1Perovskite solar cell
For perovskite solar cells, we conduct R&D on hole transport layer materials with high performance, high durability and reasonable cost by utilizing technologies for dye sensitized solar cells. We are also developing construction methods and materials in anticipation of an increasing surface area of solar panels.
Perovskite solar cells have a hole transport layer through which holes are passed to the counter electrode after electrons and holes are dissociated from excitons generated upon light absorption by the solar cell. We turned our attention to the function of sensitizing dyes as semiconductor and successfully developed a phthalocyanine-based hole transport material “STM HT-PcH”. It is the world’s first application to perovskite solar cells.
2Solid oxide fuel cell
We are doing research on A: Metal-supported solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC)、B: Proton-conducting SOFC and C: Organic fuel cell．
Ａ：Metal-supported solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC)
Solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) operates at the highest temperature (700 - 1,000℃ normally) among all types of fuel cells and delivers the highest power generation efficiency (45 - 65%) as a single power generating unit. But it has the disadvantages of;
・High operating temperature resulting in a longer start-up and shutdown time, and,
・Decreased durability caused by large thermal stress.
To overcome them, we are committed to developing a metal-supported SOFC.
Ｂ：Proton-conducting SOFC
SOFC is broadly divided into two types including oxide ion-conducting (O2-) and conducting proton (H+). Oxide ion-conducting SOFC is commercially available and practically used.,
Proton-conducting SOFC allows more efficient use of fuel as only Water (H2O) is generated on the air electrode.
We are engaged in research on proton-conducting SOFCs.
Ｃ：Organic fuel cell
Sugar taken into the body of living organisms is oxidized to carbon dioxide (CO2) through a complicated enzyme reaction process. By utilizing the highly efficient energy metabolism, we conduct R&D on “biofuel cells” that generate power from sugar such as glucose. In particular, we strive to develop power generation technologies using oxidation of sugar and organic acids with no burning of fuel involved.
3Fluoride ion battery
Lithium-ion batteries” are used commonly, but still have material and structural issues in safety, price and capacity that require the efforts of researchers around the world to overcome.
As part of these efforts, we study “fluoride ion batteries,” a promising rechargeable battery for future generation. In particular, we focus on the development of a unique electrolyte that yields a significant performance improvement.