Professor Kazuhiko Maeda stands as a preeminent figure in sustainable energy research and photocatalysis, pioneering advanced solutions for solar-driven chemical transformations. He currently serves as Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the School of Science, Institute of Science Tokyo, following the institution's reorganization from Tokyo Institute of Technology in October 2024. His distinguished academic journey began with a Doctor of Engineering from The University of Tokyo in 2007 under the supervision of Professor Kazunari Domen, followed by postdoctoral research at The Pennsylvania State University with Professor Thomas E. Mallouk. His career trajectory progressed from Assistant Professor at The University of Tokyo in 2009 to his current senior leadership position, complemented by his influential role as a PRESTO/JST researcher from 2010 to 2014.
Professor Maeda's research has revolutionized the field of artificial photosynthesis through his development of innovative photocatalytic systems for sustainable hydrogen production and CO₂ reduction using solar energy. His seminal 2013 paper on Z-scheme water splitting using dual semiconductor photocatalysts has accumulated over 1,200 citations and established fundamental principles for efficient solar-to-chemical energy conversion. With an impressive research impact reflected in more than 57,000 total citations and an h-index of 98, his work has significantly advanced heterogeneous photocatalysis and renewable energy technologies. His groundbreaking investigations into surface-modified semiconductors have provided transformative approaches for converting solar energy into storable chemical fuels, addressing critical challenges in sustainable energy systems.
Throughout his career, Professor Maeda has received numerous prestigious accolades including the 2012 PCCP Prize for Outstanding Achievement of Young Scientists and the 2016 Commendation for Science and Technology by Japan's Minister of Education. His extensive international collaborations have positioned him as a central figure in global efforts to develop carbon-neutral energy technologies, connecting researchers across multiple continents to address pressing environmental challenges. Currently directing cutting-edge research on next-generation photocatalytic systems, he continues to expand the boundaries of solar energy conversion with a focus on practical implementation. Professor Maeda's ongoing work promises to deliver transformative solutions for renewable energy production, cementing his legacy as a visionary scientist whose contributions will shape sustainable energy technologies for decades to come.
