Advanced Fuel Cell Research Group

Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells (PEFCs) are compact fuel cells capable of operating at near-ambient temperatures. They consist of ion-exchange membranes and platinum-based catalyst electrodes, and are expected to serve as power sources for fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) as well as residential combined heat and power (CHP) systems such as Ene-Farm. In addition, water electrolyzers that utilize the same ion-exchange membrane (PEM water electrolysis) are characterized by high efficiency and compact design, and are attracting considerable attention as key devices for renewable hydrogen production.
Further improvements in the performance and durability of these fuel cells and water electrolyzers will require the development of novel constituent materials and innovative technologies. Moreover, fostering new technological seeds will be essential for enhancing functionality and expanding their range of applications. Our group is committed to conducting the necessary research and development based on materials chemistry and electrochemistry, with the aim of developing next-generation technologies incorporating new concepts and ideas, as well as establishing the fundamental and core technologies that support them.