Masahiko Matsukata
Professor
Waseda University
Japan
Professor Masahiko Matsukata is a leading researcher in applied chemistry and chemical engineering at Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan, where he has served as Professor since 2001. He earned his Doctor of Engineering from Waseda University in 1989 and has built an academic career through positions at Seikei University, Osaka University, and Waseda University. His research spans energy and environmental technologies, currently with particular emphasis on CCUS, plastic recycling, membrane separation engineering, and catalytic chemistry based on inorganic porous materials such as zeolites. Professor Matsukata has contributed extensively to both academia and industry through leadership roles including President of the Society of Chemical Engineers, Japan, and Vice President of the Japan Petroleum Institute. In recognition of his contributions, he received the 2025 Japan Petroleum Institute Award for research on zeolite membrane synthesis and applications.
Participates in
TECHNICAL PROGRAMME | Energy Fuels and Molecules
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.
