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Palladium-supported nonwoven fabric catalyst material developed using graft polymerization


Palladium metal fixed on fibers in nonwoven fabric catalyst Palladium metal fixed on fibers in nonwoven fabric catalyst

Ebara Corporation (hereinafter referred to as Ebara) has developed a palladium-supported nonwoven fabric catalyst material using graft polymerization technology.

1. Background

The synthesis of functional chemicals (pharmaceuticals, etc.) currently involves the use of "batch reactions" in reactors. However, due to factors such as cost, safety, and reduced environmental impact, there is a shift towards continuous production using "flow reactions," in which the reaction liquid is processed by flowing it. Reactions using heterogeneous catalysts generally use powdered catalysts, but in flow reaction (continuous production) processes, the pressure loss is large and the liquid does not flow easily, making it difficult to scale up. Therefore, it is necessary to devise a method for supporting and packing the catalyst.

2-1 Overview

We chose nonwoven fabric, which has low pressure loss and a relatively large surface area, as the catalyst support, and used radiation graft polymerization technology to develop a catalyst material in which nano-sized palladium particles are supported on the nonwoven fabric. When a hydrogenation flow reaction of an organic compound was carried out using this palladium-loaded nonwoven fabric as a catalyst, it was found that the desired hydrogenated product was obtained in high yield.

3. Future developments

Going forward, we will continue to evaluate and improve the palladium-loaded nonwoven fabric we have developed, and will consider mass production. At the same time, we aim to contribute to the application of this technology to the production of functional chemicals (pharmaceuticals, etc.) and the development of flow reaction (continuous production) process technology, while exploring collaborations with potential partners.

We will also be presenting a poster on this matter and exhibiting it at the 2023 Summer Symposium of the Japanese Society for Process Chemistry, which will be held at Tower Hall Funabori (Edogawa-ku, Tokyo) from August 3rd to August 4th.
We will also be exhibiting our products (small canned motor pumps and stainless steel mixers). Please come and visit us.

Japan Society for Process Chemistry 2023 Summer Symposium
Click hereopens in a new tab for details.
Date: Thursday, August 3rd - Friday, August 4th
Venue: Tower Hall Funabori (Edogawa-ku, Tokyo)
Organizer: Japan Society for Process Chemistryopens in a new tab

Contact for this matter
For business or transaction inquiries, please contact the Technology, R&D, and Intellectual Property Division at eol-catalyst@ebara.com
For interview requests, please contact the IR and Public Relations Division at ebr-pr@ebara.com


The EBARA Group will address key ESG issues based on its long-term vision and medium-term management plan, aiming to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and further increase its corporate value.