ADVANCED Project

　To realize the targets of the NEDO Technology Development Roadmap, it is essential to develop new catalysts that achieve higher performance, greater durability, and lower cost in fuel cells. Our university has long-standing expertise in catalysts supported by high-output, high-durability, and high-efficiency ceramic materials. We are now advancing these materials into porous ceramic nanoparticles to further enhance performance while reducing costs. Using these particles as supports, we are designing catalysts loaded with highly active Pt-based nanoparticles. Furthermore, we use molecular dynamics simulations to analyze nanoscale mass transport and clarify the crucial role of the catalyst–ionomer interface in forming next-generation, high-performance cathode catalysts.

　Technological capabilities in advanced fields form the foundation of national industrial competitiveness, and Digital Transformation (DX) in R&D is essential for sustaining this edge. As fuel cell and hydrogen technologies involve physical material systems, automating experimental processes is a vital element of DX. Our university has been selected as a core institution to lead this NEDO-commissioned effort. We are constructing an integrated, automated platform for everything from material synthesis to power generation evaluation. This platform will be accessible to other research groups, and the data obtained will be shared openly to establish a global hub for advanced materials development and meet 2035 performance targets.

　To achieve roadmap goals, electrolyte membranes must maintain high proton conductivity and mechanical strength under diverse conditions. We are developing novel composite membranes by incorporating nanofibers and inorganic nanoparticles which are fused-aggegate network structure into hydrocarbon-based and fluorinated electrolytes. By using molecular dynamics simulations to optimize water behavior and material design, we aim to achieve the performance, durability, and cost targets required for 2035 and beyond.

　Gas Diffusion Layers (GDL) and Microporous Layers (MPL are critical for delivering reactants to the catalyst layer. We have proposed a unique cell structure that creates flow channels within the GDL, generating forced sub-rib gas flow to dramatically improve catalyst utilization. This technology can be fabricated simply and at low cost. In this project, we aim to enhance porous rib GDL/MPL technologies to meet 2035 targets through multifaceted analysis, including neutron and X-ray imaging and reaction-transport modeling—to establish key technologies for Heavy-Duty Vehicle (HDV) applications.

　To realize ideal catalyst layer structures, we are developing an industry-first multi-nozzle electrospray (ES) method that eliminates the conventional drying process. This innovative approach enables precision coating and gradient structure formation, maximizing platinum (Pt) effectiveness. By combining experimental analysis with computational science, we are clarifying the mechanisms of ES coating and ionomer crystallization to pave the way for future high-throughput mass production.

　Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis (PEMWE) is crucial for green hydrogen production. To overcome the high cost of iridium (Ir), we are developing catalysts with Ir nanoparticles on conductive ceramic supports which are fused-aggegate network structure. Our research spans different scales—from microstructure to interface design—to commercialize high-performance MEAs that meet 2035 technological standards with minimal precious metal usage.

　Aiming to contribute to a hydrogen production cost of 18 yen/Nm³ by 2030, we are developing elemental technologies for Anion Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis (AEMWE), including PFAS-compliant anion membranes, ionomers, and non-precious metal catalysts. Using an agile R&D framework, we share data across research institutions to rapidly optimize MEA fabrication and stack designs. This collaborative approach ensures we maximize research outcomes and realize a hydrogen-based society.