Our rich lifestyles have been supported by the development of various materials. Behind modern technology, from the electronic devices around us to next-generation energy devices, there are "materials" with diverse and excellent performance. Assistant Professor TANIBATA Naoto (Life Science and Applied Chemistry Group) is working on the design and development of these new materials through his research into all-solid-state batteries (Figure 1).

Solid-state batteries are one of the next-generation energy storage technologies, which replace the conventional liquid electrolyte with a solid electrolyte. The major advantages of solid-state batteries are that they not only reduce the risk of leakage and fire, but also have a longer lifespan and improved energy efficiency, helping to promote the spread of sustainable energy. In particular, it is expected to be applied to electric vehicles and renewable energy storage devices, making it a key technology for achieving carbon neutrality.

Currently, the material being most actively researched for all-solid-state batteries is "ceramics," which, simply put, is a solid composed of metal elements (M) and nonmetal elements (X) (Figure 2). Although there are few opportunities to study ceramics in high school chemistry classes, in university laboratories students use the periodic table to understand the "characteristics" of each element, and by combining them they enhance "function" and "value."

[Comment from Assistant Professor TANIBATA]
The Tokai region has long been a thriving region for the ceramics industry, and a wide range of technologies and knowledge has been passed down. Why not join us in developing next-generation technology in this fertile soil and create a prosperous future? I sincerely hope that your youthful energy and challenges will lead to further technological development and the realization of a prosperous society.