LG Chem and KIST Develop Technology to Produce Plastic Raw Materials from Carbon Dioxide

Development of Reactor Converting Carbon Dioxide to Carbon Monoxide
Over 90% Current Used for Carbon Dioxide Decomposition and Reduction

Researchers at LG Chem examining a newly developed electrochemical conversion reactor. The reactor is equipped with a function that maximizes the efficiency of converting carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide. (Photo by LG Chem)

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] LG Chem, together with the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), has developed technology to produce plastic raw materials from carbon dioxide in the air and laid the groundwork for commercialization.

On the 9th, LG Chem announced that through joint research with KIST, it developed an electrochemical conversion reactor that achieves world-class efficiency in converting carbon dioxide (CO₂) into carbon monoxide (CO). Carbon monoxide is a high-value material necessary for producing alternative fuels such as syngas and methanol, as well as various chemical raw materials including plastics. Electrochemical conversion technology is a method that uses electricity to convert carbon dioxide into high value-added carbon compounds such as carbon monoxide. It is considered an essential technology in the process of achieving carbon neutrality due to its significant greenhouse gas reduction effect.

The newly developed reactor can produce not only carbon monoxide but also syngas. Syngas is used as a raw material for various fuels and compounds. The principle applied involves controlling the ratio of carbon monoxide and hydrogen by adjusting the voltage to produce various syngases, allowing for technological expansion. Another notable feature is that the current efficiency used for carbon dioxide decomposition and reduction exceeds 90%, which is among the highest levels reported in academic papers to date. The reactor also implements a 'stack' method that arranges cells horizontally, enabling the realization of an optimal scale suitable for commercialization.

The two institutions plan to increase the size of the reactor by more than tenfold to secure a mass production system and further enhance the technology level. Furthermore, they aim to develop technology to capture carbon dioxide from the air and produce ethylene (C₂H₄), a raw material for various petrochemical products, contributing to carbon neutrality. Yoo Ji-young, Vice President and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of LG Chem, said, "This research achievement is significant as it establishes a foundation for the commercialization of carbon dioxide conversion technology in collaboration with KIST," adding, "We will continue to strengthen the development of core technologies in the carbon neutrality field." Min Byung-kwon, Director of KIST’s Clean New Technology Research Division, stated, "We have confirmed the possibility of mass production of high value-added compounds by scaling up the development of electricity-utilizing carbon dioxide conversion technology," and added, "As the distribution of renewable energy expands, securing economic feasibility will become easier, so this will greatly contribute to the national obligation of carbon neutrality in the future."

Last April, the two institutions signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for joint research and development (R&D) on related technologies such as carbon neutrality and hydrogen energy, identifying ten promising carbon neutrality technology projects. Last month, they launched a joint laboratory to transfer 'electrochemical production technology of ethylene using carbon dioxide' and 'biological production technology of organic acids using biomass and by-product gases.'

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.