Although seen as a key example of CCU technology, conventional CO2-to-methanol conversion faces challenges such as low yield due to the reversible nature of the reaction and catalyst degradation caused by byproduct water.
Having worked with Professor Kohi Omata of Shimane University Interdisciplinary Faculty of Science and Engineering, Sumitomo claims to have overcome these challenges by using an internal condensation reactor (ICR).
“The ICR enables the condensation and separation of methanol and water within the reactor, which is impossible with conventional technologies,” explained Sumitomo in a statement.
“This helps to improve yield, downsize equipment and achieve higher energy efficiency, while it is also expected to prevent catalyst degradation.”
The technology also separates byproduct water, mitigating catalyst degradation.
The new facility was built with the support of NEDO’s Green Innovation (GI) Fund, which is also providing financial support on six of Sumitomo’s development themes that have been selected as GI Fund projects.
They include four chemical recycling technology projects, a project for the development of a CO2 separation and capturing system using CO2 separation membranes and a project for the development of a battery cathode materials recycling process.
source: gasworld.com