Wed., Jan 14, 2026 16:20-17:50
Onsite & Online Hybrid

Engineering 112 Lecture Room, Higashi-Hiroshima Campus, Hiroshima University
  ※Please note that the venue is different from the usual one.

If you are online, you need to apply.

Commentary: Yukihiko MATSUMURA
Professor, Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Hiroshima University

Lecture: Kosuke YAMADA
M2, Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Hiroshima University
“Hydrothermal Carbonization of Peat Soil: Effect of Temperature, Time, and Concentration on Char Formation”

Peat soil, an organic-rich wetland material, was converted into hydrochar through hydrothermal carbonization (HTC). Peat slurries with 5–15 wt% concentration were treated at 180–220 °C for 30–90 min. Solid yield, mass balance, and hydrochar properties were evaluated. Results showed that solid yield decreased as temperature and reaction time increased, indicating progressive decomposition of organic matter. The produced hydrochar exhibited darker color and lower moisture retention than raw peat, reflecting structural changes. These findings show that HTC can convert peat soil into a more stable solid, and that reaction conditions strongly govern both yield and hydrochar characteristics.

Lecture: Zihao HE
M2, Graduate School of Innovation and Practice for Smart Society, Hiroshima University
“Continuous Recovery of Phosphorus Assisted by Calcium Hydroxide in Supercritical Water”

The world is currently facing critical challenges arising from phosphorus ore and the depletion of fossil fuel reserves. In parallel, phosphorus is a non-renewable and indispensable resource. Supercritical water gasification (SCWG) offers a promising solution, as it can directly convert sewage sludge into high-value gases without the need for energy-intensive pre-dewatering. In this study, we propose a sustainable phosphorus recovery system integrated into SCWG. The results indicate that the terminal velocity of particles increased notably with particle size, with higher temperatures leading to a slight additional increase. In this system, particles in the range of 10–100 µm were readily transported by the fluid, whereas larger particles (>150 µm) exhibited a stronger tendency to settle.

Lecture: Kosuke YAMADA
M2, Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Hiroshima University
“Catalytic effect of Ru-supported carbon nanotubes on supercritical water gasification of barley residue and yeast culture supernatant”

Barley residue (BR) and yeast waste liquid (YCS), generated in the Asahi Group production process, have high moisture content and are difficult to utilize effectively. Supercritical water gasification (SCWG) is a promising method for converting wet biomass, and Ru-supported carbon nanotube (Ru/CNT) catalysts have shown high activity, though their performance with real biomass remains unclear. This study investigates BR and YCS using a continuous reactor at 600 °C with catalyst loadings from 0 to 1.3 g. The results demonstrate that Ru/CNT effectively enhances gasification efficiency for these brewing-related organic wastes. 

Lecture: Ken FURUTA
M2, Graduate School of Innovation and Practice for Smart Society, Hiroshima University
“Effect of the oyster shell delivered CaO catalyst on the supercritical methanol biodiesel production”

Because the supercritical methanol method requires high temperatures and pressures, reducing the severity of these reaction conditions has become an important challenge. To address this issue, the use of heterogeneous catalysts has been explored, with particular attention given to metal oxides, especially calcium oxide (CaO). Hiroshima Prefecture is known for its active oyster aquaculture industry. However, the volume of waste oyster shells produced exceeds the current processing capacity, resulting in a significant waste-disposal problem. Therefore, this study investigates biodiesel production via the supercritical methanol method using CaO derived from waste oyster shells as a heterogeneous catalyst.

Chair: Yukihiko MATSUMURA
Professor, Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Hiroshima University

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