AGC - Asahi Glass Co. Ltd.

05/16/2022 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/15/2022 20:02

AGC’s FORBLUETM i-series Electrolyte Polymer Dispersion for Fuel Cells Receives Industrial Contribution Award from the Fuel Cell Development Information Center in Japan

AGC (AGC Inc., Headquarters: Tokyo, President: Yoshinori Hirai), a world-leading manufacturer of glass, chemicals and high-tech materials, has received the "Industrial Contribution Award of the FCDIC Honoring System for FY 2021" from the Fuel Cell Development Information Center* (FCDIC; President: Kenichiro Ota) for its FORBLUETM i-series electrolyte polymer dispersion for fuel cells, in recognition of its contributions to fuel cell development and related industry advancement.

FORBLUETM i-series is a fluorinated electrolyte polymer dispersion, developed by AGC Group based on its ion-exchange membrane technology cultivated by its long experience in the chloro-alkali business. It is used for electrodes and electrolyte membranes in automotive fuel cells. AGC's FORBLUETM i-series has achieved to improve the performance of conventional polymers, and is more durable and cost effective compared to conventional fluorinated polymers.

In electrode applications, AGC's unique design technologies for fluoropolymers has made it possible to significantly reduce the amount of platinum used as a catalyst in electrodes. These technologies have been highly evaluated and is used in the electrodes of the second-generation MIRAI, a fuel cell vehicle of Toyota Motor Corporation. For electrolyte membranes applications, AGC has succeeded in developing polymers that can perform well even when operated at 120°C without humidification.

The AGC Group has set the promotion of sustainability management as one of the key strategies in its medium-term management plan AGC plus-2023 and is committed to contributing to solving social issues through its materials innovation. AGC will continue to research and develop this product, FORBLUETM i-series, and aims to further improve the performance towards prevailing fuel cell vehicles and rializing a hydrogen society, together work to reduce GHG emissions through our business activites.