AIST’s Advanced Manufacturing Process Research Division has developed an Electrochemical Reactor for Removing NOx. The nitrogen oxides referred to as NOx are toxic substances present in exhaust fumes from diesel vehicles. The research group has optimized the device’s electrode structure, by creating a 3D nano-network of wire-like conductive material 10 nm in diameter. This is formed on the surface and in the interstices of a framework made of 500-nm GDC particles, which act as an electrolyte. In this way, the group has developed a reactor that can remove 90% of NO gas from nitrogen gas that contains 20% oxygen, at the low temperature of 250 degrees C. The group will apply the technologies developed in this research to create new devices that can help solve energy and environmental problems as well as cleaning up exhaust fumes.

Related Links :
- http://www.aist.go.jp/index_en.html
- http://www.nanotechexpo.jp/en/index.html (nano tech 2010)