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The polymer chemistry laboratory under Professor Kenichi Oyaizu at The Unit for Energy and Nanomaterials at Waseda University has been making breakthrough innovations in functional polymers research. Take a look at the Unit’s newest video detailing their efforts and thought process behind their research.

The Unit for Energy and Nanomaterials is one of seven research units at the University that belong to Waseda Goes Global, a Top Global University Project by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. Each research unit strives to become a global research hub for the University, creating a wide-reaching, international network for their students, faculty, and researchers.

In the above video, Professor Oyaizu details the versatility of functional polymers, and outline their recent breakthroughs in using the material to create flexible/bendable organic batteries and battery materials that change color depending on the amount of charge they contain.  

In addition to their battery innovations, the lab has also found interesting polymers that can store hydrogen safely and reversibly. This is a big step towards solving complex global energy issues as hydrogen is expected to be a next-generation clean energy source but requires safe storage technology.

By unlocking the capabilities of functional polymers, the Unit is making strides towards solving global-scale issues through new applications of new chemistry!