Polymers in response to external stimuli like heat, light, and electricity are called functional polymers, and they are expected as a material for the next generation. We have been conducting research for the purpose of development of life- and environmet-friendly functional polymers, which are needed in the near future. Research themes have shown in the following three fields.

http://www.nissan- global.com/JP/TECHNOLOGY/ INTRODUCTION/DETAILS/FCV/Proton-conducting polymers are used as the electrolyte materials in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells that converts the chemical energy of hydrogen and oxygen directly to electrical energy. The development of clean energy techniques represented by the fuel cell is an important scientific challenge in resource-poor Japan. We have developed novel proton-conducting polymers from the standpoint of materials research and have currently become "world-class research center of the fuel cell".

Biodegradable polymers, which have become familiar, are expected as environment-friendly materials. In particular, such as biodegradable tray that decomposes naturally in the soil is now also used in the household as a low environmental impact material. We have developed a technique to control its biodegradability by analyzing the relation between biodegradability and polymer structures. By taking advantage of this new technology, we have developed bio-plastics with the biocompatibility similar to living tissues and have conducted applied research to artificial bone materials, artificial muscles, and artificial organs.

Organic optoelectronic materials represented by conducting polymers are called soft semiconductor or plastic electronics and are expected as a material beyond the limits of current inorganic semiconductor. We have consistently conducted the synthesis of novel polythiophene and fullerene derivatives, the formation of molecular thin films, the analysis of electrical and optical functions, and the development of devices such as solar cells and organic electroluminescent display.