2014. No.51

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

Featured Article Changing Our Future Society with and New Materials

New Enegy and Industrial Technology Development Organization Toward a Safe, Secure and Prosperous Life

Reporting on Today and Tomorrow’s Energy, Environmental, Changing Our Future Society with CONTENTS 2014. No.51 and Industrial Technology Blending Carbon Nanotubes and Existing Raw Materials Creates New Functions Featured Changing Our Future Society with Article Nanotechnology and Japanese-born Carbon Nanotubes ...... 8 Nanotechnology and New Materials New Materials ...... 2 Printed Electronics Makes an Eco-Friendly and Convenient Future Life into a Reality Printed Electronics ...... 10 Interview with Takeshi Okada, Director General of NEDO Electronics, NEDO has been promoting research and development in the fields of new materials and nanotechnology for a long Materials Technology and Nanotechnology Department Moving Towards Environmentally-friendly ...... time. As a result, many new materials have been developed and innovation is beginning to take place. New materials Development of High Value-added Materials Leads Producing Chemical Materials from Vegetation 12 to Higher Technology Level of the Manufacturing A Search for New Possibilities through Vertical Cooperation will support industries of the future and hold the potential for changing our lives for the better. In this issue we will Industry ...... 4 Nanotech Challenge Project ...... 14 feature NEDO’s efforts in the areas of materials technology and nanotechnology.

An eco-friendly electrical device that does not use gas with large greenhouse effect p.14-15 Through nanotechnology, we are developing a Thin and light Braille device material that can significantly reduce the amount of SF6 gas usage, a gas that is used in the insulator of p.8-9 power devices and has 24,000 times the greenhouse By combining pre-existing materials and carbon effect as carbon dioxide (Research and Development nanotubes, we are developing new, high-performance for Nanotech and Advanced Materials Applications). materials that had not been feasible to make before with existing materials (Development of Innovative Carbon By replacing SF6 gas used in Nanotube Composite Materials for a Low Carbon power devices with compound Emission Society). materials that employ nano- technology, we can deliver electricity to homes in an environmentally-friendly way.

Micro electric generation system that can charge by With the development of a lightweght and thin Braille device through the use of compound materials with tree vibration and doesn’t require batteries p.14-15 resin, it has become possible to attach an electric Braille Using nanotechnology, we are developing materials panel on the surface of such devices as an air conditioner that can generate electricity from vibrations around the remote control. body semi-permanently (Research and Development for Nanotech and Advanced Materials Applications).

A tire air pressure sensor combined with a micro electric generator can keep the driver informed Making plastic products from plants of the car tire status. 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). 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).

We can change the materials used to make familiar plastic Integrating a large surface area pressure sensor array into products such as shampoo bottles to non-edible plant- a home entry mat can serve many functions, including derived materials. informing a family member away from home when a child has returned or providing useful information for security, medical or nursing care purposes.

2 3 NEDO Interview Examples of Material-related Projects at NEDO (Nearly 40 materials-related projects over the past 10 years) Acceleration Area Nanotechnology 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Development of High Value-added Research and Development for Applications of Advanced Devices and Materials Utilizing Nanotechnology (Nanotech Challenge) (p.14-15) Communication Information and Area Infrastructure Development to Evaluate Next-generation Consortium for Advanced Semiconduct or Materials Leads to Higher Technology Advanced Component Development Materials and Related Technologies Development of Nitride-based semiconductor single Crystal and Epitaxial Growth Technology Level of the Manufacturing Industry Rare Metal Substitute Materials Development Project (p.7) Carbon Nanotube Capacitor Development Project Environment Issues Energy, Resource, It is well-known that “materials” make a significant contribution to the quality and functionality of final products. Development of Innovative Carbon Nanotube Composite Materials for a Low Carbon Emission Society (p.8-9) Currently, NEDO is promoting the technological development with a focus on nanotechnology and seeking new Development of Sustainable Hyper Composite Technology materials that can contribute to high value-added products. Development of Fundamental Technologies for Green-Sustainable Chemical Process Technology Development of Manufacturing Processes for Non-edible Plant-derived Chemicals (p.12-13) Component Material and Area Aiming to expand product share only developing materials technologies, but also supporting Development of Fundamental Evaluation Technology for Next-Generation Chemical Materials collaborative technological development efforts between Development of Materials and Process Technology for Advanced Printed Electronics (p.10-11) First of all, what kind of technology is nanotechnology? a variety of companies including materials companies and Okada: It is a technology that controls matter in a domain device companies, with a focus on the final products that will known as nanometers, that is, 10 to the power of -9 (10-9). In be produced. We believe that NEDO is the only organization were required to have a vertical cooperative mechanism Based on this effort, the arrival of products utilizing single- other words, this is technology that manipulates and controls that can organize a framework that brings different types of linking the upstream organizations that have the innovative walled CNT technology is just around the corner. (see p. 8). matter on a molecular and atomic scale. When changes are industries together for technological development because of nanotechnology seed technology with the downstream Bringing about new materials is challenging and time made to matter at the nano-level, properties of matter change NEDO’s unique identity as a national agency. organizations that would be responsible for commercialization. consuming, and it is not easy for companies to continue on and innovative characteristics that previously could not even This was a new approach. This vertical cooperative mechanism alone. We think that it is NEDO’s role to support technological be considered appear. Nanotechnology can be used to produce Supporting Nanotechnology Until crossing the boundary between different business fields proved development efforts of companies on a mid- to long-term novel materials and holds the ability to spark innovation. Since Commercialization successful. Many of the development projects progressed perspective. 1992, NEDO has been working on research and development Could you tell us what results have been achieved after working rapidly and I know many cases that have advanced very close Technology Seed Matching and in nanotechnology. nearly 20 years in the nanotechnology field? to commercialization. (see p. 14). What is the significance of NEDO’s efforts in the technological Okada: For more than two decades, beginning with the Another case to highlight is “carbon nanotubes (CNT)”. Technological Development for Our development of materials? “Atom Technology Project” in 1992, we have supported key This is a carbon material ordered at the nano-level that Future Society Okada: The “products” that surround us in everyday life are technology developments in this field through various projects. displays amazing properties in electrical conductivity, thermal In terms of nanotechnology development, where does NEDO composed of a myriad of substances. For example, liquid crystal One representative project to highlight from among those conductivity, and strength. In 1991 CNT was discovered by plan to focus? displays use multiple film and glass substrates as component would be the “Research and Development for Nanotech Dr. Sumio Iijima, who was at NEC (Nippon Electric Company, Okada: As I mentioned earlier, it is important to utilize newly materials. One could say that “materials” are the essential and Advanced Materials Applications”. Project applicants Ltd.) at the time. NEDO has been engaged in development of developed materials in products in order to commercialize foundation for manufacturing. this technology from 1998 to the present. In particular, the target material technologies. For this reason, NEDO is working In a global context, Japan’s Market Size of Products, Components, and Materials and Market Share of Japanese Companies (Case of Liquid Crystal Displays) of our current program, “Development of Innovative Carbon to match “materials with new properties” up with “utility”. material industry has an extremely Japanese companies capture a large share of materials sales, but shares of component and final product sales are significantly smaller. Nanotube Composite Materials for a Low Carbon Emission high level of technical prowess. It Society,” is the “single-walled CNT,” which is difficult to make Materials Components Products supports the manufacturing industry practical but we are making steady progress in advancing the by offering high-quality parts concept from fundamental technology to product development. Color Resist Black Resist and materials that can be used in Color (85.5 billion yen) 71.3% (16.5 billion yen) 81.4% Filters finished products such as cars and

communications equipment. NEDO (1,581.2 billion yen) Director General, NEDO Electronics, Materials

Liquid Crystal Liquid Technology and Nanotechnology Department has been engaged in materials Photo Spacer Glass Substrate Crystal Displays research and development to (20.7 billion yen) 94.5% 51% (129.49 billion yen) 21% support the continuous innovations to realize high-quality, high- Polarizing Plate (8992.2 billion yen) Takeshi Okada Polarizing Plate functioning materials. Protective Film Protective Film (Phase difference film with (TAC Film) Polarizing 100% optical compensation) 100% Profile However, when one looks at the Plates (126 billion yen) (149.9 billion yen) 11% position of Japanese enterprises in Graduated from the Tokyo University Department of in (851.2 billion yen) 1991 with a degree in Aviation Engineering. Past positions include the world, their share of the materials Director of Regional Economy, Chubu Bureau of Economy, Trade and market is high, but the Japanese Anti-Reflective Film Industry at the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and Director of IT Project Office, Information Policy Bureau, Commerce and (115.9 billion yen) 94.2% 58% market share falls as we approach Information Policy Division. After having served as Counselor at the CIO (Chief Information Officer) Office of the Cabinet Secretariat, he the manufacturing of final products. has been on loan to the New Energy and Industrial Technology General Given this situation, NEDO is not (Source: Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry’s 2012 White Paper on Manufacturing Industries (Monodzukuri)). Development Organization (NEDO) since 2013.

4 5 Scheme of “Research and Development for Nanotech and Advanced Materials Applications”

Upstream and Downstream 5 New Industries Innovative to Contribute

Vertical Cooperative Evaluation using Stage Gate nanotechnology Research Framework Leading Commercialization • Nanoimprint Research Research Fuel Cells Alleviating concerns of Rare Metal Supply with the Project Selection Stage Stage • Precise beam Responsible processing for Core “Technological Competence as Our Resource” • Thin film growth Technology Awarding Awarding • Self-organization, Application 100% of cost 2/3 of cost self-assembly Responsible Stage I Stage II Information and • Nano space for Device Development Communications Technology Rare metals are called “industrial vitamins” as they have the Risk Survey Structure • Nano fiber • Advanced material Max. 70 million yen Max. 200 million yen effect of enhancing special properties in materials. However, Responsible annually per project annually per project Health Care Devices interface control NEDO covers the NEDO covers 2/3 of for Product total project cost the total project cost & Services with rare metal prices soaring in 2010 amid a tightening of market 5 Key Review Points 3 Policy Review Points • Nanomeasurement Development evaluation supply, procurement of these materials has become an issue. etc. Example of Energy and Environmental Supply (reserve production ratio) Research Framework Devices & Services Since 2008, before concerns of rare metal supply came to the Country risk Demand ※ No new active solicitations for either Stage I or II attention of the public, NEDO has been strategically promoting Impact on our domestic the technology development that focuses on rare metals from Price (rate of growth) + industrial competitiveness a range of perspectives. Specifically, we have conducted risk Specifically, we are working actively to provide matching in the Fourth Plan. However, other Western countries have been Degree of country concentration Availability of technologies to surveys of the supply chain, the supply-demand balance and the replace metals and reduce services by providing samples throughout the duration of aggressively pursuing research and development activities in Recycling Rate amount of usage projects we support and attending exhibits and industry this area. For example, the US has launched MGI *1 and the EU’s impact on industries, and we have set technological development The risk survey of rare metals was performed using 5 key review points and 3 *2 themes for each rare metals and application. shows such as “nano tech.” By promoting exchanges within HORIZON 2020 designates nanotechnology and materials policy review points to identify target mineral types and goal reduction amounts. different types of industries, we anticipate expanding the use of technology as industry-leading technological priorities. In Asia, In addition, we are actively engaging in international developed technologies to a wide array of applications. South Korea has launched the Third Korean Nanotechnology cooperation in this field to advance research and development 6 rare metals, including tungsten, dysprosium, cerium, indium, In addition, we believe it is important to clarify the potential Initiative. Around the world countries are putting forward clear activities in related areas. For example, NEDO signed an MOU and platinum group metals. With regards to cerium, glass industrial applications in order to encourage commercialization. strategies for technology development in the nanotechnology on effective use of rare metals with Ames Laboratory in the U.S. polishing pads using 50% less cerium than similar polishing Thus we listen to the opinions of companies and experts to map and materials technology areas. to promote cooperation and information exchange between the pads have already reached the market. Similarly, we are close out a vision of future society. Then we move on to technology NEDO has also developed a roadmap to create a vision of two organizations. to commercializing super hard tools with a 50% reduced use development with a clear focus on the most important industrial our future society and to help identify what kind of technology Under our “Rare Metal Substitute Materials Development of tungsten compared with conventional tools and no loss in applications. will be needed by when through research of recent technology Project,” NEDO supports projects that work on 14 themes with performance. trends. This roadmap describes our strategy to sustain Japan’s The rising price of rare metals in 2010 was one of the reasons Supporting Industry with Innovative technology level. Although until recently materials development why we launched the “Development of Technology to Reduce Materials has been mainly focused on the fields of energy, electrics and Rare Elements Use and Development of Alternative Material.” Finally, I would like to hear what the outlook on the future of electronics, we are paying attention to the construction and This project aims to reduce the rare metal supply risk, and NEDO materials looks like. healthcare fields as we anticipate even more growth in those has implemented approximately 60 themes within the project up Okada: Materials are the essential technology that supports areas. We will continue our development activities with the to the present. We are steadily making progress and anticipate manufacturing and I think that in order to improve the goal of supporting the manufacturing industry through the new products to emerge from the project in the future. technological level of our industry, Japan needs to pay attention creation of innovative materials using nanotechnology Going forward NEDO will alleviate concerns about the supply of rare metals by leveraging the “technological competence as to this area. NEDO signed a MOU on effective use of rare metals with the U.S. Although nanotechnology and materials technology were Department of Energy’s Ames Laboratory (September 9, 2013) our resource.” *1 MGI: Material Genome Initiative. One of the major US initiatives in nanotechnology designated as one of the strategic areas in Japan’s Third Science and materials technology. It has a very bold goal to halve the time required from research to commercialization of new materials. Primary Products with Reduced Rare Metals and Technology Basic Plan, it is not clearly designated as such *2 HORIZON2020: Research and development program in Europe. 40% 50% 30% Dysprosium reduction Indium reduction Tungsten reduction

Hybrid vehicle Liquid crystal Super-hard motors televisions tools

40% 50% 55% Platinum group metals reduction Cerium reduction Terbium/Europium reduction

Exhaust Glass for liquid Fluorescent purification crystal panels lights catalysts

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)

6 7 elements by blending single wall CNT with resin. In actuators Commercializing Heatsinks for Blending Carbon Nanotubes and Existing Raw Materials Creates New Functions that utilize these elements, the power generated is more than Invertors and Small Actuators 20 times greater than conventional models per unit weight, Recognizing the challenges, NEDO is developing core and it is highly anticipated that the actuators can make drive Japanese-born Carbon Nanotubes technologies for creating CNT-based compound materials, devices lighter and smaller. Furthermore, we are developing including necessary technologies to control the structure and Braille displays and artificial muscles using this actuator, and Carbon nanotubes, discovered by a Japanese researcher in 1991, are garnering physical properties of compound materials as well as separate see practical applications in the near future. attention as a revolutionary material that enables a variety of novel functions. and purify the materials, with a focus on single wall CNT-based In order to expand the possible applications of single wall When mixed with pre-existing materials such as rubber, or polymers resin and technologies. At the same time, we are developing technologies CNT, NEDO is providing samples of compound materials to a metals, the resulting compounds can display astounding properties. NEDO is Electronics, Materials that can be used for simple voluntary safety management of range of industries. We hope that innovative products utilizing Technology and essential nanomaterials with the goal of popularizing single these compounds will emerge in the future. rapidly developing an array of compound materials that use carbon nanotubes. Nanotechnology Department wall CNT. Shoichi Fujimoto One product that is already close to commercialization is a heatsink for a motor invertor which was developed high conductivity of electricity and heat. For these reasons, by by combining it with aluminum. We believe that this new Occupying a central place in the nanotechnology field due to its unique structure and physical properties blending it with a variety of pre-existing materials, we can component could be utilized as part of aircraft electronic develop new functional materials with unforeseen levels of technologies such as the electric hydraulic actuators used in Carbon nanotubes (CNT) are a tube-shaped nano-material performance and unique qualities. controls. This new compound allows the heat from electronic made from carbon that was discovered in Japan. The size of a For example, when even a small amount of single wall CNT circuits to escape more efficiently, making it possible to use nanotube is between 1 and 10 nanometers (nm) and is roughly is blended with aluminum, it can conduct heat 2-2.5 times less electricity to cool them and to extend the life of electronic Left: aluminum; Right: highly thermal Thermal transfer experiment (TASC) conductive composite material the same size as DNA (diameter of 2 nm). Although invisible more efficiently than copper, a metal with one of the highest circuitry. Furthermore, as it is approximately 10% lighter Composite material with single wall CNT and aluminum has 2-4 times the high thermal conductive properties of aluminum and releases heat rapidly. to the human eye, since its discovery many fascinating rates of thermal conductivity. For this reason, we anticipate than aluminum, the material will be useful in improving fuel functions of CNT have come to light given its unique structure revolutionary applications in lightweight materials with high efficiency. and physical properties. It has become a central technology in thermal emissivity, lightweight materials with high durability, In addition, we are currently working towards a nanotechnology researches. and materials for use in highly efficient electronic circuits. commercialization goal to develop applications for invertors From a structural standpoint, CNT is divided into two types: Nonetheless, there are significant obstacles that remain in for electric motors. Once completed, it is expected that multi-wall CNT and single wall CNT. Since production of the way of further practical development of single wall CNT performance will be improved over traditional invertors by as multi-wall CNT is relatively easily produced, million tons are technology, given that the techniques necessary to produce, much as 25%. As a result, automobiles and train cars equipped produced around the globe annually, and practical applications separate and purify single wall CNT, as well as control the with these invertors will be more environmentally friendly. Future all-electric airplane Electric hydraulic actuator for (conceptual drawing) as components of batteries and capacitors are advancing. physical properties of this kind of composite materials, have We are also making progress creating flexible electrical flight control Compared to multi-wall CNT, single wall CNT has many not been fully developed yet. superior qualities, including a larger surface area and extremely Examples of Possible Applications of CNT Characteristics and Applications of CNT Compound Materials Composite Materials Super-growth method

rubber,

Enlarged photo tree resin, metal and Rubber with thermal other materials conductive rate similar to iron Butterfly that flaps its wings (ALPS ELECTRIC CO., LTD.) 1 Prototype butterfly that flaps its wings. Wing parts use thin, lightweight Lightweight and high durability and highly durable actuators developed with a composite of single wall 2 CNT and tree resin 50nm 20nm Becomes a semiconductor based on structure 3 High electrical conductivity Single Wall CNT Heatsink of power Technology Research Association for Single Wall Carbon 4 High thermal conductivity, etc. Carbon fiber compound materials device Nanotubes (TASC) The individual minute fibers are single wall CNT. eDIPS method

High strength Electronic CNT thin film CNT fibers CNT ink transistor materials circuitry parts Diagram of single wall CNT A tubular nanomaterial made from carbon. Transparent Electrically Sensor High performance Transparent electrical conductive material heat conductive conductive NEDO and the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) conductivity film rubber material film Braille device (ALPS ELECTRIC CO., LTD.) 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 Super-growth method and eDIPS method: Method to combine single wall CNT being developed by this project. Development of a lightweight and thin Braille device was feasible with a conductivity, and high-specific surface area. composite of single wall CNT and tree resin.

8 9 that requires a highly sophisticated combination of materials, electronics is possible, including lighting and sensors. Since Printed Electronics Makes an Eco-Friendly and Convenient Future Life into a Reality manufacturing processes, machinery and devices, it is not these can be connected to other things, it is possible to attach something that anyone could easily duplicate on their own. Also, electronic displays around circular pillars or directly to the since this technology makes it possible to manufacture devices surface of a wall, or even make the entire floor a pressure Printed Electronics via printing, there is the potential to reduce manufacturing sensitive sensor. costs significantly. In the future, great changes could happen in our homes There are organic EL lighting on the ceiling, and a thin, sheet-type display As part of the project NEDO is currently engaged, we have with printed electronic products placed all around us. We mounted on the wall. An organic EL curtain is hanging in the window. A been able to produce prototypes of small electronic paper are continuing to advance research and development on this wireless charging sheet is on the table, and your smartphone and other devices displays and pressure sensors. Ultimately, we plan to make subject, anticipating that printed electronics will help realizing laying on the sheet will be automatically charged wirelessly. All the electricity Electronics, Materials these products with larger surface areas and with higher an even more eco-friendly and convenient lifestyle. Technology and Nanotechnology precision. In addition, a range of other applications for printed is generated by a thin, flexible solar panel installed on the roof. In the near Department future, flexible electronic devices enabled by new printing technology hold Kenta Goto the possibility of making our future and our lives ecologically sound and Application examples of flexible electronic devices extremely convenient. Printed 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. range widely from materials and semiconductors to consumer Promoting Cutting-Edge Research and Development by Gathering Industry Knowledge electronics to printing. Since Japan already has a number of companies that have highly advanced technologies in a variety Printed electronics refers to electronic circuitry and other of fields, our goal is to establish printed electronic technologies electronic devices manufactured using printing technology. that will lead the world by gathering their knowledge together. Simply put, it is the technique by which things like tablet Competitions among countries are becoming fierce in regards terminals are created through a printing process. The primary to technology development. characteristics of printed electronics are that they are thin, Technology to bring innovation to the lightweight and flexible. For this reason, a wide variety of electronics industry applications for the technology are expected. In 2010 NEDO launched the “Development of Materials and One of the reasons why NEDO is putting resources into this Process Technology for Advanced Printed Electronics” project area of technology is the need for innovation in the electronics and has been supporting both a contract project to develop industry. Currently, with regards to products such as liquid Flexible TFT sheet (JAPERA) Pressure sensor array (Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.) core technologies for printed electronics and a grant project crystal displays, since they now can be made relatively easily to develop practically applicable technologies. JAPERA by setting up manufacturing devices, low-cost products have (Japan Advanced Printed Electronics Technology Research captured the majority of the market share. Association) is responsible for the contract project, and Ricoh, However, as printed electronics is a manufacturing method 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

Electronic paper Digital signage (Electronic billboard) Induction charging sheet

Printed electronics manufacturing Flexible device (JAPERA) process (JAPERA) Electronic price tags (TOPPAN PRINTING CO., LTD.) Technology that manufactures flexible electronic devices through printing. High A lightweight, flexible electronic price tag. Although electricity is used when generating Flexible sensor Healthcare sensor device Footstep monitoring device performance is achieved by combining materials and printing technologies in a the image and letters, no electricity is needed to continue displaying the information, sophisticated manner. making it a low-energy system.

10 11 Moving Towards Environmentally-friendly Manufacturing Four Features of Cellulose Nano Fiber

(1) Increased strength through surface modification Producing Chemical Materials from Vegetation techniques NEDO is working on manufacturing chemical materials such as plastic from (2) Improved productivity by simplifying the production process grasses and trees. We are aiming to develop manufacturing techniques that (3) Weight reduction via foam molding use non-edible grasses and trees as the raw material rather than edible plants (4) V arious color expressions through the use of pigments such as corn. We are also developing high performance materials that did Electronics, Materials Technology and Nanotechnology not exist before by utilizing high strength “wood fibers.” In the future, the Department chemical materials that are pervasive in our everyday life may be replaced by Kaoru Hashimoto materials that come from plants. Moving towards practical applications in Adapted from M. Harrington, 1996 a wide range of industrial fields, including automobiles, consumer electronics, Cellulose Nano Fiber construction materials and packaging. Cellulose nano fiber can be obtained from plant fiber (cellulose) extracted from wood and unraveled to reach a fine, nano scale. Substituting Plant-derived Materials for Petroleum-based Raw Materials soaring price of petroleum and the depletion of oil reserves creating final products with high added value, we can achieve Chemical caused by the increasing global demand for oil, and climate product manufacturing with a competitive cost. The majority of chemicals such as plastic in use today require Universities makers change in connection with increased CO2 emissions. For petroleum to produce. Accounting for nearly 23% of Japan’s Lighter and Stronger Plant Materials for petroleum consumption, the production of chemicals from these reasons, NEDO is promoting a project that utilizes raw Automobiles Paper materials derived from various plants to reduce our reliance on petroleum uses large quantities of oil resources. Furthermore, manufacturers Users oil as a raw material for chemical products. One of these products is “cellulose nano fiber (CNF).” It is the CO2 emissions from the production of chemical products in Japan accounts for about 13% of all industrial emissions and possible to extract this material through careful unravelling of Petroleum chemicals Production of Chemical Materials cellulose, a basic plant fiber, at a nanoscopic scale. CNF has the 5% of nationwide CO2 emissions. from Non-edible Plants At the same time, we are encountering such problems as the Engaging in development activities to move away from oil-derived raw materials by exceptional characteristic of being 5 times stronger than iron. having paper manufacturers, chemical makers, universities and users working together. Among plants that can be used as raw materials (as known as Through a technique which blends CNF and tree resin developed biomass), there is edible biomass such as corn and sugarcane by the NEDO project, we have successfully developed a

Cellulose-derived that can also be food, and there is also non-edible biomass composite material that is lightweight and very strong. When Cellulose intermediate product including grasses and trees that are not used as food sources. In this material is used in automobiles, it can significantly reduce • Engineering plastic order to avoid disrupting the food supply, NEDO is working on the weight of the vehicle chassis and improve fuel efficiency. • Thermosetting resin a project to make chemical materials from non-edible biomass. In fiscal year 2014, a pilot plant designed to offer samples is

• General purpose In addition, we are working to develop this technology scheduled to be completed. Hemicellulose Hemicellulose-derived intermediate products chemical products through a vertical cooperative structure with over 20 In the future, we hope to replace the petroleum-derived

• Functional chemical participating companies and universities, connecting paper chemical products currently surrounding us in everyday life products manufacturers with access to raw materials, universities that with products derived from plant biomass, from plant biomass. Lignin-derived Wood biomass Lignin intermediate products are developing core technologies, and chemical companies. Developing a Competitive Manufacturing Process

• Polyurethane raw Currently there are a number of practical applications for Furfural material Eucommia ulmoides chemical materials manufactured from edible biomass, but in terms of production from non-edible biomass costs have Crude Purified • Impact resistant raw not reached a point suitable for practical applications despite polyisoprene polyisoprene bio-materials, etc. the rigorous pursuit of research and development activities. The peel of a seed For this reason, as part of this project we aim to reduce costs (Sustainable biomass part) across the entire manufacturing process for chemicals derived from non-edible biomass and we are working to develop a Development of viable ingredient separation technology Development of technology to manufacture intermediate and final chemical products from viable ingredients (catalyst and fermentation technologies) process that effectively utilizes each ingredient of cellulose, Development of complete manufacturing process from raw materials to final chemical products hemicellulose and lignin that compose grasses and trees. By Project overview: The goal of this project is to establish a manufacturing process for chemical products using viable ingredients extracted from plants. enabling the effective use of those three components and

12 13 stage). Once Stage I was completed, a stage gate review 2.5 micrometers) particles, pollen and even viruse. Due A Search for New Possibilities through Vertical Cooperation is performed and only promising themes move forward to to low pressure loss, it also contributes to reduced energy Stage II. In this way, we can continually support themes consumption. We are planning to market the product for a that showed exceptional results in Stage I through until they variety of uses, and we are promoting practical applications Nanotech Challenge Project achieve practical applications. of the filter that fit the needs of users such as hospitals and Of the 78 topics researched up until now, a number of food production facilities as well as semiconductor plants. Nanotechnology is a fundamental technology that has been the basis of technological them are close to achieving practical applications. Beyond these technologies, we are continuing to develop a range of products, and in the near future we hope that the innovations in a diverse range of industrial fields including consumer electronics, Innovative Products Using Nanotechnology Electronics, Materials project will have an impact on many different fields and lead environment, energy and healthcare. NEDO is promoting research and development Technology and will Emerge One after Another in the Future Nanotechnology to products that improve our quality of living. Department projects to accelerate the commercialization of nanotechnology. One example of our One of those technologies is the nano composite insulating efforts is the “Nanotech Challenge.” Some projects have already achieved excellent Taro Kimura material to create an electric device that is environmentally results, and several innovations are progressing towards practical applications. friendly. Traditional powerdivice needed to use sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) - a gas that has nearly 24,000 times the Micro Vibration Electric Generator (OMRON Corporation)

greenhouse effect as CO2 - for insulation from high voltage the Nanotech Challenge with the goal of resolving these components. To reduce the use of SF6, we have developed a Advancing commercialization of seed technologies through vertical Small scale device converts problems. nano composite material with high insulation properties by minute vibrations into electricity. cooperation between upstream and downstream organizations Semi-permanent, maintenance- This project solicited research themes from applicants, equally dispersing nano particles throughout an epoxy resin free device. Application Examples of Micro Vibration Power Generation One NEDO project that has emphasized the importance of and one of the unique aspects of this project was that it used on the periphery of the high voltage components. Social Infrastructure Transportation Devices Factories

nanotechnology is “Research and Development for Nanotech required a vertical cooperation between universities and At Stage I, universities performed materials development • Highways • Airplanes • Motors and Advanced Materials Applications (also known as the material makers (upstream organization) and product and evaluation of the insulation properties. At Stage II, • Railways (rails) • Automobiles • Robots • Bridges • Trains • Conveyor Belts “Nanotech Challenge”)”, which was launched in 2005. manufacturers (downstream organizations). We believed Kunimine Industries and Sanyu Gikou developed mass • BEMS [Building • Bicycles Energy Management Although nanotechnology was highly anticipated as a that facilitating collaboration between different businesses production technology for the materials. Toshiba took Systems] new technology at the time, somehow practical applications and industries would lead to a better understanding of user the lead in the project and manage each stage and its Living Space did not readily emerge. This was due to a number of needs and accelerate commercialization of seed technology participants. Using this newly developed material, we have • Consumer electronics • Clocks/Watches problems, such as the long time required to develop practical by university and companies. been successful in producing a prototype electric device (washing machines, vacuum cleaners) • Electric razors • Health devices • HEMS [Home Energy Management applications and, despite the wide-range of applications for Another unique aspect of the project was how we model (a switch gear). Currently Toshiba is exploring the (pedometers, heart rate monitors, blood pressure System] manometers, blood glucose monitors) • BAN [Body Area Network] the technology envisioned, the lack of particular connections divided the R&D period into two parts: Stage I (the leading possibility of adopting this in its electric device products. • Cell phones between research and the final applications. We began research stage) and Stage II (practical application research 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 Highly Efficient Nano Filter (JAPAN AIR FILTER Co., Ltd.) Nano Composite Insulation Material coin, and it can efficiently convert minute vibrations into (TOSHIBA CORPORATION) electrical energy. With nanotechnology, it has become Exhaust possible to acquire electric power from the environment by converting weak vibrations to electricity using a material Purified, Outside air humidity-controlled air called electret. Although this power source component is Ventilation

small, it is able to obtain sufficient electricity to operate a (1) (2) (3) Illustration and microscope photographs of nano composite materials. Uniform dispersal of nano particles enables increased sensor. Since there is no need to replace the power source insulation properties and better equipment reliability. This reduces SF6 which has an extremely high greenhouse gas effect. or use an electrical wire, maintenance is extremely easy.

SF6 gas Smaller, lighter and no SF6 gas usage We believe that this would be ideal for sensors that monitor High voltage section the safety of buildings, bridges and roads. In addition, there Solid insulation system SF (conductor) 100nm 6 gas insulation system Switch could be an extremely wide range of applications such as in (1) Nano fiber for odor elimination (100 nm) New product (vacuum bulb) health, healthcare and welfare devices, as well as portable

Nano composite electronic devices. insulating material The third example is an air filter that uses nano fibers. (surface ground) We developed an air purifying filter that uses extremely little energy due to reduced pressure loss that also has dust Strictly controlled, Metal box Replace SF6 gas with used in sealed tank solid insulating material removal, antibacterial, deodorizing and dehumidifying (2) Anti-bacterial nano composite fiber (3) Fluorocarbon polymer nano fiber for humidity control Components for electric device (switch gear) made from newly developed materials Removal of gasified sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) from switch gear using solid insulation capabilities. Since it uses nano fibers, this extremely precise Diagram of filter module structure and electron microscope photograph of nano fiber filter can catch PM2.5 (particulate matter smaller than

14 15 Domestic Offices

Head Office Kansai Branch Office MUZA Kawasaki Central Tower, 16F-20F Umeda Dai Building, 6F, 3-3-10 1310 Omiya-cho, Saiwai-ku Umeda, Kita-ku Kawasaki City, Kanagawa 212-8554 Japan Osaka 530-0001 Japan Tel: +81-44-520-5100 Tel: +81-6-7670-2200 Fax: +81-44-520-5103 Fax: +81-6-6344-4574

Overseas Offices

Washington Europe Beijing 2000 L Street, N.W., Suite 605 10, rue de la Paix 75002 2001 Chang Fu Gong Office Building Washington, D.C. 20036 U.S.A. Paris, France Jia-26, Jian Guo Men Wai Street Tel: +1-202-822-9298 Tel: +33-1-4450-1828 Beijing 100022, P.R. China Fax: +1-202-822-9289 Fax: +33-1-4450-1829 Tel: +86-10-6526-3510 Fax: +86-10-6526-3513 Silicon Valley New Delhi 3945 Freedom Circle, Suite 790 7th Floor, Hotel Le Meridien Bangkok Santa Clara, CA 95054 U.S.A. Commercial Tower, Raisina Road 8th Floor, Sindhorn Building Tower 2 Tel: +1-408-567-8033 New Delhi 110 001, India 130-132 Wittayu Road, Lumphini Fax: +1-408-567-9831 Tel: +91-11-4351-0101 Pathumwan Fax: +91-11-4351-0102 Bangkok 10330, Thailand Tel: +66-2-256-6725 Fax: +66-2-256-6727

New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization MUZA Kawasaki Central Tower, 1310 Omiya-cho, Saiwai-ku Kawasaki City, Kanagawa 212-8554 Japan Tel: +81-44-520-5100 Fax: +81-44-520-5103 URL: http://www.nedo.go.jp/english/index.html September 2014