Solid State Ionics Materials Group
In order to realize solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC), solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) and protonic ceramic fuel cells (PCFC), which are energy and chemical conversion systems with high efficiency, we are developing new solid state ionics materials such as nanocomposite electrodes, and innovative fabrication processes such as low-temperature sintering for electrolytes. And, we are demonstrating fuel cells using multi-fuels (e.g. liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and ethanol) for power sources of small mobile applications such as robots and drones.
Group Research Theme
Development of nanocomposite electrode for SOFCs and SOECs
We successfully synthesized 10-100 times smaller nanocomposite electrode than conventional ones. We are investigating the improvement of electrode activity for SOFCs and SOECs.
Nanocomposite electrode with 10 nm in diameter
Development of manufacturing processes for ultra-high efficiency PCFCs
We established a novel low-temperature sintering process for a dense PCFC electrolyte thin-film with low sinterability. We are developing innovative processes for further lowering the sintering temperature.
PCFC electrolyte thin-film sintered at lower temperatures
High efficiency SOFC (left) and PCFC (right)
Development of SOFCs for small mobile applications
For power sources of small mobile applications such as robots and drones, we are demonstrating SOFCs using liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and developing metal-supported SOFCs with high toughness.
Long-duration flight demonstration of SOFC drone
Metal-supported SOFC with high toughness
Staff Members
| photo | position & name | field of expertise | and other info |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Leader, Group,
Hirofumi Sumi |
Electrochemistry ; Solid State Ionics | |
 |
Invited Senior Researcher,
Yasunobu Mizutani |
Solid Oxide Fuel Cell ; High Temperature Steam Electrolysis ; Protonic Ceramic Fuel Cell | |
 |
Chief Senior Researcher,
Hiroyuki Shimada |
Fuel cell ; Electrolysis ; Functional ceramics ; Energy conversion materials ; Electrochemistry | |
|
Senior Researcher,
Katsuhiro Nomura |
Protonic ceramic fuel cells ; Solid electrolyte ; Electrode materials | |
 |
Senior Researcher,
Yuki Yamaguchi |
Materials chemistry for ceramics | |
|
Senior Researcher,
Masaya Fujioka |
Inorganic materials science ; Solid state ionics ; Superconducting materials | |
|
Researcher,
Mizuki Momai |
Inorganic materials chemistry；Solid electrolyte |