In the energy sector, fuel cells are attracting attention as a next-generation energy source. Fuel cells generate electricity through the reaction of hydrogen and oxygen, and since the only product is water, they are a very clean energy source. However, currently widespread fuel cells have many problems that need to be solved, including environmental impact during manufacturing and disposal, depletion issues, and the high cost of both electrolytes and catalysts.
Therefore, we are searching for and researching new bio-derived materials that can be used for the "electrolyte membrane" and "hydrogen fuel," which are the heart of fuel cells, this next-generation energy source. To date, we have shown that collagen, chitin, and DNA, among others, have high hydrogen ion conductivity and can be used as fuel cell electrolytes. Furthermore, we have also shown that hydrogen ions (protons) produced by photosynthetic and enzymatic reactions unique to living organisms can be used as a hydrogen fuel source.