Japanese tech firm Seiko Epson is working on a compact carbon capture system, roughly the size of a standard photocopier, with the goal of bringing it to market by 2028.
The unit uses a specialized membrane to extract CO2 from industrial emissions, which can then be reused to produce synthetic fuels.
Drawing from its background in precision inkjet printer parts, Epson has developed a membrane separation system capable of isolating carbon dioxide.
The heart of the innovation lies in a 10-nanometer membrane that enables efficient CO2 capture within a small form factor, according to Nikkei.
Traditional capture technologies often depend on chemical solvents that absorb CO2, which are later heated to release the gas — a process that demands both significant energy and space. Even the smallest of these systems typically stand taller than a person.
Epson’s approach avoids these issues by eliminating the need for thermal energy. Its membrane-based design consumes far less electricity and operates using a standard 100-volt outlet, making it practical for small-scale industrial environments such as regional manufacturing plants.
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A single unit can capture several kilograms of CO2 daily, and when four units are combined, they can extract over 10 kilograms of concentrated carbon dioxide each day — comparable to the emissions from about 1.4 average Japanese households.
While the unit can also remove CO2 directly from the air, it is most effective when placed at emission sources.
The price is expected to be in the range of several million yen. Epson is also considering offering replaceable membranes as consumables, allowing users to maintain performance over time.
The collected CO2 could be utilized in various applications such as producing dry ice, carbonated drinks, or converting it into synthetic methane for fuel.
Read more: Mitsubishi Electric To Conduct Demonstration Using CO2 Capture By ITRI In Taiwan
