The average concentration of CO₂ in the atmosphere reached 413 ppm in 2020. When I started teaching at the RITE cooperative laboratory at the Nara Institute of Science and Technology, the atmospheric CO₂ concentration was around 360-370 ppm. At that stage, Japan was obligated under the Kyoto Protocol to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 6% from 1990 levels. Recently, the global warming situation has changed dramatically and we now need to achieve carbon neutrality and negative emissions.

The Chemical Research Group conducts research on the development of CO₂ separation and recovery technologies for CCUS (Carbon Capture, Utilization & Storage) and carbon recycling. To date, we have achieved world-leading results in chemical absorption, solid sorption, and membrane separation methods. An absorbent developed by RITE for chemical absorption has been used commercially for blast furnace and coal-fired combustion exhaust gases. It has also found practical use as an energy-saving CO₂ separation and recovery technology.

According to the Sustainable Development Scenario for decarbonization, negative emission technologies such as DACCS (Direct Air Capture with Carbon Storage) and BECCS (Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage) are also needed in the future. Therefore, it is necessary to continue to develop technologies that can be applied to a variety of CO₂ emission sources, and capture from the atmosphere. At the same time, with the goal of building a carbon-neutral society, we are working on technologies to convert recovered CO₂ into useful substances. We appreciate your cooperation and support.