Analysis of the Breakthrough in Hydrogen-Carbon Co-Production Technology by the Chinese Academy of Sciences

According to the latest information, the Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, led by Researcher Yu Qingkai, has made a major breakthrough in the field of

[1]. This technology has received support from the National Key R&D Program, representing an important technical pathway for green hydrogen-carbon production. Its core innovation lies in the ability to simultaneously produce high-purity hydrogen and graphite under [1].

Compared with traditional high-pollution hydrogen and carbon production processes, this technology has significant environmental advantages:

, while demonstrating cost and efficiency advantages in distributed application scenarios such as chemical plants and hydrogen refueling stations[1]. This technological breakthrough is of great strategic significance for the green and high-value utilization of methane resources.

Currently, the team is focusing on addressing two key technical bottlenecks:

Research Direction	Current Status and Goals
Continuous Operation of Cracking Reactor	Continuous optimization is underway, with the goal of increasing stable continuous operation time to one month as soon as possible[1]
Continuous System Operation	As a core R&D focus, a breakthrough is expected within the next six months to two years[1]

• Researcher Yu Qingkai
  : Researcher at the Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Chairman of Shanghai Hydrogen Field New Materials Technology Co., Ltd.
• Returned to China in 2018 to engage in the R&D and industrialization of natural gas cracking hydrogen-carbon co-production technology
• Named an “Outstanding Person of Shanghai’s Overseas Chinese Community” in 2025[1]

1. Demonstration Application Timeline
   : A demonstration application is planned to be implemented in
   Sichuan Province, which is rich in natural gas resources
   , by 2026[1]

2. Market Strategic Layout
   :
   • Carry out large-scale production in natural gas-producing areas
   • Promote nationwide distributed hydrogen production in chemical sectors and hydrogen refueling stations with high hydrogen demand[1]

The core competitive advantages of this technology are reflected in the following aspects:

1. Environmental Benefits
   : Zero-pollution hydrogen production, supporting the achievement of the ‘Dual Carbon’ strategic goals
2. High-Value Resource Utilization
   : Converts natural gas (methane) into two high-value products: high-purity hydrogen and graphite
3. Scenario Applicability
   : Particularly suitable for distributed hydrogen production needs, with broad application prospects in the chemical industry and hydrogen refueling station sectors
4. Cost and Efficiency Advantages
   : Compared with traditional processes, it has stronger economic viability in distributed scenarios[1]

Researcher Yu Qingkai stated that China is launching large-scale underlying innovation, and his team’s work aligns with this wave of innovation. In terms of market layout, innovative capital is making balanced investments and thriving in cutting-edge fields such as new materials and chemical engineering, providing a favorable environment for technology translation[1].

Looking ahead, this technology is expected to:

• Drive hydrogen energy to become a core sector in energy transition
• Promote collaborative development of the industrial chain
• Provide important technical support for the achievement of the ‘Dual Carbon’ strategic goals
• Ultimately enable innovative outcomes to have a global impact[1]

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[1] China News Service - “Chinese Scientists Break Through Hydrogen-Carbon Co-Production Technology, Zero-Pollution Hydrogen Production Supports Energy Transition” (https://www.chinanews.com.cn/gn/2026/01-18/10554059.shtml)

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