Inspired by the electrodeposition coating technology used in automobile painting, we have developed an electrodeposition resin impregnation method as a unique manufacturing and molding method for CFRP. In this method, the carbon fiber is immersed in the electrodeposition solution, and the resin is deposited and impregnated by controlling the applied current. Since the resin is impregnated between the carbon fibers in the liquid, vacuum suction and pressurization of the resin are not required unlike the conventional method. In addition, it is thought that the resin and carbon fiber are strongly chemically bonded by the electrodeposition reaction, and CFRP with excellent strength characteristics is obtained. Moreover, it became possible to combine cellulose nanofiber with CFRP. Although cellulose nanofiber is a non-petroleum-derived and hydrophilic material, hydrophobizing treatment was unnecessary by using an aqueous electrodeposition solution.

A structure in which nano-sized materials are densely grown from substrates is called nanoarray. For example, nanowires aligned and grown from the substrate are called nanowire arrays. In the past, such nanoarray structures in metal oxides were mainly synthesized in the gas phase. However, in recent years, the development of facile synthetic routes in the aqueous phase has been reported. In this paper, we summarize these synthetic methods and introduce some applications of nanoarray structures.

In general, the “painting process” in an automobile factory emits the largest amount of CO₂, and the main factor is the energy consumption of air conditioning in the paint booth. In anticipation of carbon neutrality, we have commercialized a device that achieves energy savings in this painting process. We describe the features of this product and examples of trial calculations of energy consumption compared to conventional paint process.

Phthalocyanines and their metal complexes have been widely used as blue and green dyes and pigments since the first synthesis of copper phthalocyanine in 1927. Furthermore, phthalocyanine derivatives have also been used as molecular components in electronic and photonic molecular devices. This paper describes the molecular design of phthalocyanine derivatives for highly efficient photon-to-electron conversion for the near-infrared light region.

Using only a solid material as the electrolyte, solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells that can be manufactured by a simple coating process have been developed. Tuning between the current and the resistance of the module and connecting the modules to each other enables a large size array while maintaining good solar cell characteristics. In addition, Ricoh's solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells have both colorful and see-through characteristics and provide a high designability.

From the above-described characteristics, it is possible to fabricate power generation arrays with a high designability and large size that is not obtained with conventional inorganic solar cells.