carriers with higher levels of performance for eventual industrial applications, this finding may serve as a crucial blueprint for future designs.
About the World Premier International Research Center Initiative (WPI)
The WPI program was launched in 2007 by Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) to foster globally visible research centers boasting the highest standards and outstanding research environments. Numbering more than a dozen and operating at institutions throughout the country, these centers are given a high degree of autonomy, allowing them to engage in innovative modes of management and research. The program is administered by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS).
See the latest research news from the centers at the WPI News Portal: https://www.eurekalert.org/newsportal/WPI
Main WPI program site: www.jsps.go.jp/english/e-toplevel
Advanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR)
Tohoku University
Establishing a World-Leading Research Center for Materials Science
AIMR aims to contribute to society through its actions as a world-leading research center for materials science and push the boundaries of research frontiers. To this end, the institute gathers excellent researchers in the fields of physics, chemistry, materials science, engineering, and mathematics and provides a world-class research environment.
AIMR site: https://www.wpi-aimr.tohoku.ac.jp/en/
Nano-Micro Letters
Low-temperature CH4 Reforming and Water Splitting with Activated NiO/CeO2 as Oxygen Carrier
17-Mar-2026