New Synchrotron Radiation Experimental Database to Support Fuel Cell Material Development – Accelerating Data-Driven Materials Research with High-Quality Data Management –(Press Release)
- Release Date
- 15 May, 2025
- BL04B2 (High Energy X-ray Diffraction)
- BL09XU (HAXPES I)
- BL14B2 (XAFS II)
- BL19B2 (X-ray Diffraction and Scattering II)
- BL36XU (RIKEN Materials Science II)
- BL40B2 (SAXS BM)
- BL46XU (HAXPES II)
May 15 2025
Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute (JASRI)
●Developed FC-BENTEN, a new database to support synchrotron radiation experiments for fuel cell material research
→ Efficiently manages and shares high-quality experimental data by organizing measurement and analysis procedures
●Introduced structured metadata1 and automated registration tools
→ Enhances data reusability and interoperability, paving the way for integration with Materials Informatics (MI)2
●Accelerates the design and development of high-performance fuel cell materials through advanced data utilization
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In a collaborative effort between JASRI, FC-Cubic and Kyoto University, a new database platform called FC-BENTEN has been developed to systematically collect and manage synchrotron radiation experimental data for fuel cell material research conducted at the SPring-8 facility. Supported by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), FC-BENTEN integrates diverse synchrotron-based measurement techniques such as XAFS3, HAXPES4, XRD5, PDF6, and SAXS7. |
The development of fuel cell materials requires high-precision analysis of complex structures and chemical states that determine their performance and durability. While synchrotron-based measurement techniques at SPring-8 provide powerful analytical capabilities, until now, there has been no comprehensive system to ensure the reproducibility and effective reuse of experimental data.
To address this gap, we have built a database that enhances data quality and usability, while also supporting future integration with Materials Informatics approaches.
FC-BENTEN supports multiple synchrotron-based measurement methods including XAFS, HAXPES, XRD, PDF, and SAXS. The database introduces structured metadata and automated registration tools, enabling efficient management and sharing of high-quality data.
This system greatly improves the reliability of analysis processes and the reusability of experimental data, thus enhancing fuel cell material development efforts.
The insights gained through the development of FC-BENTEN will contribute to the accumulation and utilization of experimental data in future fuel cell research.
By incorporating data science techniques, the platform aims to serve as a foundation for data-driven materials research, accelerating the discovery and design of next-generation materials.
Figure 1. Overview of Synchrotron Radiation Experiments and Data Infrastructure for Fuel Cell Research
Experimental data collected via synchrotron-based measurement techniques such as XAFS, HAXPES, XRD, PDF, and SAXS at SPring-8 are integrated into the FC-BENTEN database. These data are managed using consistent metadata related to samples, measurements, and analysis, allowing future integration with Materials Informatics. These high-quality data are utilized within the FC-Platform8 to evaluate and analyze PEFC9 materials, such as correlating particle size using both XRD and SAXS.
Figure 2. Web Interface of FC-BENTEN. The left panel shows a directory structure with keyword-based search for rapid data access. The right panel displays file listings and previews for visual confirmation of data content.
【Acknowledgments】This work was supported by the NEDO project “Collaborative Industry-Academia-Government research and development Project for Solving Common Challenges Toward Dramatically Expanded Use of Fuel Cells and Related Equipment” (Project Code: P20003).
【Glossary】
※1. Metadata
Supplementary information describing the conditions and methods used in data acquisition; essential for data reuse.
※2. Materials Informatics (MI)
A research approach combining materials data and data science (AI/machine learning) for efficient material design.
※3. XAFS (X-ray Absorption Fine Structure)
A technique to analyze atomic structure and electronic states through fine variations in X-ray absorption spectra.
※4. HAXPES (Hard X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy)
A spectroscopy technique using high-energy X-rays to probe deeper electronic states beyond surface layers.
※5. XRD (X-ray Diffraction)
A standard method to investigate crystal structures through diffraction patterns of X-rays.
※6. PDF (Pair Distribution Function)
A method that analyzes interatomic distances using scattering data, applicable to both crystalline and amorphous materials.
※7. SAXS (Small-Angle X-ray Scattering)
A scattering technique for analyzing nanostructures such as pore sizes, particle dimensions, and their distributions.
※8. FC-Platform
An integrated research platform for PEFC development and evaluation, led by FC-Cubic.
※9. PEFC (Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell)
A fuel cell using a polymer electrolyte membrane; widely applied in residential and automotive applications.
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