Human Chemical Engineering

・Upgrading of biomass resources with green solvents, such as water and ionic liquids
　　　　For realizing sustainable society and circular economy, it should be quite important to develop green chemical process for upgrading of biomass resources. Green solvent, which solubilizes biomass molecules, is key issue because biomass is basically solid state and hard to handle in a continuous process. Water and ionic liquids are considered and reactive separation of biomass with the green solvents is now being studied.

・Valorization of bio-carbon
　　　　Satoyama, which means eco-village where human and nature share the environment and economy, is now hardly damaged and, in particular, wood industry is suffering from a lack of human resources and economical values. Bio-carbon made from wood is suitable material for batteries (and capacitors), catalysts and absorbents. Valorization of bio-carbon for the various purposes is now being investigated in green solvents.

・Application of bio-molecules in development of green chemical process
　　　　CO₂, organic acids and amino acids (and others) are called bio-molecules and ecological friendly. For human and nature, a new green chemical process with these bio-molecules are under investigation. One of examples is wet refining of cathode of Li ion battery. Conventionally, the first step of the wet refining of the cathode is acid leaching with strong mineral acid and explosive reductants. A new acid leaching process with only bio-molecules is now being developed as a new Human Chemical Engineering process.