Changing Our Future Society with Nanotechnology and New Materials

Featured Article

2014.No.51

Reporting on Today and Tomorrow’s Energy, Environmental and Industrial Technology

New Enegy and Industrial Technology Development Organization

Changing Our Future Society with Nanotechnology and New MaterialsNEDO has been promoting research and development in the fields of new materials and nanotechnology for a long time. As a result, many new materials have been developed and innovation is beginning to take place. New materials will support industries of the future and hold the potential for changing our lives for the better. In this issue we will feature NEDO’s efforts in the areas of materials technology and nanotechnology.

Making plastic products from plants such as grasses and trees p.12-13

By switching from oil as a raw material for chemical substances to non-edible plants such as grasses and trees, we can solve the problems of oil depletion and global warming (Development of Manufacturing Processes for Chemical Products Derived from Non-edible Plants).

Thin and light Braille device p.8-9

By combining pre-existing materials and carbon nanotubes, we are developing new, high-performance materials that had not been feasible to make before with existing materials (Development of Innovative Carbon Nanotube Composite Materials for a Low Carbon Emission Society).

Toward a Safe, Secure and Prosperous Life

We can change the materials used to make familiar plastic products such as shampoo bottles to non-edible plant-derived materials.

With the development of a lightweght and thin Braille device through the use of compound materials with tree resin, it has become possible to attach an electric Braille panel on the surface of such devices as an air conditioner remote control.

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CONTENTS 2014. No.51

Micro electric generation system that can charge by vibration and doesn’t require batteries p.14-15

Using nanotechnology, we are developing materials that can generate electricity from vibrations around the body semi-permanently (Research and Development for Nanotech and Advanced Materials Applications).

An eco-friendly electrical device that does not use gas with large greenhouse effect p.14-15

Through nanotechnology, we are developing a material that can significantly reduce the amount of SF6 gas usage, a gas that is used in the insulator of power devices and has 24,000 times the greenhouse effect as carbon dioxide (Research and Development for Nanotech and Advanced Materials Applications).

Pressure sensor array entry mat notifies a family member when children have returned home p.10-11

Through a sophisticated combination of material technology and printing technology, we are working to manufacture electronic devices that are lightweight and have a large surface area at low-cost and with low energy usage (Development of Materials and Process Technology for Advanced Printed Electronics).

By replacing SF6 gas used in power devices with compound materials that employ nano-technology, we can deliver electricity to homes in an environmentally-friendly way.

A tire air pressure sensor combined with a micro electric generator can keep the driver informed of the car tire status.

Integrating a large surface area pressure sensor array into a home entry mat can serve many functions, including informing a family member away from home when a child has returned or providing useful information for security, medical or nursing care purposes.

Changing Our Future Society with Nanotechnology and New Materials .................................................................................. 2

Interview with Takeshi Okada, Director General of NEDO Electronics, Materials Technology and Nanotechnology Department

Development of High Value-added Materials Leads to Higher Technology Level of the Manufacturing Industry ......................................................................................................................................... 4

Blending Carbon Nanotubes and Existing Raw Materials Creates New Functions Japanese-born Carbon Nanotubes .............................................................................. 8

Printed Electronics Makes an Eco-Friendly and Convenient Future Life into a Reality Printed Electronics ................................................................................................................. 10

Moving Towards Environmentally-friendly Manufacturing Producing Chemical Materials from Vegetation ......................................... 12

A Search for New Possibilities through Vertical Cooperation Nanotech Challenge Project ........................................................................................... 14

Featured Article

Reporting on Today and Tomorrow’s Energy, Environmental, and Industrial Technology

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NEDO Interview

Development of High Value-added Materials Leads to Higher Technology Level of the Manufacturing Industry

only developing materials technologies, but also supporting collaborative technological development efforts between a variety of companies including materials companies and device companies, with a focus on the final products that will be produced. We believe that NEDO is the only organization that can organize a framework that brings different types of industries together for technological development because of NEDO’s unique identity as a national agency.

Supporting Nanotechnology Until CommercializationCould you tell us what results have been achieved after working nearly 20 years in the nanotechnology field? Okada: For more than two decades, beginning with the “Atom Technology Project” in 1992, we have supported key technology developments in this field through various projects.

One representative project to highlight from among those would be the “Research and Development for Nanotech and Advanced Materials Applications”. Project applicants

First of all, what kind of technology is nanotechnology?Okada: It is a technology that controls matter in a domain known as nanometers, that is, 10 to the power of -9 (10-9). In other words, this is technology that manipulates and controls matter on a molecular and atomic scale. When changes are made to matter at the nano-level, properties of matter change and innovative characteristics that previously could not even be considered appear. Nanotechnology can be used to produce novel materials and holds the ability to spark innovation. Since 1992, NEDO has been working on research and development in nanotechnology.What is the significance of NEDO’s efforts in the technological development of materials?Okada: The “products” that surround us in everyday life are composed of a myriad of substances. For example, liquid crystal displays use multiple film and glass substrates as component materials. One could say that “materials” are the essential foundation for manufacturing.

In a global context, Japan’s material industry has an extremely high level of technical prowess. It supports the manufacturing industry by offering high-quality parts and materials that can be used in finished products such as cars and communications equipment. NEDO has been engaged in materials research and development to support the continuous innovations to realize high-quality, high-functioning materials.

However, when one looks at the position of Japanese enterprises in the world, their share of the materials market is high, but the Japanese market share falls as we approach the manufacturing of final products. Given this situation, NEDO is not

Aiming to expand product share

It is well-known that “materials” make a significant contribution to the quality and functionality of final products. Currently, NEDO is promoting the technological development with a focus on nanotechnology and seeking new materials that can contribute to high value-added products.

71.3%71.3% 81.4%81.4%

94.5%94.5% 51%51%

100%100% 100%100%

94.2%94.2%

21%21%

58%58%

11%11%

Materials

Color Resist

(85.5 billion yen)

Photo Spacer

(20.7 billion yen)

Polarizing Plate Protective Film

(TAC Film)

(126 billion yen)

Anti-Reflective Film

(115.9 billion yen)

Black Resist

(16.5 billion yen)

Liquid Crystal Glass Substrate

(129.49 billion yen)

Polarizing Plate Protective Film

(Phase difference film with optical compensation)

(149.9 billion yen)

Components

(1,581.2 billion yen)

(851.2 billion yen)

Products

(8992.2 billion yen)

ColorFilters

LiquidCrystal

Displays

Polarizing Plates

Market Size of Products, Components, and Materials and Market Share of Japanese Companies (Case of Liquid Crystal Displays)Japanese companies capture a large share of materials sales, but shares of component and final product sales are significantly smaller.

(Source: Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry’s 2012 White Paper on Manufacturing Industries (Monodzukuri)).

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Takeshi OkadaDirector General, NEDO Electronics, MaterialsTechnology and Nanotechnology Department

Graduated from the Tokyo University Department of Engineering in 1991 with a degree in Aviation Engineering. Past positions include Director of Regional Economy, Chubu Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry at the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and Director of IT Project Office, Information Policy Bureau, Commerce and Information Policy Division. After having served as Counselor at the CIO (Chief Information Officer) Office of the Cabinet Secretariat, he has been on loan to the New Energy and Industrial Technology General Development Organization (NEDO) since 2013.

Profile

Based on this effort, the arrival of products utilizing single-walled CNT technology is just around the corner. (see p. 8).

Bringing about new materials is challenging and time consuming, and it is not easy for companies to continue on alone. We think that it is NEDO’s role to support technological development efforts of companies on a mid- to long-term perspective.

Technology Seed Matching and Technological Development for Our Future SocietyIn terms of nanotechnology development, where does NEDO plan to focus?Okada: As I mentioned earlier, it is important to utilize newly developed materials in products in order to commercialize material technologies. For this reason, NEDO is working to match “materials with new properties” up with “utility”.

were required to have a vertical cooperative mechanism linking the upstream organizations that have the innovative nanotechnology seed technology with the downstream organizations that would be responsible for commercialization. This was a new approach. This vertical cooperative mechanism crossing the boundary between different business fields proved successful. Many of the development projects progressed rapidly and I know many cases that have advanced very close to commercialization. (see p. 14).

Another case to highlight is “carbon nanotubes (CNT)”. This is a carbon material ordered at the nano-level that displays amazing properties in electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and strength. In 1991 CNT was discovered by Dr. Sumio Iijima, who was at NEC (Nippon Electric Company, Ltd.) at the time. NEDO has been engaged in development of this technology from 1998 to the present. In particular, the target of our current program, “Development of Innovative Carbon Nanotube Composite Materials for a Low Carbon Emission Society,” is the “single-walled CNT,” which is difficult to make practical but we are making steady progress in advancing the concept from fundamental technology to product development.

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015NanotechnologyAcceleration Area

Information andCommunicationArea

Energy, Resource,Environment Issues

Material andComponentArea

Research and Development for Applications of Advanced Devices and Materials Utilizing Nanotechnology (Nanotech Challenge) (p.14-15)

Infrastructure Development to Evaluate Next-generationAdvanced Component Development

Consortium for Advanced Semiconduct or Materials and Related Technologies

Development of Nitride-based semiconductor single Crystal and Epitaxial Growth Technology

Rare Metal Substitute Materials Development Project (p.7)

Carbon Nanotube Capacitor Development Project

Development of Innovative Carbon Nanotube Composite Materials for a Low Carbon Emission Society (p.8-9)

Development of Sustainable Hyper Composite Technology

Development of Fundamental Technologies for Green-Sustainable Chemical Process

Technology Development of Manufacturing Processes for Non-edible Plant-derived Chemicals (p.12-13)

Development of Fundamental Evaluation Technology for Next-Generation Chemical Materials

Development of Materials and Process Technology for Advanced Printed Electronics (p.10-11)

Examples of Material-related Projects at NEDO (Nearly 40 materials-related projects over the past 10 years)

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Specifically, we are working actively to provide matching services by providing samples throughout the duration of projects we support and attending exhibits and industry shows such as “nano tech.” By promoting exchanges within different types of industries, we anticipate expanding the use of developed technologies to a wide array of applications.

In addition, we believe it is important to clarify the potential industrial applications in order to encourage commercialization. Thus we listen to the opinions of companies and experts to map out a vision of future society. Then we move on to technology development with a clear focus on the most important industrial applications.

Supporting Industry with Innovative MaterialsFinally, I would like to hear what the outlook on the future of materials looks like.Okada: Materials are the essential technology that supports manufacturing and I think that in order to improve the technological level of our industry, Japan needs to pay attention to this area.

Although nanotechnology and materials technology were designated as one of the strategic areas in Japan’s Third Science and Technology Basic Plan, it is not clearly designated as such

in the Fourth Plan. However, other Western countries have been aggressively pursuing research and development activities in this area. For example, the US has launched MGI *1 and the EU’s HORIZON 2020*2 designates nanotechnology and materials technology as industry-leading technological priorities. In Asia, South Korea has launched the Third Korean Nanotechnology Initiative. Around the world countries are putting forward clear strategies for technology development in the nanotechnology and materials technology areas.

NEDO has also developed a roadmap to create a vision of our future society and to help identify what kind of technology will be needed by when through research of recent technology trends. This roadmap describes our strategy to sustain Japan’s technology level. Although until recently materials development has been mainly focused on the fields of energy, electrics and electronics, we are paying attention to the construction and healthcare fields as we anticipate even more growth in those areas. We will continue our development activities with the goal of supporting the manufacturing industry through the creation of innovative materials using nanotechnology

Upstream and DownstreamVertical CooperativeResearch Framework

Responsiblefor Core

Technology

Responsiblefor Device

Development

Responsiblefor Product

Development

Example ofResearch Framework

Application

Project Selection

LeadingResearch

Stage

Awarding100% of costStage I

Max. 70 million yenannually per projectNEDO covers thetotal project cost

Evaluation using Stage Gate

CommercializationResearch

Stage

Awarding2/3 of costStage II

Max. 200 million yenannually per projectNEDO covers 2/3 ofthe total project cost

5 New Industriesto Contribute

Fuel Cells

Robotics

Information andCommunications Technology

Health Care Devices& Services

Energy and EnvironmentalDevices & Services

※ No new active solicitations for either Stage I or II

Innovative nanotechnology• Nanoimprint• Precise beam

processing• Thin film growth• Self-organization,

self-assembly• Nano space• Nano fiber• Advanced material

interface control• Nanomeasurement

evaluationetc.

*1 MGI: Material Genome Initiative. One of the major US initiatives in nanotechnology and materials technology. It has a very bold goal to halve the time required from research to commercialization of new materials.

*2 HORIZON2020: Research and development program in Europe.

Ricoh Company, Ltd. developed a prototype of flexible color electronic paper. Single wall carbon nanotubes manufactured by Technology Research Association for Single Wall Carbon Nanotubes (TASC)

Scheme of “Research and Development for Nanotech and Advanced Materials Applications”

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5 Key Review Points

Supply (reserve production ratio)

Demand

Price (rate of growth)

Degree of country concentration

Recycling Rate

3 Policy Review Points

Country risk

Impact on our domestic industrial competitiveness

Availability of technologies to replace metals and reduce

amount of usage

The risk survey of rare metals was performed using 5 key review points and 3 policy review points to identify target mineral types and goal reduction amounts.

+

Tungsten 30%reduction

Platinum group metals 40%reduction

Indium 50%reductionDysprosium 40%

reduction

Cerium 50%reduction Terbium/Europium 55%

reduction

Rare metals are called “industrial vitamins” as they have the effect of enhancing special properties in materials. However, with rare metal prices soaring in 2010 amid a tightening of market supply, procurement of these materials has become an issue.

Since 2008, before concerns of rare metal supply came to the attention of the public, NEDO has been strategically promoting the technology development that focuses on rare metals from a range of perspectives. Specifically, we have conducted risk surveys of the supply chain, the supply-demand balance and the impact on industries, and we have set technological development themes for each rare metals and application.

In addition, we are actively engaging in international cooperation in this field to advance research and development activities in related areas. For example, NEDO signed an MOU on effective use of rare metals with Ames Laboratory in the U.S. to promote cooperation and information exchange between the two organizations.

Under our “Rare Metal Substitute Materials Development Project,” NEDO supports projects that work on 14 themes with

6 rare metals, including tungsten, dysprosium, cerium, indium, and platinum group metals. With regards to cerium, glass polishing pads using 50% less cerium than similar polishing pads have already reached the market. Similarly, we are close to commercializing super hard tools with a 50% reduced use of tungsten compared with conventional tools and no loss in performance.

The rising price of rare metals in 2010 was one of the reasons why we launched the “Development of Technology to Reduce Rare Elements Use and Development of Alternative Material.” This project aims to reduce the rare metal supply risk, and NEDO has implemented approximately 60 themes within the project up to the present. We are steadily making progress and anticipate new products to emerge from the project in the future.

Going forward NEDO will alleviate concerns about the supply of rare metals by leveraging the “technological competence as our resource.”

Alleviating concerns of Rare Metal Supply with the “Technological Competence as Our Resource”

NEDO signed a MOU on effective use of rare metals with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Ames Laboratory (September 9, 2013)

Primary Products with Reduced Rare Metals

Hybrid vehicle motors

Liquid crystal televisions

Super-hard tools

Exhaust purification catalysts

Glass for liquid crystal panels

Fluorescent lights

Risk Survey Structure

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50nm

Carbon nanotubes (CNT) are a tube-shaped nano-material made from carbon that was discovered in Japan. The size of a nanotube is between 1 and 10 nanometers (nm) and is roughly the same size as DNA (diameter of 2 nm). Although invisible to the human eye, since its discovery many fascinating functions of CNT have come to light given its unique structure and physical properties. It has become a central technology in nanotechnology researches.

From a structural standpoint, CNT is divided into two types: multi-wall CNT and single wall CNT. Since production of multi-wall CNT is relatively easily produced, million tons are produced around the globe annually, and practical applications as components of batteries and capacitors are advancing.

Compared to multi-wall CNT, single wall CNT has many superior qualities, including a larger surface area and extremely

Occupying a central place in the nanotechnology field due to its unique structure and physical properties

high conductivity of electricity and heat. For these reasons, by blending it with a variety of pre-existing materials, we can develop new functional materials with unforeseen levels of performance and unique qualities.

For example, when even a small amount of single wall CNT is blended with aluminum, it can conduct heat 2-2.5 times more efficiently than copper, a metal with one of the highest rates of thermal conductivity. For this reason, we anticipate revolutionary applications in lightweight materials with high thermal emissivity, lightweight materials with high durability, and materials for use in highly efficient electronic circuits.

Nonetheless, there are significant obstacles that remain in the way of further practical development of single wall CNT technology, given that the techniques necessary to produce, separate and purify single wall CNT, as well as control the physical properties of this kind of composite materials, have not been fully developed yet.

Japanese-born Carbon NanotubesCarbon nanotubes, discovered by a Japanese researcher in 1991, are garnering attention as a revolutionary material that enables a variety of novel functions. When mixed with pre-existing materials such as rubber, or polymers resin and metals, the resulting compounds can display astounding properties. NEDO is rapidly developing an array of compound materials that use carbon nanotubes.

Shoichi Fujimoto

Electronics, Materials Technology and Nanotechnology Department

Blending Carbon Nanotubes and Existing Raw Materials Creates New Functions

rubber, tree resin,metal and

other materials

High strength materials

Transparent electrical

conductivity film

CNT fibers

Electrically conductive

rubber

CNT ink

Sensormaterial

Electronic circuitry parts

High performance heat conductive

material

Lightweight and high durability1

Becomes a semiconductor based on structure2

High electrical conductivity3

High thermal conductivity, etc.4Single Wall CNTTechnology Research Association for Single Wall Carbon Nanotubes (TASC)

NEDO and the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) have developed a highly effective method of creating single wall CNT. It makes it possible to manufacture high quality single wall CNT with characteristics of high purity, high electrical conductivity, and high-specific surface area.

Diagram of single wall CNTA tubular nanomaterial made from carbon.

The individual minute fibers are single wall CNT.

Enlarged photo

20nm

Characteristics and Applications of CNT Composite Materials

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Recognizing the challenges, NEDO is developing core technologies for creating CNT-based compound materials, including necessary technologies to control the structure and physical properties of compound materials as well as separate and purify the materials, with a focus on single wall CNT-based technologies. At the same time, we are developing technologies that can be used for simple voluntary safety management of essential nanomaterials with the goal of popularizing single wall CNT.

One product that is already close to commercialization is a heatsink for a motor invertor which was developed by combining it with aluminum. We believe that this new component could be utilized as part of aircraft electronic technologies such as the electric hydraulic actuators used in controls. This new compound allows the heat from electronic circuits to escape more efficiently, making it possible to use less electricity to cool them and to extend the life of electronic circuitry. Furthermore, as it is approximately 10% lighter than aluminum, the material will be useful in improving fuel efficiency.

In addition, we are currently working towards a commercialization goal to develop applications for invertors for electric motors. Once completed, it is expected that performance will be improved over traditional invertors by as much as 25%. As a result, automobiles and train cars equipped with these invertors will be more environmentally friendly.

We are also making progress creating flexible electrical

Commercializing Heatsinks for Invertors and Small Actuators

elements by blending single wall CNT with resin. In actuators that utilize these elements, the power generated is more than 20 times greater than conventional models per unit weight, and it is highly anticipated that the actuators can make drive devices lighter and smaller. Furthermore, we are developing Braille displays and artificial muscles using this actuator, and see practical applications in the near future.

In order to expand the possible applications of single wall CNT, NEDO is providing samples of compound materials to a range of industries. We hope that innovative products utilizing these compounds will emerge in the future.

Thermal transfer experiment (TASC)Composite material with single wall CNT and aluminum has 2-4 times the high thermal conductive properties of aluminum and releases heat rapidly.

Left: aluminum; Right: highly thermal conductive composite material

Electric hydraulic actuator for flight control

Future all-electric airplane(conceptual drawing)

Butterfly that flaps its wings (ALPS ELECTRIC CO., LTD.)Prototype butterfly that flaps its wings. Wing parts use thin, lightweight and highly durable actuators developed with a composite of single wall CNT and tree resin

Braille device (ALPS ELECTRIC CO., LTD.)Development of a lightweight and thin Braille device was feasible with a composite of single wall CNT and tree resin.

Super-growth method

eDIPS method

Examples of Possible Applications of CNT Compound Materials

Carbon fiber compound materialsHeatsink of power device

CNT thin film transistor

Transparent conductive film

Rubber with thermal conductive rate similar

to iron

Super-growth method and eDIPS method: Method to combine single wall CNT being developed by this project.

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Printed electronics refers to electronic circuitry and other electronic devices manufactured using printing technology. Simply put, it is the technique by which things like tablet terminals are created through a printing process. The primary characteristics of printed electronics are that they are thin, lightweight and flexible. For this reason, a wide variety of applications for the technology are expected.

In 2010 NEDO launched the “Development of Materials and Process Technology for Advanced Printed Electronics” project and has been supporting both a contract project to develop core technologies for printed electronics and a grant project to develop practically applicable technologies. JAPERA (Japan Advanced Printed Electronics Technology Research Association) is responsible for the contract project, and Ricoh, Toppan Printing, and Dai Nippon Printing were selected for the grant project. Each participant sets its own technological development agenda to work on.

27 Japanese manufacturing companies and one research institution are participating in JAPERA, and their industries

Promoting Cutting-Edge Research and Development by Gathering Industry Knowledge

range widely from materials and semiconductors to consumer electronics to printing. Since Japan already has a number of companies that have highly advanced technologies in a variety of fields, our goal is to establish printed electronic technologies that will lead the world by gathering their knowledge together. Competitions among countries are becoming fierce in regards to technology development.

One of the reasons why NEDO is putting resources into this area of technology is the need for innovation in the electronics industry. Currently, with regards to products such as liquid crystal displays, since they now can be made relatively easily by setting up manufacturing devices, low-cost products have captured the majority of the market share.

However, as printed electronics is a manufacturing method

Technology to bring innovation to the electronics industry

Printed ElectronicsThere are organic EL lighting on the ceiling, and a thin, sheet-type display mounted on the wall. An organic EL curtain is hanging in the window. A wireless charging sheet is on the table, and your smartphone and other devices laying on the sheet will be automatically charged wirelessly. All the electricity is generated by a thin, flexible solar panel installed on the roof. In the near future, flexible electronic devices enabled by new printing technology hold the possibility of making our future and our lives ecologically sound and extremely convenient.

Kenta Goto

Electronics, Materials Technology and Nanotechnology Department

Printed Electronics Makes an Eco-Friendly and Convenient Future Life into a Reality

Printed electronics manufacturing process (JAPERA)

Flexible device (JAPERA)

Technology that manufactures flexible electronic devices through printing. High performance is achieved by combining materials and printing technologies in a sophisticated manner.

Electronic price tags (TOPPAN PRINTING CO., LTD.)A lightweight, flexible electronic price tag. Although electricity is used when generating the image and letters, no electricity is needed to continue displaying the information, making it a low-energy system.

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that requires a highly sophisticated combination of materials, manufacturing processes, machinery and devices, it is not something that anyone could easily duplicate on their own. Also, since this technology makes it possible to manufacture devices via printing, there is the potential to reduce manufacturing costs significantly.

As part of the project NEDO is currently engaged, we have been able to produce prototypes of small electronic paper displays and pressure sensors. Ultimately, we plan to make these products with larger surface areas and with higher precision. In addition, a range of other applications for printed

electronics is possible, including lighting and sensors. Since these can be connected to other things, it is possible to attach electronic displays around circular pillars or directly to the surface of a wall, or even make the entire floor a pressure sensitive sensor.

In the future, great changes could happen in our homes with printed electronic products placed all around us. We are continuing to advance research and development on this subject, anticipating that printed electronics will help realizing an even more eco-friendly and convenient lifestyle.

Application examples of flexible electronic devicesPrinted electronics makes possible such devices as thin and flexible color electronic paper displays, induction charging sheets (a device that cordlessly charges cell phones or other devices via wireless transmission of energy), and digital signage. In addition, by manufacturing large surface area pressure sensor array, printed electronics could see applications as portable flexible sensors, bed sore prevention sensors for medical and nursing care, and footstep sensors for crime prevention.

Flexible TFT sheet (JAPERA) Pressure sensor array (Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.)

Electronic paper

Flexible sensor

Digital signage (Electronic billboard)

Healthcare sensor device

Induction charging sheet

Footstep monitoring device

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Producing Chemical Materials from VegetationNEDO is working on manufacturing chemical materials such as plastic from grasses and trees. We are aiming to develop manufacturing techniques that use non-edible grasses and trees as the raw material rather than edible plants such as corn. We are also developing high performance materials that did not exist before by utilizing high strength “wood fibers.” In the future, the chemical materials that are pervasive in our everyday life may be replaced by materials that come from plants.

Kaoru Hashimoto

Electronics, Materials Technology and Nanotechnology Department

Moving Towards Environmentally-friendly Manufacturing

The majority of chemicals such as plastic in use today require petroleum to produce. Accounting for nearly 23% of Japan’s petroleum consumption, the production of chemicals from petroleum uses large quantities of oil resources. Furthermore, the CO2 emissions from the production of chemical products in Japan accounts for about 13% of all industrial emissions and 5% of nationwide CO2 emissions.

At the same time, we are encountering such problems as the

Substituting Plant-derived Materials for Petroleum-based Raw Materials

Cellulose-derivedintermediate product

• Engineering plastic

• Thermosetting resin

• General purpose chemical products

• Functional chemical products

• Polyurethane raw material

• Impact resistant raw bio-materials, etc.

Hemicellulose-derived intermediate products

Wood biomass

Eucommia ulmoides

The peel of a seed(Sustainable biomass part)

Lignin-derivedintermediate products

Furfural

Engaging in development activities to move away from oil-derived raw materials by having paper manufacturers, chemical makers, universities and users working together.

Petroleum chemicals

UniversitiesChemical makers

UsersPapermanufacturers

Project overview: The goal of this project is to establish a manufacturing process for chemical products using viable ingredients extracted from plants.

Development of viable ingredient separation technology Development of technology to manufacture intermediate and final chemical products from viable ingredients (catalyst and fermentation technologies)Development of complete manufacturing process from raw materials to final chemical products

Cellulose

Purifiedpolyisoprene

Hemicellulose

Lignin

Crudepolyisoprene

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Adapted from M. Harrington, 1996

(1) Increased strength through surface modification techniques

(2) Improved productivity by simplifying the production process

(3) Weight reduction via foam molding (4) Various color expressions through the use of

pigments

Four Features of Cellulose Nano Fiber

Moving towards practical applications in a wide range of industrial fields, including

automobiles, consumer electronics, construction materials and packaging.Cellulose Nano Fiber

Cellulose nano fiber can be obtained from plant fiber (cellulose) extracted from wood and unraveled to reach a fine, nano scale.

soaring price of petroleum and the depletion of oil reserves caused by the increasing global demand for oil, and climate change in connection with increased CO2 emissions. For these reasons, NEDO is promoting a project that utilizes raw materials derived from various plants to reduce our reliance on oil as a raw material for chemical products.

Among plants that can be used as raw materials (as known as biomass), there is edible biomass such as corn and sugarcane that can also be food, and there is also non-edible biomass including grasses and trees that are not used as food sources. In order to avoid disrupting the food supply, NEDO is working on a project to make chemical materials from non-edible biomass.

In addition, we are working to develop this technology through a vertical cooperative structure with over 20 participating companies and universities, connecting paper manufacturers with access to raw materials, universities that are developing core technologies, and chemical companies.

Currently there are a number of practical applications for chemical materials manufactured from edible biomass, but in terms of production from non-edible biomass costs have not reached a point suitable for practical applications despite the rigorous pursuit of research and development activities. For this reason, as part of this project we aim to reduce costs across the entire manufacturing process for chemicals derived from non-edible biomass and we are working to develop a process that effectively utilizes each ingredient of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin that compose grasses and trees. By enabling the effective use of those three components and

Production of Chemical Materials from Non-edible Plants

Developing a Competitive Manufacturing Process

creating final products with high added value, we can achieve product manufacturing with a competitive cost.

One of these products is “cellulose nano fiber (CNF).” It is possible to extract this material through careful unravelling of cellulose, a basic plant fiber, at a nanoscopic scale. CNF has the exceptional characteristic of being 5 times stronger than iron. Through a technique which blends CNF and tree resin developed by the NEDO project, we have successfully developed a composite material that is lightweight and very strong. When this material is used in automobiles, it can significantly reduce the weight of the vehicle chassis and improve fuel efficiency. In fiscal year 2014, a pilot plant designed to offer samples is scheduled to be completed.

In the future, we hope to replace the petroleum-derived chemical products currently surrounding us in everyday life with products derived from plant biomass, from plant biomass.

Lighter and Stronger Plant Materials for Automobiles

13

One NEDO project that has emphasized the importance of nanotechnology is “Research and Development for Nanotech and Advanced Materials Applications (also known as the “Nanotech Challenge”)”, which was launched in 2005.

Although nanotechnology was highly anticipated as a new technology at the time, somehow practical applications did not readily emerge. This was due to a number of problems, such as the long time required to develop practical applications and, despite the wide-range of applications for the technology envisioned, the lack of particular connections between research and the final applications. We began

Advancing commercialization of seed technologies through vertical cooperation between upstream and downstream organizations

the Nanotech Challenge with the goal of resolving these problems.

This project solicited research themes from applicants, and one of the unique aspects of this project was that it required a vertical cooperation between universities and material makers (upstream organization) and product manufacturers (downstream organizations). We believed that facilitating collaboration between different businesses and industries would lead to a better understanding of user needs and accelerate commercialization of seed technology by university and companies.

Another unique aspect of the project was how we divided the R&D period into two parts: Stage I (the leading research stage) and Stage II (practical application research

Nanotechnology is a fundamental technology that has been the basis of technological innovations in a diverse range of industrial fields including consumer electronics, environment, energy and healthcare. NEDO is promoting research and development projects to accelerate the commercialization of nanotechnology. One example of our efforts is the “Nanotech Challenge.” Some projects have already achieved excellent results, and several innovations are progressing towards practical applications.

Nanotech Challenge ProjectA Search for New Possibilities through Vertical Cooperation

Taro Kimura

Electronics, Materials Technology and Nanotechnology Department

SF6 gas Smaller, lighter and no SF6 gas usage

SF6 gas insulation system

Strictly controlled,used in sealed tank

High voltage section(conductor)

Switch(vacuum bulb)

Nano compositeinsulating material(surface ground)

Metal box Replace SF6 gas withsolid insulating material

Solid insulation system

Removal of gasified sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) from switch gear using solid insulationComponents for electric device (switch gear) made from newly developed materials

Illustration and microscope photographs of nano composite materials. Uniform dispersal of nano particles enables increased insulation properties and better equipment reliability. This reduces SF6 which has an extremely high greenhouse gas effect.

Nano Composite Insulation Material (TOSHIBA CORPORATION)

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Outside air

Exhaust

Ventilation

Purified, humidity-controlled air

stage). Once Stage I was completed, a stage gate review is performed and only promising themes move forward to Stage II. In this way, we can continually support themes that showed exceptional results in Stage I through until they achieve practical applications.

Of the 78 topics researched up until now, a number of them are close to achieving practical applications.

One of those technologies is the nano composite insulating material to create an electric device that is environmentally friendly. Traditional powerdivice needed to use sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) - a gas that has nearly 24,000 times the greenhouse effect as CO2 - for insulation from high voltage components. To reduce the use of SF6, we have developed a nano composite material with high insulation properties by equally dispersing nano particles throughout an epoxy resin used on the periphery of the high voltage components.

At Stage I, universities performed materials development and evaluation of the insulation properties. At Stage II, Kunimine Industries and Sanyu Gikou developed mass production technology for the materials. Toshiba took the lead in the project and manage each stage and its participants. Using this newly developed material, we have been successful in producing a prototype electric device model (a switch gear). Currently Toshiba is exploring the possibility of adopting this in its electric device products.

Another example is a small-scale vibrating electric generator developed cooperatively by Omron Corporation and Asahi Glass. The device is about the size of a 100 yen coin, and it can efficiently convert minute vibrations into electrical energy. With nanotechnology, it has become possible to acquire electric power from the environment by converting weak vibrations to electricity using a material called electret. Although this power source component is small, it is able to obtain sufficient electricity to operate a sensor. Since there is no need to replace the power source or use an electrical wire, maintenance is extremely easy. We believe that this would be ideal for sensors that monitor the safety of buildings, bridges and roads. In addition, there could be an extremely wide range of applications such as in health, healthcare and welfare devices, as well as portable electronic devices.

The third example is an air filter that uses nano fibers. We developed an air purifying filter that uses extremely little energy due to reduced pressure loss that also has dust removal, antibacterial, deodorizing and dehumidifying capabilities. Since it uses nano fibers, this extremely precise filter can catch PM2.5 (particulate matter smaller than

Innovative Products Using Nanotechnology will Emerge One after Another in the Future

2.5 micrometers) particles, pollen and even viruse. Due to low pressure loss, it also contributes to reduced energy consumption. We are planning to market the product for a variety of uses, and we are promoting practical applications of the filter that fit the needs of users such as hospitals and food production facilities as well as semiconductor plants.

Beyond these technologies, we are continuing to develop a range of products, and in the near future we hope that the project will have an impact on many different fields and lead to products that improve our quality of living.

Micro Vibration Electric Generator (OMRON Corporation)

Highly Efficient Nano Filter (JAPAN AIR FILTER Co., Ltd.)

(1) (2) (3)

Social Infrastructure

• Highways• Railways (rails)• Bridges• BEMS [Building

Energy Management Systems]

Transportation Devices

• Airplanes• Automobiles• Trains• Bicycles

Factories

• Motors• Robots• Conveyor Belts

Living Space

• Consumer electronics (washing machines, vacuum cleaners)

• Health devices (pedometers, heart rate monitors, blood pressure manometers, blood glucose monitors)

• Cell phones

• Clocks/Watches• Electric razors• HEMS [Home Energy Management

System]

• BAN [Body Area Network]

Small scale device converts minute vibrations into electricity. Semi-permanent, maintenance-free device.

Application Examples of Micro Vibration Power Generation

Diagram of filter module structure and electron microscope photograph of nano fiber

(1) Nano fiber for odor elimination (100 nm)

(2) Anti-bacterial nano composite fiber (3) Fluorocarbon polymer nano fiber for humidity control

100nm

New product

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Overseas Offices

Head OfficeMUZA Kawasaki Central Tower, 16F-20F1310 Omiya-cho, Saiwai-kuKawasaki City, Kanagawa 212-8554 JapanTel: +81-44-520-5100Fax: +81-44-520-5103

Kansai Branch OfficeUmeda Dai Building, 6F, 3-3-10Umeda, Kita-kuOsaka 530-0001 JapanTel: +81-6-7670-2200Fax: +81-6-6344-4574

Washington2000 L Street, N.W., Suite 605Washington, D.C. 20036 U.S.A.Tel: +1-202-822-9298Fax: +1-202-822-9289

Silicon Valley3945 Freedom Circle, Suite 790Santa Clara, CA 95054 U.S.A.Tel: +1-408-567-8033Fax: +1-408-567-9831

Domestic Offices

Europe10, rue de la Paix 75002Paris, FranceTel: +33-1-4450-1828Fax: +33-1-4450-1829

New Delhi7th Floor, Hotel Le MeridienCommercial Tower, Raisina RoadNew Delhi 110 001, IndiaTel: +91-11-4351-0101Fax: +91-11-4351-0102

Beijing2001 Chang Fu Gong Office BuildingJia-26, Jian Guo Men Wai StreetBeijing 100022, P.R. ChinaTel: +86-10-6526-3510Fax: +86-10-6526-3513

Bangkok8th Floor, Sindhorn Building Tower 2130-132 Wittayu Road, LumphiniPathumwanBangkok 10330, ThailandTel: +66-2-256-6725Fax: +66-2-256-6727

New Energy and Industrial Technology Development OrganizationMUZA Kawasaki Central Tower, 1310 Omiya-cho, Saiwai-kuKawasaki City, Kanagawa 212-8554 JapanTel: +81-44-520-5100 Fax: +81-44-520-5103URL: http://www.nedo.go.jp/english/index.html

September 2014