A team of BASF catalysis researchers were recognized by the Research and Development Council of New Jersey, USA, with the prestigious 2023 Edison Patent Award. They received the award in the environmental category for their patent addressing adsorbents and methods of making and using adsorbents. The patented innovative approach aims to remove impurities from industrial processing streams utilizing a safer and more environmentally friendly adsorbent composition based on bismuth.

BASF researchers Artem Vityuk, Al Maglio, Linda Hratko and former BASF researcher Keenan Deutsch were awarded The Edison Patent Award for 2023 at a ceremony held on November 15, 2023.

Adsorbents are used to remove impurities, for example from petrochemicals. High-value petrochemicals, especially plastics, rely on organic compounds, such as ethylene and propylene, as feedstocks during the production process. These compounds typically contain arsine and phosphine which are contaminants to catalysts during downstream processing. Some adsorbents are lead based which is used when there are high reactivity components in the streams. BASF offers a portfolio of adsorbents, including the new lead-free adsorbent, registered as PuriStar^® R9-PAR S3.

“Innovations from chemistry are becoming increasingly important for bringing sustainable solutions to the market. I congratulate the team very warmly on this great success. This example clearly shows that thanks to brilliant ideas of our researchers we always manage to make our existing product portfolio even better,” said Dr. Katrin Friese, Vice President, Catalysis Research, BASF.

BASF is actively developing its portfolio towards more sustainable solutions. This offer is met by increased global demand for more sustainable standards in chemical production. The novel approach in lead-free adsorbents for petrochemical processing introduces an environmentally friendly method with purity standards in useful conversion of materials and polymers.

“Sustainability is one of the key priorities for BASF’s chemical catalysts and adsorbents business. Our state-of-the-art innovative solution will enable customers to create value by ensuring hazard free material being used in their manufacturing steps and increasing the production efficiency for maximum output in their operation,” said Dr. Chris Wai, Vice President, Global Chemical Market Catalysts, BASF.

The Research and Development Council of New Jersey established the Edison Patent Award more than 40 years ago in recognition of Thomas Edison – who resided and conducted research in his laboratory in New Jersey. The annual award honors the state’s top inventors and research organizations who drive innovation and continue to position New Jersey as a global innovator. Winners of the patent awards are selected by a team of researchers from the council based on significance of a challenge, innovative approach, socioeconomical value and commercial influence.