The Catalyst Review May 2020 - 17

EXPERIMENTAL
The research project, which will be supported with 1.2 million Euros in funding from The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft
(DFG), aims to determine how these kinds of particles - known as "superatoms" - can be manufactured in a systematic fashion.
"Our previous research has already shown that the formation of these superatoms involves a large number of more or less stable
intermediates," says Roland Fischer, Professor for Inorganic and Metal-Organic Chemistry at the Technical University of Munich.
"Within the framework of our new project, we want to research how we can precisely control the reaction networks of formation,
growth and degradation reactions". The team will employ state-of-the-art mass spectrometry, which, together with theoretical
modelling, will allow them to examine these superatoms in parallel. "With our research, we're opening new paths to the targeted
construction of catalysts that were previously unimaginable," says Fischer. Source: Chemeurope.com, 5/5/2020.

JUST ANNOUNCED! New Select-Client Study

"COVID-19: Impacts on Business Models and Growth Strategies
of Catalyst Producers and Integrated Process Licensors"
COVID-19 is having substantial short-term market impacts on oil, gas and other feedstocks, but the market-specific implications
(e.g., on supply/demand, price.) vary widely. Different impacts on fuels, intermediate chemicals and final products (e.g., plastics) are
affecting catalyst suppliers and process licensors differently, based on three (3) critical factors: (1) the markets they serve; (2) the
business models they follow; and (3) the growth strategies they employ, as follows:
*	

A range of exposures due to markets where they have focused/concentrated,
e.g., polymers vs. environmental vs. refining vs. petrochemicals

*	

A spectrum of vulnerabilities/opportunities based on their demonstrated
business models, e.g., (1) catalysts only; narrow/focused portfolio (e.g.,
Albemarle, Umicore); (2) catalysts only; broad portfolio (e.g., BASF, Clariant);
and (3) integrated catalysts and process licensing (e.g., Johnson Matthey,
Haldor Topsoe, Honeywell-UOP, Grace, Shell Catalyst & Technology,
SINOPEC)

*	

A variety of advantages/disadvantages as a result of their demonstrated
growth strategies, e.g., (1) organic growth (e.g., Haldor Topsoe); (2) growth by
acquisition (e.g., Johnson Matthey, Grace); and (3) restructuring via divestiture
(e.g., Albemarle, BASF)

Due to all of the potential impacts and deep uncertainty from COVID-19 on the leading
(Top 10 and next tier) global catalyst producers and integrated process technology
licensors, it is important that the competitive landscape be immediately assessed so that
implications can be highlighted and opportunities/threats quantified.  In addition, catalyst
end users can consider integration into providers (e.g., in order to ensure security of
supply) and venture capital and other financial institutions can re-assess investment
returns.
In this proposed "select-client" study, to be completed in a "quick turnaround" period
of 6-8 weeks from launch, TCGR will delineate the implications of COVID-19 with the
objective of quantifying the impacts on business models and growth strategies for
the 2020-2022 period (with a focus on Q2-Q4 of 2020). 

Figure: Catalyst sales split by company
and application, USD MIL

TCGR will use its exclusive catalyst/licensing industry model, its DIALOG GROUP® experts and its in-house experience from 35+ years
in the industry to provide an insightful analysis "for the industry, by the industry."  The study deliverable will be 30-40 PPT slides with a
1-hour client-specific conference call to review highlights and address questions.  Delivery is expected within 6-8 weeks of study launch
(i.e., in June/July).
Additional information, including the complete study proposal, the preliminary Table of Contents and
the Order Form, is available at: https://www.catalystgrp.com/multiclient_studies/covid-19-impacts/
or by contacting John J. Murphy at +1.215.628.4447 or jmurphy@catalystgrp.com.

The Catalyst Review 										

	

May 2020

17
http://www.Chemeurope.com https://www.catalystgrp.com/multiclient_studies/covid-19-impacts/ https://www.catalystgrp.com/tcg-resources/ https://www.catalystgrp.com/multiclient_studies/covid-19-impacts/
The Catalyst Review May 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Catalyst Review May 2020
