Analysis of Technological Breakthrough Progress in Hydrogen-Carbon Co-Production in Q1 2026

According to a report by China News Service on January 18, 2026, the team led by Researcher Yu Qingkai from the Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), has achieved a major breakthrough in the field of natural gas pyrolysis hydrogen-carbon co-production technology[1]. This technology has received support from the National Key R&D Program, becoming an important path for green hydrogen-carbon production.

Technical Indicator	Details
Technical Principle	Natural gas pyrolysis for hydrogen-carbon co-production
Product Output	High-purity hydrogen + high-purity graphite
Environmental Features	Nearly zero-pollution operation, avoiding greenhouse gas emissions
Energy Efficiency	Has cost and efficiency advantages in distributed scenarios

Researcher Yu Qingkai is currently focusing on tackling the continuous operation of pyrolysis reactors[1], with the core goal to

. The breakthrough of this technical bottleneck is of critical significance for industrialization:

• Continuous Operation Time Improvement
  : Shift from batch production to continuous production, significantly improving production efficiency
• System Stability Optimization
  : Solve problems such as equipment corrosion and carbon deposition during long-term operation
• Foundation for Large-Scale Production
  : Lay a technical foundation for subsequent large-scale industrial applications

• Researcher, Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, CAS
• Chairman, Shanghai Hydrogen Field New Materials Technology Co., Ltd.
• Returned to China in 2018 to engage in R&D and industrialization of natural gas pyrolysis hydrogen-carbon co-production technology
• Named “Outstanding Person of Shanghai Overseas Chinese Community” in 2025[1]

Relying on:

• Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, CAS
• Shanghai Science and Technology Innovation Center Platform
• Support from the National Key R&D Program

Time Node	Milestone
Next 6 months to 2 years	Industrialization of the technology
2026	Realize demonstration application in Sichuan Province

1. Natural Gas Production Areas
   : Launch large-scale production
2. Chemical Industry Field
   : Distributed hydrogen production
3. Hydrogen Refueling Station Network
   : National hydrogen supply layout[1]

Traditional High-Pollution Processes          New Hydrogen-Carbon Co-Production Technology
    ↓                        ↓
Greenhouse gas emissions ❌         Zero pollution ✅
High cost ❌              Low cost ✅
Low efficiency ❌              High efficiency ✅

• Chemical Hydrogenation
  : Meet the demand for high-purity hydrogen in the chemical industry
• Hydrogen Refueling Stations
  : Provide distributed clean hydrogen sources
• Graphite Production
  : Produce high-purity graphite materials with high added value

Against the backdrop of the “Dual Carbon” strategy, hydrogen energy is positioned as a core sector for energy transformation. The breakthrough of this technology is of great significance for:

• Realizing green high-value utilization of methane resources
• Promoting the clean transformation of energy
• Reducing carbon emission intensity

Although this technology has not yet directly involved listed companies, it is highly correlated with the following industrial fields:

Field	Relevance	Description
Hydrogen Energy Industry	High	Zero-pollution hydrogen production technical route
New Materials	High	Production of graphene and high-purity graphite
Natural Gas Chemical Industry	Medium	Application of natural gas pyrolysis technology
Environmental Protection Equipment	Medium	Clean production process equipment

1. Hydrogen Energy Concept
   : Sinopec (600028), Huachang Chemical (002274), Yihuatong (688339)
2. New Materials Concept
   : Fangda Carbon (600516), Tanyuan Technology (603133)
3. Clean Energy
   : Baofeng Energy (600989), LONGi Green Energy (601012)

• Complete the construction of demonstration application projects
• Optimize the continuous operation technology of pyrolysis reactors
• Establish a complete industrialization technology system

• Achieve large-scale production
• Expand national market layout
• Promote collaborative development of the industrial chain

• Play a key role in the “Dual Carbon” strategy
• Become an important technical support for the hydrogen energy industry
• Promote green transformation in the chemical industry

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

[2] Sina Finance - “Chinese Scientists Achieve Breakthrough in Hydrogen-Carbon Co-Production Technology, Zero-Pollution Hydrogen Production Facilitates Energy Transformation” (https://finance.sina.com.cn/7x24/2026-01-18/doc-inhhtasz7833872.shtml)

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This report is compiled based on public news reports. Technical details and industrialization information are subject to the original sources. For in-depth understanding of the investment value of relevant listed companies, it is recommended to refer to professional research reports or consult investment advisors.