R&D Activities ● Chemical Research GroupRITE Today 2023

Chemical Research Group
Members (as of Apr. 2023)
Katsunori Yogo
Hidetoshi Kita
Masahiko Mizuno
Hiroaki Matsuyoshi
Naoki Kikuchi
Koji Baba
Firoz Alam Chowdhury
Teruhiko Kai
Kazuyuki Kitamura
Tomohiro Kinoshita
Junichiro Kugai
Kazuya Goto
Masahiro Seshimo
Toshinori Muraoka
Makoto Ryoji
Fuminori Ito
Yusuke Ohata
Takayasu Kiyokawa
Hibiki Koterasawa
Shuhong Duan
Nobuhiko Fuchigami
Vu Thi Quyen
Lie Meng

Group Leader, Chief Researcher
Chief Researcher
Deputy Group Leader, Chief Researcher
Deputy Group Leader, Chief Researcher
Deputy Group Leader, Associate Chief Researcher
Associate Chief Researcher
Associate Chief Researcher
Senior Researcher
Senior Researcher
Senior Researcher
Senior Researcher
Senior Researcher
Senior Researcher
Senior Researcher
Senior Researcher
Researcher
Researcher
Researcher
Researcher
Researcher
Researcher
Researcher
Researcher

Soji Yamaguchi
Hanako Araki
Hiroyuki Ida
Hiromi Urai
Noriko Onishi
Nobuaki Oono
Hidenori Ogata
Kumiko Ogura
Mai Kashima
Kozue Kataoka
Keiko Komono
Rie Sugimoto
Takashi Teshima
Yuko Nara
Yozo Narutaki
Akiyoshi Fujii
Yoichi Fujiwara
Keiko Mori
Misato Mori
Atsushi Yasuno
Naomi Yoshino
Junko Yonezawa

Researcher
Research AssistantResearch AssistantResearch AssistantResearch AssistantResearch AssistantResearch AssistantResearch AssistantResearch AssistantResearch AssistantResearch AssistantResearch AssistantResearch AssistantResearch AssistantResearch AssistantResearch AssistantResearch AssistantResearch AssistantResearch AssistantResearch AssistantResearch AssistantResearch Assistant

Challenges Associated with the Advanced Industrialization of CO2
Capture Technologies
1. Introduction
The research and development of CO2 capture and

CCU. The current research topics of the Chemical Research Group are described as follows.

utilization (CCU) had been conducted separately by the
Chemical Research Group and the Inorganic Membrane

2. Technologies for CO2 capture

Research Center until the last fiscal year. To effectively

The Paris Agreement was adopted at COP 21 in De-

collaborate on the R&D of both polymer and inorganic

cember 2015, and in order to minimize the adverse ef-

membranes, as well as CO2 utilization, we have inte-

fects of climate change, such as abnormal weather, thegrated these two research groups starting from fiscal

rise in global average temperature before the Industrial

year 2023 to establish a more competitive and produc-

Revolution was kept well below 2°C. Pursuing efforts totive organization. In the future, we will focus on prom-

keep the temperature down to 1.5°C was the goal. Afterising CCU technologies for their early-stage practicalthat, in response to the heightened sense of crisis, suchapplications. Additionally, we will increase the activities

as further temperature rises and the enormous naturalof the Strategic Council for Industrialization to support

disasters occurring on a global scale, the Glasgow Cli-

information exchange and technology cooperation onmate Agreement at COP 26 in November 2021 demonstrated the determination to pursue efforts to limit the46

R&D Activities ● Chemical Research GroupRITE Today 2023

temperature rise to 1.5°C with the world's first numeri-scale as a measure to address global warming, it is im-

cal target of 1.5°C. According to the IPCC, the 1.5°C tar-portant to reduce the cost of CO2 capturing from large-

get requires a 45% reduction in CO2 by 2030 comparedscale sources. In parallel, promotion of the standardiza-

to 2010 and net zero by 2050.

tion of CO2 capture technologies is also important. It is

In Japan as well, in response to the 2050 Carbon Neu-

necessary to establish a common evaluation standard

tral Declaration in October 2020 and the Green Growthfor various CO2 capture materials, while keeping pace

Strategy for the 2050 Carbon Neutral Declaration for-with the international trends of this field. CCU (utiliza-

mulated in December 2021 (detailed in June 2021), totion) implementation into society as soon as possible isprevent global warming various efforts are being pro-also highly needed. It is important to develop innova-

moted in each of the technology fields. CCUS (Carbon

tive CO2 utilization and carbon recycle technologies todioxide Capture, Utilization, and Storage) / Carbon Re-

effectively convert CO2 into chemicals and fuels.

cycling is an important innovative technology that ena-

The Chemical Research Group is dedicated to devel-

bles carbon neutrality. In CCUS/carbon recycling, theoping innovative CO2 capture and utilization technolo-

combination of both captured CO2 is recycled as a car-gies and to providing world-leading R&D and innova-

bon resource for fuels and materials (CCU), and the cap-tion results with a special focus on chemical absorption,

tured CO2 storage under the ground (CCS) is expected

adsorption, and the membrane separation process. Our

to have a significant CO2 reduction effect. Furthermore,

research topic covers the development of new materials

it has been shown that CO2 separation and capture

and their innovative manufacturing process and high-technologies are the basis for CCUS, and the targets for

efficiency carbon capture systems and membrane reac-

the technologies are to reduce the cost of CO 2 separa-

tors. As for chemical absorption, the solvent developedtion and capture to 1,000 yen/t-CO2 by 2050 and to es-

in COURSE50 (”Development of Environmental Technol-

tablish CO2 separation and capture technologies forogy for Steelmaking Process” commissioned by thevarious CO2 emission sources. Negative emission tech-

New Energy and Industrial Technology Development

nology, which contributes to the reduction in the con-

Organization [NEDO]) has been put into practical use incentration of CO2 in the atmosphere, is required to

a commercial CO2 capture plant owned by a private Jap-

achieve carbon neutrality. In particular, direct air cap-anese company. For adsorption, pilot-scale tests ofture (DAC) of CO2 from the atmosphere has been at-

solid sorbents with good CO2 desorption performance

tracting attention recently. In the Carbon Recycling

at low temperatures and adsorption systems are being

Technology Roadmap (Ministry of Economy, Trade andconducted in collaboration with private companies in a

Industry) revised in July 2021, DAC was added as a new

project commissioned by NEDO using flue gas fromtechnology field in progress.

coal-fired power plants. Recently, we started to develop

Against this background, it is necessary to promote

new solid sorbents for low-concentration CO2 capture

the practical application of CCUS by proposing optimal

at natural gas-fired power plants. Furthermore, Direct

separation and capture technologies for the various CO2

Air Capture (DAC), which captures CO2 from the atmos-

emission sources and CO2 utilization technologies. In

phere, is proceeding as the NEDO Moonshot Research

particular, in order to introduce and put into practicaland Development Project. With the target of separating

use CCS, which is expected to reduce CO2 on a large

CO2 from a high pressurized gas stream in a low-costand energy-saving process, we have been developing47

R&D Activities ● Chemical Research GroupRITE Today 2023

membranes and membrane elements. They are poten-

and the method is one of the most mature CO2 capture

tially applied in Integrated coal Gasification Combined

technologies. However, energy consumption in the pro-

Cycle (IGCC) and blue hydrogen production.

cess of solvent regeneration and the degradation ofEfforts have also been devoted to establishing thestandardization of CO2 capture. As the only organiza-

amines cause the cost increases in the chemical absorption method.

tion in Japan that is a member of the International Test

Focusing on the fact that the structure of amine mol-Center Network (abbreviated ITCN, a global association

ecules is closely related to these technological issues,of facilities around the world that promote research and

RITE started a new amine solvent: since the COCS pro-development of CO2 capture technology), RITE regularly

ject (METI's Subsidy Project) started in 2004, RITE has

exchanges information with overseas ITCN members. In

been working on the development of a high-perfor-

addition, we were awarded a NEDO project to establish

mance amine solvent that reduces the cost of CO 2 cap-

a common base for evaluating CO2 separation materials

ture.

with standard methods, which started in 2022 and have

In the COURSE50 project (NEDO consignment pro-initiated the establishment of Japan's first Real-Gas Testject) since 2008 with the goal of reducing CO2 emissions

Center in RITE.

by 30% in the steelmaking process, RITE was working

As for effective CO2 utilization technology, we havewith Nippon Steel Corporation to upgrade the chemical

been conducting carbonate fixation utilization amine

absorption method. The chemical absorbent and pro-technology and methanol synthesis utilization dehydra-cess developed by the COURSE50 project were adopted

tion membrane technology. In carbonate fixation, cal-by the energy-saving CO2 capture facility ESCAP® ofcium and magnesium from industrial waste are used

Nippon Steel Engineering Co., Ltd., which was commer-

and, after reacting with CO2, produce high-purity cal-cialized in 2014.

cium or magnesium carbonate. It is an environmentally

ESCAP® Unit 1 was constructed on the premises offriendly manufacturing method due to recycling both

Muroran Works for general industrial use, including

the carbon source and the metal source. In methanol

beverages. This is the world's first commercial facility

synthesis, CO2 emitted from power plants, steel mills,

using the chemical absorption method for combustion

cement and chemical plants is reacted with hydrogen

exhaust gas from a hot stove at a steelworks as a CO2

by a membrane reactor to synthesize methanol at highsource. In 2018, ESCAP® Unit 2 (Fig. 1) started opera-

efficiency. We have been awarded a NEDO project fortion at the Niihama Nishi Thermal Power Station. This is

optimal system development for methanol synthesis

the first commercial facility in Japan to capture CO2 byfrom CO2 jointly with a private company since FY 2021.

the chemical absorption method for combustion exhaust gas from coal-fired power generation as the CO2

3. Chemical absorption method for CO2 capture
In the absorption method, CO2 is separated by using

source. The recovered CO2 is used as a raw material in a
nearby chemical factory.

the selective dissolution of CO2 from a mixed gas into asolvent. In particular, the chemical absorption method
based on the chemical reaction between amine and CO2
in a solvent can be applied to gases with a relatively low
CO2 concentration, such as combustion exhaust gas,48

R&D Activities ● Chemical Research GroupRITE Today 2023

be expected because the heat of vaporization and sensible heat caused by the solvent can be suppressed.

Fig. 1 Equipment of energy-saving CO2 absorption process ESCAP® at Niihama Nishi power station, Sumitomo Joint Electric Power Co., Ltd.

In addition, our research results in COURSE50 showed

Fig. 3 Liquid absorbent and solid sorbent

1) For coal-fired power plants

the possibility of further reducing energy consumption

In 2010, RITE started the development of solidby using the absorption solvent with an organic com-sorbent materials for CO2 capture from the combustion

pound instead of water (Fig.2). We call the new technol-

exhaust gas of coal-fired power plants (METI consign-

ogy “mixed solvent,” which can control the reaction

ment project). In the fundamental research phase (FYmechanism of CO2 absorption and the effect of polari-

2010–2014), we developed a new amine suitable forzation. We are now on a new R&D stage and have con-solid sorbents, and in a laboratory scale test with thetinued to develop novel compounds and optimal for-new amine, we obtained the prospect of capture energy

mulations for practical use under the NEDO Green In-

of 1.5 GJ/t-CO2 or less. This solid sorbent system is an

novation Fund Project for the development of hydrogeninnovative material that enables not only low energy

reduction technology using blast furnaces, which

capture but also a low temperature process at 60°C.

started in 2022.

Compared to other technologies that use amine-basedsolid absorbents, this technology is at the top levelglobally in terms of low-temperature regeneration.
In

thepractical

application

research

phase(METI/NEDO consignment project) from FY 2015 to2019 with Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd., (KHI) as a
Fig. 2 Concept of mixed solvent

partner, scale-up synthesis of solid absorbent (>10 m3),
bench scale test (>5 t-CO2/day), and real-gas exposure

4. Solid sorbent method for CO2 capture

tests at a coal-fired power plant were conducted.

Unlike a chemical absorbent in which amines are dissolved in a solvent, such as water, a solid sorbent is one
in which amines are supported on a porous material,
such as silica or activated carbon. In the process of using a solid sorbent, reduction of CO2 capture energy can49

R&D Activities ● Chemical Research GroupRITE Today 2023

the adsorption and desorption behavior inside the device, which is difficult to observe in practice, and the calculation results are also used in material development.

Fig. 4 Development roadmap of solid sorbent method

Fig. 5 RITE's simulation technology

for CO2 capture2) For natural gas-fired power plant
In 2020, RITE was chosen for the NEDO commis-

In 2022, the Technology Development Project of CO2

sioned project with KHI. In this project, with the coop-

Separation and Capture in the Green Innovation Funderation of Kansai Electric Power Co., Ltd., KHI con-project has been started jointly with Chiyoda Corpora-structed a pilot scale test facility (40 t-CO2/day scale) attion (organizer company) and JERA in order to commer-

the Maizuru power plant and started trial operation in

cialize low-cost CO2 separation and capture processes

the second half of FY 2022.

from natural gas combustion exhaust gas.

RITE manufactured a 100 m scale solid absorbent op-

The CO2 concentration contained in natural gas com-

timized on the basis of the results of the scale-up syn-bustion exhaust gas is around 4%, which is lower thanthesis of solid absorbents and bench-scale tests andthe CO2 concentration in coal combustion exhaust gas

supplied it to the pilot test facility. In the future, we plan

(13%), and the oxygen concentration is as high as

to conduct CO2 capture tests from flue gas from theabout 10%. Therefore, solid sorbent materials with highcombustion exhaust gas emitted from the coal-fired

CO2 absorption performance even at low CO2 concen-

power plant in FY 2023–2024.

trations and high durability against oxidation are re-3

We are also elucidating the material deterioration

quired. RITE is in charge of the development of amines

mechanism, developing the technology to suppress thebased on knowledge and technology accumulated dur-

deterioration of solid sorbents, and studying efficienting R&D histories in this field and the development ofoperating conditions using process simulation technol-

solid sorbent materials composed of developed aminesogy.

and optimal support.

For process simulation technology, we are develop-

This project is a nine-year project from 2022 to 2030.

ing a simulator that can predict the amount of CO2 cap-

After passing through the stage gate in Phase 1 (2022–

tured and the energy used for separation and recovery2024), which focuses on the development of solidwith high accuracy in KHI's moving bed system.

sorbent materials, we plan to proceed to Phase 2 (2025–

In the pilot test, we plan to optimize the operating
conditions using this simulation technology.
In addition, the simulation is useful for understanding2026), where development with bench test equipment
will be carried out, and if it passes through the stagegate, we will proceed to Phase 3, where pilot demonstration tests will be conducted using actual exhaust gas

50

R&D Activities ● Chemical Research Groupat natural gas-fired power plant sites.

RITE Today 2023

We found that novel polymeric membranes composed of dendrimer/polymer hybrid materials (termedmolecular gate membranes) exhibited excellent CO2/H2
separation performance. Fig. 8 presents a schematicthat summarizes the working principles of a moleculargate membrane.

Fig. 6 R&D Schedule

5. Membrane separation
CO2 separation by membranes involves the selective
permeation of CO2 from the pressure difference between the feed side and the permeate side of the membrane. So, CO2 capture at low cost and with low energy
is expected by applying the membrane processes topre-combustion (Fig. 7). For this reason, we are currently developing novel CO2 selective membrane modules that effectively separate CO2 for pre-combustion.

Fig. 8 Schematic illustration of the working principles ofthe molecular gate membrane

Under humidified conditions, CO2 reacts with theamino groups in the membrane to form either carbamate or bicarbonate, which then blocks the passage of
H2. Consequently, the amount of H2 diffusing to theother side of the membrane is greatly reduced, and high(a) IGCC

concentrations of CO2 can be obtained. A poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) polymer matrix is used for pressure durability and to immobilize the dendrimers.
We developed new types of dendrimer/polymer hybrid membranes that provide superior separation of theCO2/H2 gas mixtures. Based on this work, the Molecular
Gate Membrane module Technology Research Associa-(b)Hydrogen production planttion (MGMTRA consists of the Research Institute of In-

Fig. 7 Schematic of the IGCC and hydrogen production

novative Technology for the Earth [RITE] and a private

plant with CO2 capture by CO2 selective membranecompany) is researching new membranes, membrane

modules

elements, and membrane separation systems. So far,two-inch and four-inch membrane elements withenough pressure durability (2.4 MPa) were successfully51

R&D Activities ● Chemical Research GroupRITE Today 2023

prepared. In addition, we conducted pre-combustion
CO2 capture tests of the membrane elements using coalgasification gas.
In the new NEDO project, CO2 Separation Membrane
System Practical Research and Development/Development of CO2-H2 membrane separation systems using
high-performance CO2 separation membrane modules,
we are conducting practical research and development
to improve the separation performance and durabilityof the membrane elements, scale up the membrane
modules, and design membrane systems suitable for
the CO2 utilization process based on previous results.
In the current project, we are modifying the membrane materials to improve pressure durability. The dependence of separation performance on feed gas totalpressure is shown in Fig. 9.

Fig. 10

CO2 selective membrane, membrane element, andmembrane module.

Membrane element: The structure with a large membrane
area composed of the membrane, support, and spacer.
Membrane module: The structure in which the membraneelement is placed.

6. CO2 capture technology from the atmosphere
NEDO's Moonshot R&D Program was launched in FY
2020 as one of the systems to support the innovation
action plan of the Innovative Environmental Innovation
Strategy, which aims to establish technologies that enable Beyond Zero by 2050.
RITE is working to develop high-efficiency CO2 cap-

Fig. 9 Dependence of separation performance on feed
gas total pressure.

ture from the atmosphere and carbon circulation technologies in cooperation with Kanazawa University and
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd., in "(1) Development ofPressure durability of 3 MPa was obtained by modifi-

technologies to capture, convert, and detoxify green-

cation of the membrane materials. In addition, separa-

house gases" of Goal 4 "Realization of sustainable re-tion performance was improved compared to the pre-source circulation to recover the global environment by

vious membrane, and we have the prospect of obtain-2025."

ing the target performance as membrane materials.

The technology for capturing CO2 directly from the

As for the development of the membrane elements,

atmosphere called Direct Air Capture (DAC) is expected

we succeeded in developing the membrane elements (as one of the negative emission technologies. Six re-= 10 cm, L = 40 cm) (Fig. 10). In the future, we will de-search themes on DAC have been adopted in thevelop membrane elements using the modified mem-Moonshot R&D Project, except RITE’s theme. Fig. 11

branes and develop larger-scale membrane modules.

shows our R&D items and a carbon cycle society as our
goal.

52

R&D Activities ● Chemical Research GroupRITE Today 2023

In order to realize an economically acceptable DAC,
not only material development but also process development is important. RITE uses simulation technology
to efficiently search for optimal operating processes.

Fig. 11 Development of highly efficient DAC and carbon
recycling technologies

RITE is trying to synthesize new amines suitable for
DAC and transform solid sorbent materials into lowpressure drop structured materials. The developed materials are tested in the actual air around RITE. Becauseof the day-to-day variations in the conditions of the local atmosphere, we designed new equipment to control
and test the effects of temperature, humidity, and CO2
concentration in the atmosphere (Fig. 12).

Fig. 13 Schematic image of DAC system evaluation equipment (below) and DAC experimental laboratory in
RITE where equipment is placed (upper)

7. Common evaluation standard for CO2 capture materials
In order to move toward decarbonization, fuel andenergy sources in both the power and industrial sectors
are shifting to renewable energies, but a certain amountof fossil-fuel-based thermal power generation remains
to meet electricity demand, and CO2 emissions are inFig. 12 Lab test equipment for DAC

evitable. Therefore, it is necessary to develop low-energy-consumption and low-cost technologies for CO2

In addition, DAC system evaluation equipment that

capture from low-pressure and low-concentration

can evaluate solid absorbent structures of the size used

mixed gas, for example, a natural gas combustion gas

in actual DAC facilities has been designed and manu-of 10% or less with relatively low CO2 concentration.

factured by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Engineering,

Since 2022, RITE has been conducting the NEDO

Ltd. The equipment is installed on RITE premises andGreen Innovation Fund Project for the establishment ofresearch and development that include scaling up tech-a common evaluation standard for CO2 capture materi-nology have started

53

R&D Activities ● Chemical Research GroupRITE Today 2023

als in collaboration with the National Institute of Ad-

8. Effective methanol synthesis from CO2 hydrogenation

vanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST). Along

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is one of the causes of global

with the vision of the realization of a carbon neutral so-

warming; therefore, this significant reduction is a criticalciety, a common base for CO2 capture materials will be

global challenge and attaches special important to Car-established, and it will support the enhancement of do-bon Capture and Utilization (CCU) technologies. On themestic companies’ global share of the expanded CO2other hand, CO2 hydrogenation as a one of the utiliza-

capture market.

tion technologies produces water, which causes deacti-

The project is scheduled for the nine years from 2022

vation of the catalyst and decreases the reaction rate. In

to 2030 (the first stage: 2022–2024) and will carry out

order to solve these problems, we shed light on meth-

the following R&D items: (a) formulation of standard

anol synthesis using CO2 as the raw material using aevaluation methods using actual gas (installation andmembrane reactor that combines “membrane” andoperation of the test center), (b) establishment of stand-“catalyst.”

ard evaluation methods for development of innovative

Methanol is an important intermediate for chemical

capture materials, (c) development of durability evalua-

products, and demand is expected to grow in the future.

tion methods, and (d) database construction and theMethanol is mainly synthesized using syn-gas (mixture

spread of the standard evaluation methods. RITE willgases of CO and H2); however, synthesis requires highformulate standard performance evaluation methods

temperatures and high pressures. Generally, Cu/ZnO-

using actual gas and develop a test center where threebased catalysts are used with the reaction within the

different CO2 capture technologies can be evaluatedtemperature range of 473–573 K. On the other hand,with natural gas combustion gas. RITE has started to de-the one-pass yield shows low values owing to equilib-

sign CO2 capture test facilities to evaluate CO2 capture

rium limitations. This is remarkable in the methanol syn-for exhaust gas, which assumes flue gases from NGCC

thesis from CO2 hydrogenation represented by the fol-power plants. The test facilities will be set up in FY 2024.

lowing reaction formula.

In recent years, in the development of CO2 capturematerials for carbon neutrality, test centers for CO2 cap-

CO2 + 3H2 ⇄ CH3OH (methanol) + H2Oture technologies have been established throughout
the world, but such a test center has not been organized

A membrane reactor as shown in Fig. 14 can be usedin Japan. Installation and operation of a system of facil-

to solve this problem. The produced water is removed

ities where new CO2 capture materials can be evaluatedfrom the reaction system, then this reaction will be pro-is strongly demanded. RITE will provide the first real gas

moted to the methanol production side.

test center in Japan, which is used by companies andinstitutions involved in the development of CO2 capturematerials. It will contribute to the promotion of domestic CO2 capture materials development so that Japan
will continue to be the world's top operator of CO2 capture technologies.

54

R&D Activities ● Chemical Research GroupRITE Today 2023

RITE developed a unique process over many years.
From 2020, two Japanese private companies and RITE
set up a study group to target steel slag and waste concrete and then use the alkaline earth metals extracted
from these for use with the CO2 emitted from factories
and other facilities. We are cooperating in the development of technology for recovering carbonates, which
are stable compounds, by reacting with CO2 (Fig. 15).

Fig 14 Schematic diagram of membrane reactor formethanol synthesis

At RITE, we successfully developed a novel hydrophilic zeolite membrane, which has higher hydrothermal stability and water/methanol permselective performance compared to the conventional LTA-type zeolite
membrane. This membrane was applied to the membrane reactor for methanol synthesis, and CO2 conver-

Fig. 15 CO2 fixation as carbonatession was achieved at a rate three times higher compared to the conventional packed-bed reactor.
Currently, RITE is conducting the NEDO project, De-

10. Activities and efforts toward commercialization andindustrialization

velopment of Technologies for Carbon Recycling and

The core of the Industrial Collaboration Department

Next-Generation Thermal Power Generation / Develop-of the IMeRC is the Industrialization Strategy Council. A

ment, and the demonstration of technologies for CO2

total of 18 separation membrane and support manufac-

utilization. In this project, our ovel dehydration mem-

turers and user companies (as of January 2022) partici-

brane with a practical length was developed in FY 2022.

pate on this council. Our goal is to establish an inorganic
membrane industry that contributes to innovative envi-

9. CO2 fixationronmental and energy technologies by promoting a

CO2 fixation (CO2 mineralization) has the same basic

common vision for manufacturers and user companies,

concept as enhanced weathering, which is one of theas well as a joint research plan involving national pro-negative emission technologies. It is a technology thatjects and other initiatives.

reacts CO2 with alkaline earth metals and immobilizes it
as a chemically stable carbonate, which is attracting at-

We are promoting a variety of activities, which include
the following:

tention as a CO2 fixation technology that does not affecta) Sponsoring needs and seeds matching meetings

the ecosystem. In recent years, early implementation of

toward the practical use of innovative environmen-

the CO2 fixation by using by-products and waste con-tal and energy technologies that use inorganic

taining alkaline earth metals is expected to build a sus-

membranes, and the establishment and operation

tainable society.

of a research group that will prepare the future55

R&D Activities ● Chemical Research Grouproadmapb) Planning joint implementation projects funded by

RITE Today 2023

with needs and seeds information with comments fromthe IMeRC in the summary.

the government and NEDOc) Acceptance of researchers from council members
to the Research Section of the IMeRC and the im-

11. Conclusion
The Chemical Research Group will continue to ac-

plementation of training workshops

tively participate in the development of technology ford) Offering technical guidance from the IMeRC Advi-

CO2 separation and capture from various CO2 emission

sory Board and Research Section

sources. The chemical absorption process will be en-e) Hosting exclusive technology seminars for council

hanced by the development of practical high-perfor-

membersf) Offering exclusive supply services (Needs and Seeds
Technology Information) to council members

mance chemical solvents. For solid sorbents, we will
steadily conduct a pilot test planned to start FY 2023 ona scale of 40 t-CO2/day captured from flue gas at a coalfired power plant and steadily develop new sorbents for

In 2021, because of the spread of the COVID-19 virus,

natural gas-fired flue gas. Regarding the DAC technol-

we had to refrain from face-to-face activities, but we ac-ogy, we will accelerate its development toward a small-tively promoted study group activities and seminars via

scale on-site demonstration at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai.

the Web.

As for membrane separation, in FY 2023, we will com-

Two study groups, the Membrane Reaction Processplete the fabrication of a prototype of a commercial-

Study Group and the Common Infrastructure (Perfor-

size membrane module and develop a plan for a fieldmance Evaluation) Study Group, have started new stud-

test with the aim of moving forward into the develop-

ies. The Membrane Reaction Process Study Group ex-

ment phase. About the Real Gas Test Center, its detailed

amined a computational platform that enables compar-

design will be conducted in FY 2023. We will survey po-

ative studies of performance, energy balance, and cost,

tential users to determine the key configurations de-which are indispensable for the social implementation

sired and to make the center user-friendly for domesticof membrane reactors. The Common Infrastructure

researchers working on CO2 separation materials. It will

(Performance Evaluation) Study Group conducted a

open in FY 2024.

basic study toward standardization of separation mem-

In future, the Chemical Research Group will be fullybrane performance evaluation methods with the aim ofcommitted to the above-mentioned research topics.

promoting the industrialization of inorganic mem-

For carbon capture technologies in a stage very close tobranes.

practical applications, we will conduct scale-up studies

We also held a seminar for council members online.

and tests under real-gas conditions with the aim of es-

There were lectures from universities, member compa-

tablishing the technology at an early stage for early im-nies, and membrane-related companies on the latest

plementation into society. It is necessary to develop

R&D trends and the introduction of needs, seeds, andtechnology that can handle low-concentration CO2

practical development cases of membranes, along withemission sources. The negative emissions technologies,

lively question and answer sessions. In addition, wesuch as DACCS making a significant contribution to sus-

conduct patent and literature searches related to thetainable development scenarios for decarbonization,

content of the lectures, and regularly provide members

will be the focus. As the CO2 concentration decreases,

56

R&D Activities ● Chemical Research GroupRITE Today 2023

the amount of gas to be treated increases and the oxygen concentration also increases. The development ofmaterials at low cost with higher deterioration resistance and its corresponding system is highly Important. We will accelerate the development of thesetechnologies so that we can implement energy-saving
and low-cost CO2 capture technologies into our societies as soon as possible.
Efforts will be devoted for the effective utilization of
the captured CO2 and hydrogen production technologies for that purpose. We will develop technology for
CO2 fixation into carbonates using steel slag and waste
concrete and then explore technology for recycling CO2
into fuel and chemical feedstocks.

57