Green Technology



CO2 separation and collection systems, which will prevent global warming; separation membranes for purifying water; and green technology for fuel cells and rechargeable batteries, are all becoming increasingly important in the 21st century.
    Membranes for fuel cells
Fuel cells are devices for producing energy conservation electric power; they have a high energy exchange efficiency and are kind to the environment. Because of this, fuel cells have been the subject of active research in recent years, as an alternative energy source instead of fossil fuels such as oil. Amongst the different types of fuel cells, direct methanol fuel cells use methanol as a direct fuel and this makes it possible to reduce the size and weight of the fuel cell. Also, because they are easy to maintain, it is hoped that direct methanol fuel cells can be used as power sources for portable machines.


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    • CO2 separation cleaning membranes
    We are conducting research into the CO2 separation membranes which are needed when separating and collecting CO2. Using a polymer which has a high affinity with CO2 we are investigating membrane composition and its relationship with separation performance, and furthermore, we are designing a super separation membrane with high CO2 permselectivity which is strong enough to meet the demands of practical use.

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    • Dye-sensitised solar cells
    Dye-sensitised solar cells are an improved form of solar cells in which electricity is produced when titanium oxide absorbs light. By adding dye cells they can also absorb visible light. At present, the polyelectrolyte which is the component of ordinary dye-sensitised solar cells is a liquid so there are problems of leakage and volitility. Therefore at our laboratory we are performing molecular design of macromolecules in order to create solid polyelectrolyte.


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