Basic materials research for the development of ubiquitous-energy devices

For ubiquitous-energy devices, the development of well-performing functional materials is the key issue. Effective collaboration between development researchers and researchers carrying out basic materials analysis using electron microscopy observations, surface-science observations and theoretical calculations is of great importance. We have previously discussed the role of basic materials research in out discussion of full research and have made efforts to carry out a successful collaboration. To this end, we have attained valuable contributions to materials development as well as high-level scientific achievements as substantiated by numerous awards through the development of original observational and calculation techniques relating to the positive electrode material of Li-ion batteries, the electrode catalysts of proton-exchange fuel cells and gold/oxide catalysts.