Page 2 - Shimadzu Journal vol.10 Issue1

Note from the Director

Yoshiaki Mase
General Manager,
Analytical & Measurement Instruments Division

As a company working with partners worldwide, In addition to the interviews, we introduce applica-
Shimadzu aims to create solutions that address socie- tions on analyzing LiBs from different angles using our
tal issues and promote the implementation of these latest technologies. These include examples of chemi-
solutions in society. Along with the ongoing effects cal state analysis of cathode active materials using
of COVID-19, the global economy remains uncertain new wavelength-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spec-
due to soaring raw material prices and shortages of trometers, measurement of electrolyte solutions using
materials, as well as the protracted situation in Russia FT-IR spectroscopy, nondestructive observation of the
and Ukraine. As the movement of people and goods internal structure of cylindrical LiBs using X-ray CT,
changes worldwide and interest in, and commitment and observation of small areas of electrode materials
to, the global environment grows, the fields in which using SPM and evaluation of their physical properties.
analytical and measuring instruments are used and In addition, we introduce some recent initiatives re-
how they are used are changing. lated to material science, our new organizational
structure, a new center for promoting open innova-
Amid these dramatic societal changes, this issue tion, and a unique new product (MIV-X ultrasonic opti-
features a special section on “Materials Science,” which cal flaw detector).
is at the root of every industry in the world. Focusing
particularly on lithium-ion batteries (LiBs), which con- Despite society changes and challenges, Shimadzu
tinue to evolve toward a sustainable society, we intro- is realizing its corporate philosophy of “Contributing to
duce researchers working on the front lines and Society through Science and Technology,” embracing
highlight applications that make full use of cutting- change rather than fearing it, and creating an even
edge technologies. better society. We look forward to working with you
on innovative research and challenging projects and
First, Dr. Sascha Nowak, head of the Analytics & hope that this journal will provide you with inspiration
Environment division of the MEET battery research for your own work.
center in Münster, talks about qualitative and quantita-
tive evaluation of electrolyte aging, verification of recy-
cling methods, toxicological testing, and other topics. Yours Sincerely,
Next, Mr. Keiji Sumiya of Showa Denko Materials Co.,
Ltd. speaks about the importance of visualization tech-
nology in the development of LiB materials and his
company’s initiatives in this area.

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