Environment / Organic chemistry / Inorganic chemistry

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Innovative Catalyst: Transforming Fuel Cells for Sustainable Energy Solutions

Medical Engineering Collaboration / Life SciencesEnvironment / Organic chemistry / Inorganic chemistry

Innovative Catalyst: Transforming Fuel Cells for Sustainable Energy Solutions

This groundbreaking catalyst revolutionizes fuel cell technology by substituting the O2- anion within mayenite C12A7 with a halogen element or electron. This strategic modification results in exceptional capabilities for both the hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) and the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), rivaling platinum efficiency. Synthesized from cost-effective materials, it emerges as a promising platinum substitute, particularly in polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs). The catalyst's unique replacement of the O2- anion enhances its catalytic prowess, achieving dual capability in HOR and ORR. Positioned as a strong competitor against platinum, it mitigates problems associated with crystalline surfaces, a significant advancement for fuel cell applications.

Sterilization and disinfection system using UV-emitting electrode-less lamp with long lifespan and low power consumption.

New energy / Energy savingEnvironment / Organic chemistry / Inorganic chemistry

Sterilization and disinfection system using UV-emitting electrode-less lamp with long lifespan and low power consumption.

We have developed a UV-emitting electrodeless lamp with powerful light emission with wavelength of 254nm, which possesses germicidal properties. This lamp is energized by microwave sustained excitation, ensuring high efficiency, compactness, and long lifespan, making it suitable for various sterilization applications.
With minimal microwave leakage and electromagnetic interference to peripheral devices, our system guarantees a safe and reliable operation. When combined with our 2.45GHz microwave oscillator, it enables the creation of a compact, relatively affordable, low power consumption, and long-lasting sterilization and disinfection system.

Research on three-dimensional information analysis technology to elucidate the plant growth mechanism

Environment / Organic chemistry / Inorganic chemistry

Research on three-dimensional information analysis technology to elucidate the plant growth mechanism

In this research, by analyzing the three-dimensional "shape" of plants, we aim to clarify the plant growth mechanism for stable harvesting of crops and improvement of cultivation technology.
The appearance of plants, such as the size of fruits and leaves, and the length and thickness of branches, changes depending on various environmental factors such as hours of sunshine, temperature, and soil moisture content, even if they have the same genetic information. Clarifying the relationship between the shape of plants and environmental factors will help improve cultivation techniques for crops.
Therefore, in this research, we used image engineering technology to construct a system that can reproduce three-dimensional "shapes" from multiple plant photographs in order to accurately measure the appearance of plants. By using this system, it is now possible to clarify the three-dimensional characteristics of the plant growth, such as the direction and degree of bending of branches, which could not be known by two-dimensional analysis using photographs.

Ultra small spectrometer which is applicable to near-infrared region by using MEMS processes

Environment / Organic chemistry / Inorganic chemistryNano technology

Ultra small spectrometer which is applicable to near-infrared region by using MEMS processes

We are researching a small spectrometer using MEMS processes.
The wavelength band of the object depends on design, and can be spectroscopically divided into 20 nm resolution at the near-infrared range of 1200 nm to 1500 nm, for example.
We also examine spectroscopic methods in the visible light region and in the longer wavelength region. The size of the small-scale spectrometer has some good prospect of several mm of thickness and about 1 cm wide so that it can also be installed on portable devices such as smartphones. The features are the simple manufacturing process, the cost effective, and excellent portability. We welcome anyone who is interested in realizing its practical use and joint research of this technology.

Sheet-supported platinum catalyst suitable for reuse, reduction, and recycling

Environment / Organic chemistry / Inorganic chemistry

Sheet-supported platinum catalyst suitable for reuse, reduction, and recycling

This is a catalyst technology that supports platinum for sheet-like metal, polymer, carbon, etc. (1) Repeatable use (reuse), 2) reduction of catalyst consumption (reduce), 3) easy recovery and reactivation (recycle), 4) easy mass production, and 5) low cost are achieved. The technology is useful in reducing the amount of platinum consumption, easy to use, and environmentally friendly. Application to various uses related to platinum catalysts is possible. We welcome companies that wish to make practical use and utilize this technology.

Polymer-sheet supported palladium hydride catalyst

Environment / Organic chemistry / Inorganic chemistry

Polymer-sheet supported palladium hydride catalyst

We are studying new hydrogenation catalysts using palladium.
1)Hydrogenation without hydrogenolysis reaction, 2) partial hydrogen addition with a selectable number of substitutions, 3) repeatable use (reuse), 4) reduction (reuse) of catalyst usage, 5) easy recovery and reactivation (recycling), 6) low flammability, 7) easy mass production, and 8) low cost can be achieved with the technology. Application to organic synthesis reaction, denitration catalyst (NOx reduction and removal), desulfurization catalyst, electrode material, etc.is possible. We welcome companies that want to make practical use of this technology and technical consultation on organic synthesis / catalysts.

Small-sized shape memory alloy (SMA) artificial muscle actuator with high responsivity and flexibility that can be attached directly to human body

Medical Engineering Collaboration / Life SciencesManufacturingEnvironment / Organic chemistry / Inorganic chemistry

Small-sized shape memory alloy (SMA) artificial muscle actuator with high responsivity and flexibility that can be attached directly to human body

In recent years, artificial muscles have attracted attention for the purpose of power assistance by mounting to human body, and the development of artificial muscles using electric motors and air pressure is underway. However, electric motors have issues on low power generation and flexibility per weight, while artificial muscles using pneumatic rubber have issues on responsivity, quietness, and mobility (portability).
The system shown here was realized by a joint research between Kaneko Code Co., Ltd. and Nakamura Group in Department of Science and Engineering, Chuo University. This epoch-making system solved the issue of low responsivity, the top issue of SMA actuator. The response speed of this system is 5 times faster than that of conventional SMA actuator. Also, this system can be reduced in size and weight and can be attached directly to the human body thanks to its high flexibility. Therefore, this system is expected to have multiple applications including medical use. We welcome companies that are motivated to develop applied products and businesses using this technology.

Application of 254 nm ultraviolet emission electrodeless lamp system with low power consumption and long life time to sterilization systems

Medical Engineering Collaboration / Life SciencesManufacturingEnvironment / Organic chemistry / Inorganic chemistry

Application of 254 nm ultraviolet emission electrodeless lamp system with low power consumption and long life time to sterilization systems

The developed ultraviolet emission electrodeless lamps shows strong emission at 254 nm and can be used for sterilization systems. Other applications can be considered using such properties as high-efficiency, small-size, and long-life. Though the low power microwave is used to ignite the lamps, there is almost no leakage of microwaves. Therefore there is no electromagnetic effect on the peripheral device or systems. In combination with our compact 2.45 GHz microwave oscillator, it is possible to construct sterilization systems with low power consumption and long life, which are small and relatively inexpensive. We welcome to companies that wish to introduce and apply this product.