Q1 2026 R&D Updates on Graphene Wafer Preparation and Hydrogen-Carbon Co-Production Technology

Based on the latest research developments and authoritative reports, this article provides a detailed analysis of the R&D progress of graphene wafer preparation and hydrogen-carbon co-production technologies in Q1 2026.

Dr.

, a researcher at the Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), and Chairman of Shanghai Hydrogen Field New Materials Technology Co., Ltd., led his team to achieve a major breakthrough in the field of natural gas cracking for hydrogen-carbon co-production[1]. Supported by the National Key R&D Program, this technology has become an important pathway for green hydrogen and carbon production.

• Zero-Pollution Operation
  : The cracking technology can simultaneously produce high-purity hydrogen and graphite under nearly zero-pollution conditions
• Environmental Benefits
  : Compared with traditional high-pollution hydrogen and carbon production processes, this technology avoids greenhouse gas emissions
• Economic Benefits
  : It has cost and efficiency advantages in distributed scenarios such as chemical industry and hydrogen refueling stations, realizing green and high-value utilization of methane resources[1]

The team is currently focusing on overcoming key technical bottlenecks such as

of the cracking reactor system, with the goal of [1]. This technological breakthrough is decisive for realizing large-scale production.

Relying on the support of the Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, CAS, and Shanghai’s sci-tech innovation platforms, Dr. Yu Qingkai’s team continues to carry out technological research in fields such as

[1]. As a new-generation carbon-based material, graphene has broad application prospects in electronic devices, energy storage materials, and other fields.

Time Node	Milestone Target
2021	Established Shanghai Hydrogen Field New Materials Technology Co., Ltd. to promote large-scale preparation
2026	Implement demonstration applications in natural gas-rich areas of Sichuan Province
Within the next 2 years	Achieve industrialization of the technology[1]

• Natural Gas Production Areas
  : Carry out large-scale production to fully leverage raw material resource advantages
• Chemical Industry
  : Promote distributed hydrogen production in the chemical industry with high hydrogen demand
• Hydrogen Refueling Station Network
  : Deploy a national distributed hydrogen production network for hydrogen refueling stations[1]

Dr. Yu Qingkai stated that in the face of accelerated hydrogen energy commercialization, he expects continuous policy incentives to stimulate innovation vitality and promote industrial chain collaboration. Against the backdrop of the

, hydrogen energy will become a core sector in energy transition[1].

The construction of the Shanghai International Science and Technology Innovation Center provides a high-quality environment for technological R&D:

• Gathering of high-end talents
• Convenient resource flow
• Balanced investment in innovation capital
• Strong policy support[1]

• The natural gas cracking hydrogen-carbon co-production technology has received support from the National Key R&D Program
• In 2025, Yu Qingkai was named “Outstanding Person from the Overseas Chinese Community in Shanghai”
• Investment in innovation capital in cutting-edge fields such as new materials and chemical industry is booming[1]

According to the Plan for Accelerating the Construction of a Strong Advanced Manufacturing City released by Guangzhou, the field of cutting-edge new materials is strengthening technological research on

, promoting the integrated development of new material technologies, information technologies, and intelligent technologies[2].

Graphene materials will be piloted in the following fields:

• Optoelectronic information
• Automotive industry
• Biomedical
• Military industry
• Energy industry[2]

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In Q1 2026, the team led by Yu Qingkai from the Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, CAS, made significant progress in hydrogen-carbon co-production technology and graphene wafer preparation. Key breakthroughs include:

1. Improved Technical Performance
   : The continuous operation time of the cracking reactor is moving toward the one-month target
2. Accelerated Industrialization
   : Demonstration applications will be implemented in Sichuan in 2026
3. Green Manufacturing Concept
   : The zero-pollution hydrogen production technology aligns with the development direction of the “Dual Carbon” strategy
4. Improved Market Layout
   : A business model combining large-scale production in natural gas production areas and distributed hydrogen production has been formed

The breakthrough of this technology will provide important technical support for the development of China’s hydrogen energy industry and the industrialization of carbon-based new materials, and has far-reaching significance for promoting energy transition and achieving carbon neutrality goals.

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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)

[2] Guangzhou Municipal People’s Government - “Plan for Accelerating the Construction of a Strong Advanced Manufacturing City in Guangzhou” (https://www.gz.gov.cn/zwgk/fggw/sfbgtwj/content/post_10634337.html)