BASF successfully started up the world’s first production plant for catalysts based on its proprietary X3D® technology at its Ludwigshafen site. With this commissioning, the company is scaling additive manufacturing of catalysts to an industrial level. As a result, BASF is reinforcing its leadership in delivering innovative, high-performance solutions for the global chemical industry.
X3D Technology Enhances Performance and Efficiency
By leveraging X3D technology, BASF can design catalysts with optimized geometries that combine high mechanical stability with an open structure. Consequently, these advanced designs significantly reduce pressure drop within reactors while increasing the catalytically active surface area. In turn, customers benefit from higher reactor throughput and improved product quality. Moreover, the technology enables substantially lower energy consumption compared to conventional catalyst systems, making it both economically and environmentally advantageous.
Proven Technology with Broad Application Scope
Importantly, X3D technology is not new to the market. BASF has already been supplying X3D catalysts to both internal and external customers for several years. The technology has demonstrated strong performance across diverse industrial applications. X3D is highly versatile. It can be applied to a wide range of catalyst materials, including precious metals, base metals, and various support structures. With the new plant now operational, BASF can expand access to this technology while also accelerating development cycles and reducing time-to-market for new catalyst solutions.
Successful Industrial Deployment in China
A recent example highlights the tangible benefits of X3D catalysts. In 2025, the Chinese fine chemical company An Hui Jintung implemented BASF’s sulfuric acid catalysts O4-115 X3D in its production facility. According to Eter Zhu, General Manager at An Hui Jintung, the plant startup proceeded smoothly. Subsequently, performance improved significantly compared to previous operations. The company achieved record production levels, resulting in substantial economic gains. Encouraged by these outcomes, An Hui Jintung plans to further expand its collaboration with BASF to upgrade catalysts across additional units.
Driving Competitive Advantage Through Innovation
BASF emphasizes that X3D technology provides customers with a clear competitive edge. By enabling the production of catalysts tailored precisely to specific chemical processes, the company ensures faster delivery and scalability at industrial volumes.
At the same time, these advanced catalysts help customers meet key operational goals. They enhance production efficiency while optimizing raw material usage—an increasingly critical factor in today’s cost- and sustainability-driven environment.
Detlef Ruff, Senior Vice President Chemical Catalysts and Adsorbents at BASF, noted that the technology already delivers measurable value by improving performance and resource efficiency. Looking ahead, Yaqian Liu, who will succeed Ruff, expressed enthusiasm about leading a business that plays a crucial role in enabling chemical reactions and driving innovation.
Strengthening BASF’s Innovation Leadership
As per the press release, the launch of the pioneering facility marks a significant step forward in catalyst manufacturing. By combining additive manufacturing with advanced chemical engineering, BASF is not only transforming catalyst design but also setting new benchmarks for efficiency, sustainability, and industrial performance.
Photo: BASF
