The aims in this team are development of highly efficient catalysts for interconversion between CO₂ and formic acid/methanol (i.e., hydrogenation, electro-reduction, and dehydrogenation) and the high-pressure reaction process.

Production of Formic Acid and methanol by Reduction of CO₂

The catalyst that we have developed showed the highest performance for CO₂ reduction (hydrogenation, electro-reduction) to formic acid and methanol. These catalysts can convert CO₂ with high energy efficiency under mild reaction conditions.

High-Pressure H₂ Production from Formic Acid

The high-performance catalysts which can supply high-pressure (> 1000 atm) and CO-free H₂ by heating (<100 ^oC) of formic acid was developed. In addition, gas-liquid phase separation can easily separate of CO₂ from the high-pressure system. The high-pressure H₂ production from formic acid is original AIST’s technology.

Thermal energy storage utilizing reaction between metals and hydrogen

Thermal energy storage system was developed by utilizing reversible reaction between metals and hydrogen. The system can store thermal energy at temperature higher than 600℃ and supply thermal energy to industries with less CO₂ emission.