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The role of precious metals to contribute to carbon neutrality

The role of precious metals to contribute to carbon neutrality

The role of precious metals to contribute 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.
TANAKA will continue to provide value to customers and society as a whole through products and solutions that apply the unique characteristics of precious metals. (Excerpt from TANAKA’s Statement on Carbon Neutrality)

For more details on Statement on Carbon Neutrality, click here.link

Toward the Realization 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 in fuel cells.

Global hydrogen and hydrogen-based fuel use in the NZE
(Forecast of Hydrogen Consumption by Sector and Industry) Graph of Global Hydrogen Consumption Forecast by Sector and Industry from 2020 to 2050.Source: IEA Source: IEA 2021; Net Zero by 2050 A Roadmap for the Global Energy Sector,
　　　   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, contributing o the realization of a hydrogen society.

■Hydrogen-Related Products and Solutions by TANAKA at Work in Various Fields

Electrocatalysts for Fuel CellPrecious Metals Plating ElectrodesElectrocatalysts for Water ElectrolysisReforming-, Shift-Reaction-, PROX CatalystsExhaust Gas Purification CatalystsHydrogen Permeable Films Hydrogen-Related Products and Solutions by TANAKA at Work in Various Fields

■Fuel Cell Stack / Water Electrolysis Stack

Electrocatalysts for Fuel CellPrecious Metals Plating ElectrodesElectrocatalysts for Water Electrolysis Illustration showing the areas of precious metal material usage in fuel cell and water electrolysis stacks

■Stationary Fuel Cell Systems

Reforming-, Shift-Reaction-, PROX CatalystsExhaust Gas Purification CatalystsHydrogen Permeable Films Illustration showing the areas of precious metal material usage in stationary fuel cell systems

TANAKA proudly offers a diverse range of fuel cell-related products utilizing precious metals. These include Electrocatalysis for Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells (PEFCs), which are recognized for their world-leading shipment volumes, as well as Electrocatalysis for Water Electrolysis, which are essential for hydrogen production. Others include Palladium Hydrogen Permeable Films for high-purity hydrogen purification, Reforming Catalysts for producing hydrogen from hydrocarbons such as natural gas, and PROX Catalysts that selectively oxidize and remove carbon monoxide during hydrogen generation.

Initiative Toward Ammonia, an Zero-Emission Energy

Ammonia (NH3) is expected to serve as a hydrogen carrier and a zero-emission fuel that, like hydrogen, does not emit CO2 during combustion. With its significant potential as a next-generation energy source, ammonia is now being produced at chemical plants worldwide.
TANAKA’s precious metal catalysts are being used to ensure the efficient and safe utilization of this anticipated energy source.

■Applications of Ammonia and the Role of Precious Metal Catalysts

Illustration of ammonia applications and the role of precious metal catalysts

Ammonia reforming
Decomposing ammonia to generate hydrogen
2NH3 → N2 ＋ 3H2

Ammonia purification
Production of nitrogen oxides (NOx and N2O) during
decomposition of ammonia is suppressed
4NH3 + 3O2 → 2N2 + 6H2O

Nitrogen oxides removal
Decomposing NOx at low temperatures using ammonia
4NO + 4NH3 + O2 → 4N2 + 6H2O

We provide Ammonia Reforming Catalysts for decomposing ammonia to generate hydrogen, as well as Catalysts for suppressing and decomposing NOx and N2O in ammonia-containing exhaust gases.

Illustration of ammonia applications and the role of precious metal catalysts

Ammonia reforming
Decomposing ammonia to generate hydrogen
2NH3 → N2 ＋ 3H2

Ammonia purification
Production of nitrogen oxides (NOx and N2OO) during decomposition of ammonia is suppressed
4NH3 + 3O2 → 2N2 + 6H2O

Nitrogen oxides removal
Decomposing NOx at low temperatures using ammonia
4NO + 4NH3 + O2 → 4N2 + 6H2O

We provide Ammonia Reforming Catalysts for decomposing ammonia to generate hydrogen, as well as Catalysts for suppressing and decomposing NOx and N2O in ammonia-containing exhaust gases.

Initiatives for Carbon Recycling (CCU)

Lowering CO2 concentrations, a major contributor to global warming, is not limited to the development and promotion of low-carbon products. In recent years, in addtion to CO2 reduction, CCU (Carbon dioxide Capture and Utilization) has been gaining attention, which recovers and repurposes it before it is released into the atmosphere.

■Image of CCU (Carbon dioxide Capture and Utilization) by TANAKA’s products

Illustration of CCU (Carbon dioxide Capture and Utilization) with our products by TANAKA's products

TANAKA promotes CCU by developing and providing Methanation Catalysts to generate methane as fuel from CO2, Carbon Dioxide Gas Reforming Catalysts and Reverse Shift Catalysts to generate CO and hydrogen as chemical raw materials.

Examples of Initiatives at Plants Toward Carbon Neutrality

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