Masahiko Matsukata
Professor
Waseda University
1989-1991 Research Associate, Faculty of Engineering, Seikei University, 1992-1996 Research Associate, Faculty of Engineering Science, Osaka University, 1996-1997 Associate Professor, Faculty of Engineering Science, Osaka University, 1997-2001 Associate Professor, School of Science and Engineering, Waseda University, 2001- Professor, Fuculty of Science and Engineering, Waseda University, 2020-2021 Vise President of Japan Petroleum Institute, 2022 2024 President of the Society of Chemical Engineers, Japan
Participates in
TECHNICAL PROGRAMME | Energy Fuels and Molecules
Alternative Fuels - E fuels, Biofuels and SAF
Forum 15 | Digital Poster Plaza 3
29
April
11:30
13:30
UTC+3
In the global trend toward carbon neutrality, circular carbon strategies where CO₂ is captured, converted, and reused, are gaining unprecedented momentum. Over US $28 billion has been collectively invested in circular‑carbon technologies to date, with US $6.6 billion entering the sector in 2024, reflecting escalating interest in CO₂ valorization. Concurrently, circular‑carbon systems are recognized as vital for achieving mid‑century climate targets and transitioning from linear fossil pathways to regenerative, decarbonized fuel cycles.
Against this backdrop, direct CO₂ Fischer-Tropsch synthesis emerges as a compelling route to e‑fuels-drop‑in replacements like synthetic diesel and kerosene-when supplied with renewable hydrogen. However, a persistent challenge in direct CO₂ FT using iron (Fe) catalysts is water (H₂O). H₂O accumulation induces Fe catalyst oxidation and deactivation, while also competing with CO₂ for adsorption sites, leading to suppressed conversion and lower hydrocarbon yields.
To address these bottlenecks, we introduce a membrane reactor design employing a high-temperature resistant ZSM-5 type zeolite membrane. This hydrophilic membrane selectively permeates H₂O, effectively reducing its partial pressure within the reaction zone. By maintaining a water-less environment, the membrane mitigates catalyst oxidation and restores active sites for CO₂ conversion, thus enhancing overall catalytic activity.
Our experimental evaluation reveals that the water‑selective membrane significantly boosts CO₂ conversion and hydrocarbon productivity across a broad temperature range. Remarkably, at 260oC-where conventional fixed‑bed reactors fail to initiate direct CO₂ FT-our membrane reactor sustains steady hydrocarbon synthesis. This low‑temperature performance underscores the membrane’s strong capacity to shift equilibrium by effective H₂O removal, enabling milder operational conditions and reduced thermal energy demand.
In the broader context, membrane reactors present a niche advantage. While scale‑up may be constrained by fabrication complexities and membrane area requirements, their modularity makes them well‑suited for small‑scale, local production of e‑fuels, ideal for integrating with distributed CO₂ and H₂ sources in industrial, agricultural, or residential settings.
This study thus demonstrates that integrating ZSM‑5 membranes into direct CO₂ FT aligns with the emerging paradigm of circular carbon economies, supporting local e‑fuel generation, enabling efficient CO₂ utilization, and contributing to decarbonization pathways. Our membrane offers a promising addition to the toolset: it enhances catalyst life, improves conversion under milder conditions, and supports resilient, decentralized fuel production.
Against this backdrop, direct CO₂ Fischer-Tropsch synthesis emerges as a compelling route to e‑fuels-drop‑in replacements like synthetic diesel and kerosene-when supplied with renewable hydrogen. However, a persistent challenge in direct CO₂ FT using iron (Fe) catalysts is water (H₂O). H₂O accumulation induces Fe catalyst oxidation and deactivation, while also competing with CO₂ for adsorption sites, leading to suppressed conversion and lower hydrocarbon yields.
To address these bottlenecks, we introduce a membrane reactor design employing a high-temperature resistant ZSM-5 type zeolite membrane. This hydrophilic membrane selectively permeates H₂O, effectively reducing its partial pressure within the reaction zone. By maintaining a water-less environment, the membrane mitigates catalyst oxidation and restores active sites for CO₂ conversion, thus enhancing overall catalytic activity.
Our experimental evaluation reveals that the water‑selective membrane significantly boosts CO₂ conversion and hydrocarbon productivity across a broad temperature range. Remarkably, at 260oC-where conventional fixed‑bed reactors fail to initiate direct CO₂ FT-our membrane reactor sustains steady hydrocarbon synthesis. This low‑temperature performance underscores the membrane’s strong capacity to shift equilibrium by effective H₂O removal, enabling milder operational conditions and reduced thermal energy demand.
In the broader context, membrane reactors present a niche advantage. While scale‑up may be constrained by fabrication complexities and membrane area requirements, their modularity makes them well‑suited for small‑scale, local production of e‑fuels, ideal for integrating with distributed CO₂ and H₂ sources in industrial, agricultural, or residential settings.
This study thus demonstrates that integrating ZSM‑5 membranes into direct CO₂ FT aligns with the emerging paradigm of circular carbon economies, supporting local e‑fuel generation, enabling efficient CO₂ utilization, and contributing to decarbonization pathways. Our membrane offers a promising addition to the toolset: it enhances catalyst life, improves conversion under milder conditions, and supports resilient, decentralized fuel production.
