A joint research group consisting of members from Waseda University and Eneos Corp. (TYO:5001) has developed a technology for recycling CO2 into carbon monoxide (CO) at approximately 500 degrees Celsius.
Utilizing a reverse-shift reaction with copper indium oxide (Cu-In2O3) as a catalyst, the process here produces the impressive reaction speed of 10 millimoles per hour for each gram of material, despite a relatively low reaction temperature. This enables CO2 to be recycled while using less energy.
The copper indium oxide used as the catalyst here allows for oxide ions to move quickly even at low temperatures. This makes it an excellent catalyst for chemical looping reactions, in which oxidation and reduction cycles are repeated. And at high temperatures too, it can serve as a high-performance catalyst that increases reaction speed.
There has previously been little research reported with regard to combinations of copper and indium. But with this effort going well, there are now high hopes for the future potential of this area of research.
