Innovative Heterogeneous Catalytic Process Research Group

To realize a carbon-circulating society, we develop solid catalyst processes that synthesize basic chemicals such as alcohols, olefins, and BTX from CO₂, waste-derived syngas, and bioethanol. We also conduct research on the synthesis, evaluation, and functional understanding of zeolites and other functional porous materials for use as catalysts, separation membranes, and adsorbents.

Main Research Subjects

1. Development of catalysts for synthesizing basic chemicals from CO₂, CO and H₂

We develop solid catalysts that selectively convert CO₂, CO and H₂ into basic chemicals such as alcohols, olefins, and BTX. Using a wide range of flow reactors capable of high-pressure operation, we address catalyst development from fundamental material exploration to scale-up for large-scale demonstration.

2. Development of a high-efficiency butadiene synthesis process from bioethanol

Through high-throughput experiments using automated catalyst synthesis and rapid activity evaluation systems, we have developed a two-stage solid catalyst process that efficiently converts ethanol into butadiene. We have further demonstrated tire production using butadiene synthesized by this method and are currently conducting large-scale demonstration trials toward social implementation.

3. Synthesis, evaluation, and analysis of functional porous materials

We possess advanced evaluation technologies for internal pore structures and compositional distributions in functional porous materials, combining high-resolution electron microscopy, low-damage cross-section preparation, and high-precision adsorption measurements. Using these techniques, we have elucidated the mechanisms of dealumination and mesopore formation in the preparation of high-silica zeolite Y catalysts.