A “fuel cell” is a power-generating device which retrieves energy by using the inverse reaction of the electrolysis of water. 

“Fuel cells” are expected to provide sources of energy for diverse uses and applications of all scales. Fuel cells feature a low environmental footprint and utilize hydrogen for fuel. Accordingly, they have gained a lot of attention as a tool for solving environmental and energy problems.

A fuel cell which is capable of having a compact and light weight design is the Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC), and it is expected to have applications for mobile PCs, mobile phones, and automobiles. 

■Development of microfabricated materials

Fluorine-based resin, a representative example of which is PTFE, may be used as a component of micromachines. Fluorine-based resin is expected to have nanoscale device applications through hybridization with inorganic substances. Our laboratory carries out research on direct microfabrication of fluorine-based resin of micron to nano-order dimensions using synchrotron light, high energy ion beams, and focused ion beams.    

■Development of new functional materials

The laboratory also uses electron beams to develop materials which have gradient functions, microfabricate materials into biodegradable plastic, giving materials heat resistance properties, and develop technologies for bonding dissimilar materials.