From the standpoint of establishing a stable and efficient energy supply, as well as the standpoint of helping to solve the problem of global warming, the practical use of fuel cells has been attracting expectant attention. However, for the full-scale spread of fuel cells, innovative breakthroughs, which will address key issues, such as the reduction of cost and the improvement of durability and reliability, are awaited from industry. For this purpose, it is necessary to carry out research and development based on basic science.

Combining the knowledge of reaction and deterioration mechanisms with cutting edge technologies such as nanotechnology, this Center carries out research on new materials for catalysts, electrolyte membranes, MEAs, and so on, for fuel cells. Thus, establishing a basic technology for high performance fuel cells, which realizes such performance, high reliability and low cost at the same time, and to contribute to the real spread of fuel cells, this Center was established in April 2008 with the support of METI, NEDO and Yamanashi Prefecture.

At present we are carrying out a NEDO project, expected to have a duration of seven years, in which the analysis of degradation mechanisms, together with research and development on high performance, low cost catalysts, electrolyte membranes and MEAs, play important roles.

We would like to contribute to the full-scale spread of fuel cells through the fruits of this research and development.

I hope for your understanding and support.

Director, Fuel Cell Nanomaterials Center
University of Yamanashi