Evonik Meets Science

On March 19th to 20th, Evonik Industries held the fifth "Evonik Meets Science China" Symposium with the theme "catalytic processes" in Shanghai. Experts and professors in catalysis area from over ten domestic universities and institutes in China, including Academician Li Can, the first Chinese Chairman of International Association of Catalysis Societies, had a two day’s in-depth discussion and idea exchange with the business and R&D managers from Evonik.

Catalytic processes are of most importance to run energy efficient and waste reduced processes. Without catalysts many reactions do not work at all. Today there are many types of catalysts used in nearly all type of reactions. A special type of catalysts is alkoxides, the Indispensable catalysts for bio-diesel production. After extensive research and development, Evonik now provides alkoxide, which could increase the output of biodiesel by 5 percent and form a by-product with considerate economic values in the production process.

Evonik is a leading supplier of catalysts, catalytic process know how and catalyst solutions. It offers an extensive range of heterogeneous and certain homogeneous catalysts from a single source, as well as integrated services for customers from the life sciences, fine chemicals, industrial chemicals, chemical intermediates, and polymers industries. Recently Evonik announced to build up a precious metal powder catalyst manufacturing plant in Shanghai, China. The plant will start operation in the fourth quarter of 2009. Precious metal powder catalysts are used in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, fine chemicals and industrial chemicals.

As a creative industrial group, Evonik focuses on research and development to remain its competitive advantages. As commented by Dr. Yu Dahai, President of Evonik Greater China Region, "today China owns numerous groups of world-class institutions and experts in chemistry. Evonik therefore attaches great importance to keep the dialogues and cooperation with Chinese scientists. We learn from each other and work closely together to develop innovative solutions for chemicals industry. " Worldwide, Evonik Industries has over 2,300 R&D employees working at more than 35 locations. We have 300 partnerships with universities over the world. Products, processes and applications developed in the past five years account for about 20 percent of sales in the Chemicals Business Area.

"Evonik Meets Science China" Symposium, as a traditional event in Evonik, has been held five times in Shanghai, China since the China R&D Center was established in 2004. The themes of the past “Evonik Meets Science” symposiums covered the topics like biorenewables, functional polymers, nanotechnology and biotechnology.