Research
Batteries we are working on：
Losses that hinder the critical performance of energy conversion devices occur at the interface of different phases
(Buried interfaces do not allow active control of ion and electron diffusion)
Engaged in materials research from a unique perspective focusing on interface control, with lithium-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries, and all-solid-state batteries as the research fields.
Composite anionic compounds
By designing the characteristic effect produced by the introduction of different anions (large crystal field splitting due to the strength of the ligand field), the electronic and ionic interactions at the interface of different phases and inside solids can be freely controlled. Our proprietary synthesis technology enables us to realize local arrangement of anion species and graded composition structures. The ultimate goal is to visualize the correlated ion diffusion energy landscape formed at the electrode/electric bilayer/diffuse bilayer interface and to establish a technology to freely control it.
High entropy compounds
We will work on the development of new energy storage interface bonding technology based on the stabilization of metastable phases due to sublattice disorder caused by multicrystallization. In particular, we will elucidate the correlation between the Gibbs free energies corresponding to all possible configurations of the interface or relative positions of interacting atoms and the ionic dynamics of the storage interface. The ultimate goal is to develop a fundamental technology to control physical properties that cannot be expressed by a simple mixing rule.
Molecular gate effect
By inserting a layer of functional molecules at the storage solid-liquid interface, a "molecular gating effect" is produced that provides high permeability only to the characteristic molecules. The decomposition reaction of the electrolyte is suppressed and only the mobile ions can be selectively permeated. In addition, the specific adsorption of solvated ions and the concentration of ions at the electrolyte interface increase the efficiency of ion exchange reactions at the interface, enabling rapid charge-discharge of batteries. The ultimate goal is to develop fundamental molecular technologies to freely control phase-diffusion ion dynamics by designing interfaces that integrate materials and molecular technologies.
CNT Binder
By utilizing carbon nanotubes as a low elastic conductive binder, batteries with high energy density, high input/output characteristics, and cycle characteristics are realized. The weight ratio of active material in the electrode is more than 99.5%. By forming a conductive network of carbon nanotubes spread three-dimensionally in the electrode plate, the active material can follow the volume change of the active material caused by the deinsertion reaction of movable ions, thus eliminating the need for a polymer binder. The company is currently studying the commercialization of nanocarbon batteries (Shinshu Volta Co., Ltd., a Shinshu University venture, was established).