Chinese researchers unveil a millisecond thermal pulse method that rapidly synthesizes platinum-group catalysts, promising lower costs for automotive and chemical industries
Executive summary: On July 10, 2026, a team from Tianjin University published in Science a millisecond‑scale thermal pulse technology that enables the rapid, precise synthesis of platinum‑group catalysts. The method cuts production time and energy consumption for platinum‑group catalysts, which are key components in automotive catalytic converters, hydrogen fuel cells and fine‑chemical hydrogenation, potentially lowering material costs and accelerating clean‑technology adoption.
Who is involved: Researchers at Tianjin University (China), the journal Science, and PR Newswire which distributed the announcement in German, French and English.
Likely next: The team plans to file a patent application by Q4 2026 and launch a pilot‑scale production trial with industrial partner BASF in early 2027.
On July 10, 2026, a research team from Tianjin University reported in Science a new thermal pulse technology operating on the millisecond scale that enables the ultrafast synthesis and precise control of platinum-group catalysts. The announcement was issued simultaneously in German, French and English via PR Newswire. The development could reduce production time and energy use for catalysts essential in automotive exhaust treatment, fuel cells and fine‑chemical hydrogenation.
Timeline
- — Chinesische Forscher entwickeln ein schnelles und präzises Verfahren zur Synthese von Katalysatoren der Platingruppe (PR Newswire)
Analysis — what this means
Likely next events
- Tianjin University to submit a patent application for the millisecond thermal pulse catalyst synthesis method by December 31, 2026.
- Pilot‑scale production trial scheduled with BASF in Ludwigshafen starting February 2027.
- Potential licensing discussion with Johnson Matthey expected in June 2027.
Sectors affected
- automotive catalytic converter manufacturing
- proton‑exchange membrane fuel cell catalyst supply
- fine‑chemical hydrogenation processes (e.g., petrochemical refining)
Historical parallels
- Engelhard Corporation’s introduction of the first automotive catalytic converter using platinum‑group metals (1975).
- Mobil’s development of zeolite‑based fluid catalytic cracking catalyst (1962).
- Discovery of the low‑temperature platinum catalyst for ammonia oxidation by BASF (1980s).
Key entities
Sources
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