Materials and Chemistry

Contributing to industrial competitiveness enhancement by synergistic interaction between materials and chemical technologies

We are developing technologies to enhance added value of functional chemicals, and to realize practical use of new materials, with strengthening value chains of materials through synergistic interaction between materials and chemical technologies in mind. Thus, we are aiming to contribute to the primary materials and chemical industries.

New Research Results

AI-Guided Optimization of Carbon Nanotube Dispersion Processes

As researchers at AIST, we have developed a method for obtaining high-quality carbon nanotube (CNT) dispersions to form highly conductive CNT thin films.
Devices that leverage the high conductivity of CNTs are increasingly being used in industry as electrodes in touch panels and solar panels. In the wet manufacturing method, which involves coating a substrate with a CNT solution, the dispersion of the CNTs in the solution determines the performance of the device. However, achieving defect-free CNT dispersion is not easy. To create CNT solutions with high dispersibility and properties tailored to the type of device being manufactured, it is important to select the appropriate solvents and dispersants. It is also important to use a dispersion process that does not rely on methods such as ultrasonic treatment because these methods may induce defects in the CNTs.
Here, we developed a method to optimize the dispersion process of CNTs using the wet method. This method integrates various analytical techniques, including AI technology (specifically machine learning), molecular dynamics simulations, and solubility parameters. Using this method, we successfully fabricated a transparent, conductive CNT film whose performance is comparable to that of the dry method. This demonstrates the applicability of this technology to low-cost, large-area CNT thin film manufacturing processes, like printing and coating. It is expected to expand the range of industrial applications for CNTs such as transparent conductive films and next-generation battery materials.
Details of this research will be published in Advanced Functional Materials on January 21, 2026.

AI-Guided Optimization of CNT Dispersion Processes

Development of Electrodes for Measuring Blood Glucose Levels

Researchers at AIST, Techno Medica Co. Ltd., Tohoku University, Fuji Silysia Chemical Ltd. and JEOL Ltd. have developed a compact sensor that can measure blood glucose levels (glucose concentration) without removing foreign substances from blood using an electrode without precious metals.
Blood glucose levels can be measured electrochemically by detecting hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), which is generated when glucose is oxidized by the enzyme (glucose oxidase: GOx). The H₂O₂ decomposed at a platinum (Pt) working electrode, and relating the current is used to determine the glucose concentration. However, since the decomposition potential suitable for detecting H₂O₂ overlaps with the decomposition potential of dissolved oxygen and vitamin C (ascorbic acid) in blood, it is necessary to remove these interfering substances beforehand for accurate measurement. In conventional sensors using Pt electrodes, H₂O₂ is decomposed at a decomposition potential unaffected by dissolved oxygen, and vitamin C is often removed by a interfering substance removal membrane. In this study, a working electrode(PB/G/PSS) was developed by immobilizing Prussian Blue (PB), which reacts with H₂O₂, into graphene-coated porous silica spheres (G/PSS). This electrode was used to shift the decomposition potential of dissolved oxygen and vitamin C, thereby enabling the development of a sensor capable of measuring H₂O₂ without interference from these substances. The developed glucose sensor can measure blood glucose concentration in a wider range of 0 to 270 mg/dL, including the concentration range of fasting blood glucose (glucose concentration: 70 to 100 mg/dL). Furthermore, we have confirmed that using PB/G/PSS for both the working and reference electrodes maintained sensor performance, leading to the successful development of a precious metal-free sensor.
The newly developed glucose sensor, which does not require a mechanism for removal of interfering substances, promotes miniaturization of blood gas analyzers that can measure blood glucose and lactate levels. Demand for such analyzers has been increasing in recent years. Moreover, since the sensors do not use precious metals such as Pt, the sensor contributes to stable supply and lower manufacturing costs

Overview of the developed glucose sensor
*Figure modified from Yoshida et al. (2025)

Research Unit

Other research organizations

Research Laboratory

• Adhesion and Interfacial Phenomena Research Laboratory

Open Innovation Laboratory

Since FY 2016, as a part of the “Open Innovation Arena concept” promoted by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), AIST has created the concept of “open innovation laboratories” (OILs), collaborative research bases located on university campuses, and has been engaged in their provision. We are planning to establish more than ten OILs by FY 2020.

AIST will merge the basic research carried out at universities, etc. with AISTʼs goal-oriented basic research and applied technology development, and will promote bridging research and evelopment and industry by the establishment of OILs.

Cooperative Research Laboratories

In order to conduct research and development more closely related to strategies of companies, we have established collaborative research laboratories, bearing partner company names.

Partner companies provide their researchers and funding, and AIST provides research resources, such as its researchers, research facilities, and intellectual property. The loaned researchers of companies and AIST researchers jointly conduct research and development.

By setting up cooperative research laboratories, we will accelerate the commercialization of our goal-oriented basic research and application research with partner companies.