Teijin innovates the fuel cells.

Teijin is an innovator in markets and industries around the world: with constant research and development helping us push what is possible in the modern world. One area where there are multiple examples of this is with #fuelcells.

For example, Teijin has developed the industry's thinnest level #gasdiffusionlayer (#GDL) - allowing for smaller and more functional fuel cells. With a thickness of just 50 micrometers, the industry’s thinnest level, the innovative product combines ultrafine fibrous carbon and para-aramid fiber using proprietary papermaking #technology.

Teijin expects its new gas-diffusion layer (GDL) to contribute to the creation, realization and action of smaller, more functional and lower cost fuel cells, the demand for which is expanding.

The GDL is a component used inside a fuel cell to supply #hydrogen and oxygen, collect electrons generated by the chemical reaction of the electrodes, and drain water generated in the process. The GDL's microporous structure incorporates Teijin’s PotenCia? fine #carbonfiber and Twaron? para-#aramid fiber, which are combined in a manufacturing process that has been sped up by deploying proprietary paper-making technology.

PotenCia? enables the new GDL to achieve excellent conductivity without damaging the catalyst layer inside the fuel cell; whilst Twaron? contributes to high durability and water repellency. As a result, a conventional microporous layer (MPL) is not required, allowing the new GDL to be slimmed down to 50 micrometers, which is less than half the thickness of a conventional GDL.

The new GDL also brings financial benefits - as it is expected to reduce production costs by shortening the manufacturing process as well as reducing the number of raw materials required.

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Not just innovating in the fuel cell market in terms of GDLs, Teijin has also developed a compact, lightweight and highly portable fuel cell unit and a companion pressure vessel unit that supplies hydrogen fuel from three lightweight cylinders.

The fuel cell unit is a portable generator which conveniently integrates the equipment necessary for fuel cell operation. Its compact and lightweight design incorporates the new IE-LIFT? 1T fuel cell developed by British manufacturer Intelligent Energy - demonstrating Teijin’s global reach when it comes to driving #innovation.

This new, forward-thinking solution has the potential to transform its field. The units will be used for the first time from June this year, in a demonstration with Tokyu Construction Co., Ltd., who is participating in a major redevelopment of the Shibuya Station area in Tokyo where the demonstration will take place.

?After verifying performance during the demonstration, and working to the high standards expected of products, Teijin expects to begin selling commercial versions of the fuel cell and pressure vessel in Japan from around the spring of 2024.

With this line of work, Teijin is contributing to a reduction of CO2 emissions by increasing the accessibility - and expanding the use - of hydrogen fuel cells in fields such as #construction work. It also fits with our overall aim of supporting the society of the future; helping countries achieve their targets in terms of the ever-present Sustainable Development Goals (#SDGs) from the United Nations.

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Going forward, Teijin expects to strengthen its development of high-performance materials and #sustainable solutions for advanced fuel cell products; furtherly reinforcing our position of becoming a company which supports the society of the future.