Solid-state batteries – Nanotechnology Study Tour

On Day 4, facing the cold winds to board a bus at Tsukuba station, we visited the National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS). In the morning, we listened to presentations with introductions about the organisation and its materials department, International Center for Materials Nanoarchitectures (MANA). We learnt about their history, research focus, student programs and international collaboration. Thereafter, we had lunch at their cafeteria, where I had a nice dish of tuna teriyaki. For a canteen, the food provided to the employees here is good.

In the afternoon, we explored the labs of MANA. The first lab we went to is the Battery Research Lab, where the researchers are developing novel lithium-ion and lithium-air batteries. Next, we went to the Thermoelectric Materials Lab, where they use nanostructures to manipulate the seeback effect. Thereafter we toured the nanomaterial foundry, semiconductor lab, Scanning Tunneling Microscope (STM) lab. The last lab we explore and the Surface Probing Microscopy (SPM) Lab. where they use dual, triple or quadruple probes to determine the properties of surface materials.

From what I have learnt today, NIMS and MANA many interesting research projects and advanced facilities such as the quadruple-probe SPM. Among the labs I visited, I like the Battery Research and the Thermoelectric Materials laboratories because I think their research have potential applications in reducing energy consumption and improving sustainability, a key issue not only in Japan and Singapore but also all around the world. The presentations they gave today taught me about solid-state batteries and the seeback effect, interesting concepts that are likely to be useful to me in the future.

After our visit to NIMS, I went with friends to explore Asakusa Shrine and Asakusa Street. The place is similar to Meiji Shrine, in which they also have a tradition to rinse their hands before a ritual, and an offertory box for making prayers. Finally, we end the day with ramen from Nicole’s favourite stall.