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The Teshima Laboratory introduced a water purification technology that utilizes the high-performance crystal “Shindai Crystal®,” grown using the flux method, to efficiently remove harmful substances such as heavy metals and fluoride. Currently, demonstration tests are underway in Tanzania, raising expectations for its international deployment.

The innovative RO membranes developed by the Rodolfo & Endo Laboratory, utilizing nanocarbon, has a wide range of applications from seawater desalination to household water purifiers. It has been proven to be resistant to fouling and capable of efficient water treatment. Visitors were able to experience its performance through an experimental unit.

The photocatalytic technology developed by the Dōmen & Hisatomi Laboratory directly generates hydrogen from water using sunlight, achieving world-leading efficiency. As a future large-scale clean hydrogen supply technology, it attracted significant interest from many attendees.

The Taguchi Laboratory introduced “LAHB,” a new polylactic acid material confirmed to biodegrade even in the deep sea. It garnered attention as an innovative biodegradable material contributing to solving the worsening plastic waste problem in African countries. Additionally, the new material “mycelium pulp,” utilizing underutilized mushroom resources, was introduced, resonating with attendees regarding the importance of effective resource utilization.

The Tanaka Laboratory presented research on novel ion exchangers that efficiently separate deuterium and tritium by integrating computational science and materials science. Attendees were amazed by the potential applications for future lunar resource utilization and nuclear fusion power generation, highlighting the advancement of science and technology.

The Zettsu Laboratory introduced a “nano carbon battery” aiming for a 100-year lifespan by utilizing carbon nanotubes as a conductive material. Possessing high output and rapid charge/discharge capabilities, its practical application is advancing through industry-academia collaboration. It is anticipated as a battery technology to meet future energy demands.

The Shimosato Laboratory showcased environmental remediation technology utilizing indigenous microbial communities that decompose harmful substances in water. As a nature-cooperative bioremediation technology, its application in decentralized water purification systems is anticipated, drawing significant interest from attendees.

*J-PEAKS: Program for Forming Japan's Peak Research Universities (Japan's MEXT)