HARMLESS Factsheet on Catalysts Case Study

HARMLESS develops a novel, multifaceted Safe Innovation Approach to complex multi-component nanomaterials and High Aspect Ratio Nanoparticles (MCNM & HARNs) by integrating a toolbox of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs), which can test key properties according to latest scientific insights into MCNM & HARNs. To ensure that industries operating at differing scale, including SMEs, pick up HARMLESS’ approach, the project has created a user-friendly decision support system which is validated iteratively at scale in different case studies, which allows the testing, verification and improvement of the HARMLESS’ Safe-by-Design and Safe Innovation Approaches in different industrial sectors.

This factsheet briefly summaries the key facts of the case study on Catalysts (Material: Oxide-perovskites for automotive catalysts) (https://doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.4c10135), including an explanation of the material, its functionality and application, the objectives of the case study, how the case study was implemented, outcomes of the case study, as well as the partners involved in the case study.

The majority of chemical processes are based on catalysts. Innovation in the chemical industry is predominantly driven by catalyst research and development. The multi-component nature and high internal porosity (related to nanostructures within a composite material) contribute to the performance of heterogeneous catalysts.

The HARMLESS industry partner BASF employs catalysts in more than 80% of their own production facilities. In HARMLESS, BASF coordinates the case study on perovskite materials.

List of References:

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• Wohlleben W., Pesson, M., Suarez-Merino B., Baun A., Di Battista V., Dekkers S., van Someren E.P., Broßell D., Stahlmecke B., Wiemann M., Schmid O., Haase A. (2024). Advanced materials earliest assessment (AMEA). Environmental Science: Nano, Vol. 11 (7), 2948-2967. DOI: 10.1039/d3en00831b
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• Simmance K., Thompsett D., Wang W., Thiebaut B. (2017). Evaluation of perovskite catalysts prepared by flame spray pyrolysis for three-way catalyst activity under simulated gasoline exhaust feeds. Catalysis Today, Vol. 320. DOI: 10.1016/j.cattod.2017.12.035
• Schön A., Dujardin C., Dacquin J.P., Granger P. (2014). Enhancing catalytic activity of perovskite-based catalysts in three-way catalysis by surface composition optimisation. Catalysis Today, Vol. 258, 543-548. DOI: 10.1016/j.cattod.2014.11.0