The Role of Precious Metals in Contributing to Carbon Neutrality
TANAKA will take on the challenge of addressing global warming, a social issue on a global scale, by aiming to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and actively introducing technologies that contribute to a decarbonized society within the Group and in society.
Through products and solutions that utilize the unique characteristics of precious metals, TANAKA will continue to provide value to customers and society as a whole.
For more details on our Carbon Neutrality Declaration, click here.
Toward the Realization of a Hydrogen Society
With the international framework for reducing greenhouse gas emissions (Paris Agreement) adopted at COP21 as its cornerstone, a shift to renewable energy with the aim of eliminating fossil fuels is underway worldwide.
Hydrogen energy is positioned as a core technology, and progress is being made in the practical application of hydrogen production from renewable energy, hydrogen energy storage and transportation, and hydrogen fuel cells.
Global hydrogen and hydrogen-based fuel use in the NZE
(Hydrogen consumption outlook by sector and industry)
https://www.iea.org/reports/net-zero-by-2050, License: CC BY 4.0
Amid this global trend, TANAKA is actively engaged in developing new technologies and, as a leading company in precious metal products, will contribute to the realization of a hydrogen society.
TANAKA's hydrogen-related products and solutions are used in various fields.
Catalyst for Fuel Cells
Precious Metal Plated Products
Catalyst for water electrolysis
Reforming/Conversion/PROX Catalyst
exhaust gas purification catalyst
Hydrogen Permeable Membranes
Fuel Cell Stacks and Water Electrolysis Stacks
Catalyst for Fuel CellsPrecious Metal Plated ProductsWater Electrolysis Catalyst
Stationary Fuel Cell System
Reforming/Conversion/PROX Catalystexhaust gas purification catalystHydrogen Permeable Membranes
TANAKA offers a variety of fuel cell-related products that use precious metals, including Electrocatalysts for Fuel Cells, which are used in polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFC) and have world-class shipment volumes, Electrocatalysts for Water Electrolysis, which are necessary for hydrogen production, Palladium Hydrogen Permeable Film, which enables the purification of hydrogen with high purity, Reforming Catalysts, which are used to generate hydrogen from hydrocarbons such as natural gas, and PROX Catalysts, which selectively oxidize and remove carbon monoxide during hydrogen generation.
Initiatives for Ammonia as a Zero Emission Energy
Ammonia (NH3) is expected to serve as a hydrogen carrier and a zero-emission fuel that, like hydrogen, does not emit CO2during combustion. With its significant potential as a next-generation energy source, ammonia is now being produced at chemical plants worldwide.
In order to use this promising energy source efficiently and safely, the precious metal catalysts developed by our company are being utilized.
Utilization of Ammonia and the Role of Precious Metal Catalysts
Ammonia Reforming
Decomposes ammonia to generate hydrogen
2NH3→ N2＋ 3H2
Ammonia purification
Suppresses the generation of nitrogen oxides
(NOx and N2O) during ammonia decomposition
4NH3+ 3O2→ 2N2+ 6H2O
Nitrogen oxide removal
Using ammonia
Decomposes NOx at low temperatures
4NO + 4NH3+ O2→ 4N2+ 6H2O
We provide ammonia reforming catalysts that decompose ammonia to generate hydrogen and catalysts for suppressing and decomposing NOx and N2O in ammonia-containing exhaust gas.
Carbon recycling (CO2utilization) initiatives
CO, which causes global warming2Methods for reducing concentrations are not limited to developing and promoting low-carbon products.
In recent years, CO2not only reduces CO2Collect and use CO2Utilization Technology is gaining attention.
Image of CO2Utilization (Image based on products provided by TANAKA)
TANAKA2produces methane as fuel Methanation catalyst and produce CO and hydrogen, which are used as chemical raw materials. Carbon dioxide reforming catalyst, reverse shift catalyst By developing and providing carbon recycling (CO2We will promote the utilization of this information.
Examples of Initiatives at Business Sites Toward Carbon Neutrality
- NEWS > Establishment of a Production System for Electrocatalysts for Fuel Cells in China (September 12, 2023)
- NEWS > Introducing 500kW Fuel Cell Power Generation System, One of Japan's Largest, to Promote Hydrogen Energy Use at Production Sites (March 12, 2024)
- NEWS > Membership in the “Council for Promoting the Formation of Carbon Neutral Complexes in Kawasaki” and the “Council for Promoting the Formation of Carbon Neutral Port at Kawasaki Port” ～Contributing to the realization of a carbon-neutral society through hydrogen-related businesses～ (March 13, 2024)
- NEWS > Participating in the “GX League” organized by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry—an initiative to “balance” environmental protection and economic growth toward a society centered on clean energy (April 23, 2024)
