Global Precious Metal Catalysts Market - 2023-2030

Market Overview

The Global Precious Metal Catalysts Market size reached US$ 19.1 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach US$ 29.9 billion by 2030 growing at a CAGR of 5.8% during the forecast period 2023-2030.

On March 28, 2023, At its manufacturing facility in Dombivli, close to Mumbai, India, Evonik Catalysts is completely on track to increase its production capabilities for activated nickel powder catalysts sold under the KALCAT and Metalyst brands. A global network of multipurpose production facilities is expected to complete the debottlenecking projects, with a total investment of high single-digit million Euros, on schedule and to increase Evonik's capacity by 25%.

These facilities will increase productivity, enhance infrastructure and further strengthen production capabilities. In the second half of 2024, the market is anticipated to be able to use the new capacity. Therefore, India accounted for more than 1/3rd of the regional market shares in 2022 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecasted period.

Market Dynamics

Growing Research and Development Investments

R&D investment enables the development of novel catalyst formulations that offer enhanced catalytic activity, selectivity and resistance to deactivation. Researchers explore new synthesis methods, support materials and catalyst designs to improve performance.

For instance, the use of bimetallic or alloyed catalysts combining different precious metals can result in synergistic effects and improved catalytic properties. R&D efforts have also led to the development of heterogeneous catalysts with well-defined structures, such as supported nanoparticles, which exhibit high catalytic efficiency and stability.

R&D investment drives the exploration of new applications and catalytic processes, expanding the market potential for precious metal catalysts. Researchers investigate novel reactions and catalytic systems that can benefit from the unique properties of precious metal catalysts. For example, R&D efforts have led to the use of precious metal catalysts in emerging fields such as renewable energy, biomass conversion and carbon capture and utilization. By expanding the range of applications, R&D investment opens up new market opportunities and drives the growth of the precious metal catalysts market.

Ongoing Technological Advancements in Catalyst Materials

Technological advancements focus on enhancing the catalytic performance of precious metal catalysts, including their activity, selectivity and stability. Researchers explore novel materials and catalyst formulations that exhibit higher catalytic efficiency and improved performance compared to traditional catalysts, which in turn drives the global precious metal catalysts market.

For example, advancements in nanoparticle synthesis and surface engineering have led to the development of highly dispersed and supported catalysts with increased surface area, enhancing catalytic activity.

Ongoing advancements focus on improving the durability and resistance of precious metal catalysts against deactivation mechanisms such as sintering, poisoning and leaching. Researchers develop materials and catalyst formulations that exhibit enhanced stability under harsh reaction conditions.

Therefore, ongoing technological advancements in catalyst materials contribute to the growth of the global precious metal catalysts market by improving catalytic performance, efficient use of precious metals, durability and resistance, exploring novel materials and utilizing advanced characterization techniques.

Higher Cost and Limited Availability of Precious Metals

Precious metals used in catalysts are finite resources and their availability is subject to mining production, geopolitical factors and market dynamics. Supply disruptions, geopolitical tensions and fluctuations in demand can affect the availability and pricing of precious metals, leading to volatility in the market.

Manufacturers are focused on optimizing catalyst formulations to reduce the amount of precious metals required while maintaining catalytic performance. Manufacturers are investing in technologies that enable the recycling and recovery of precious metals from spent catalysts, reducing the reliance on primary mining sources and mitigating the impact of high costs.

Limited availability can create uncertainties in the supply chain and hinder the growth of the global precious metal catalysts market. Manufacturers are investing in research and development to explore alternative catalyst materials that are abundant and readily available, reducing dependence on precious metals. Manufacturers are working on developing catalytic processes that maximize the utilization of precious metals, improving efficiency and reducing the demand for these limited resources.

COVID-19 Impact Analysis

The uncertainty surrounding the pandemic created volatility in precious metal prices, including those of platinum, palladium and rhodium, which are commonly used in catalysts. The fluctuating prices made it difficult for both manufacturers and consumers to plan and budget effectively. For example, the price of palladium, a crucial catalyst metal for automotive emissions control, experienced significant swings during the pandemic.

The OICA (Global Organisation of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers) estimates that in the third quarters of 2019 and 2020, respectively, the world produced 50 million and 65 million automobiles. The rise in COVID-19 is to blame for the decline in output.

On the other hand, as lockdown and transportation regulations decrease, the automotive industry were likely to revive. Additionally, the pharmaceutical industry has started to function normally again, which will probably increase demand for precious metal catalysts throughout the forecast period.

Russia-Ukraine War Impact Analysis

In response to the conflict, manufacturers and consumers of precious metal catalysts may seek alternative supply sources to mitigate risks. They may explore options to diversify their supply chains and reduce dependency on regions affected by the conflict. This shift in supply sources can lead to changes in trade patterns and market dynamics, potentially affecting prices and the availability of precious metal catalysts.

The Russia-Ukraine conflict has also had indirect impacts on industries that heavily rely on precious metal catalysts. For example, the automotive industry, a major consumer of catalysts for emissions control, may experience disruptions if the conflict affects the supply and prices of precious metals. Such disruptions can impact the production and availability of vehicles, leading to ripple effects throughout the supply chain.

Artificial Intelligence Impact Analysis

AI can contribute to the development of more sustainable catalyst technologies. By leveraging AI techniques, researchers can explore alternative catalyst materials, design catalysts with enhanced selectivity and durability and optimize reaction conditions for reduced energy consumption and waste generation. This aligns with the global shift towards sustainable manufacturing practices and the demand for eco-friendly catalyst solutions.

Therefore, AI has the potential to revolutionize the global precious metal catalysts market by accelerating catalyst development, optimizing manufacturing processes, improving quality control, facilitating demand forecasting, streamlining supply chain operations and driving sustainability. Adopting AI technologies in this sector can lead to significant cost savings, improved product performance and a more environmentally conscious approach to catalyst production and usage.

Segment Analysis

The global precious metal catalysts market is segmented based on type, application and region.

Minimization of CO2 Emissions and Auto-Catalysts for Emission Reduction, Drives Platinum Growth

Platinum-based auto-catalysts facilitate the conversion of harmful gases, such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), into less harmful substances. For example, in gasoline engines, platinum catalysts help convert harmful nitrogen oxides into nitrogen and oxygen through a process called selective catalytic reduction.

Auto-catalysts help to lower emissions from petrol and diesel engines as well as increase the energy efficiency of industrial processes. The most effective way to reduce pollution from a variety of petrol and diesel vehicles has been using autocatalysts comprised of platinum group metals for more than 35 years.

The typical family car would produce 15 tons of harmful pollutants over the course of its 10-year lifespan if autocatalysts weren't present. Additionally, iridium is the second largest segment in the global precious metal catalyst market, acquiring nearly 1/4th of the global segmental share.

Geographical Analysis

Robust Growth in China's Industrial Applications

China has been actively transitioning towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources. The country is investing heavily in renewable energy, such as wind and solar power and is the largest market for electric vehicles.

Precious metal catalysts are integral to technologies like fuel cells, which are crucial for clean energy generation and storage. China's focus on clean energy initiatives has increased the demand for precious metal catalysts in fuel cell applications.

However, as of March 2020, China lifted its lockdown and started several industrial operations, while other countries continue to impose lockdowns and restrictions on the industry.

According to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) and the Centre of Policy Studies for the Automobile Industry in China (CPSAIC), China's automotive sales would total 27.2 million units in 2021, with 22.9 million personal cars (PVs) and 4.3 million commercial vehicles (CVs).

Therefore, it has been accounting for more than half of the regional market share in 2022 and is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecasted period in the region.

Competitive Landscape

The major global players include: Angus Fire, Albilad Fighting Systems Ltd, Johnson Controls, Kerr Fire, Loshareh Chemical Industries, National Foam, Pgisystems, SFFECO Global, Shanghai Waysmos Fire Suppression Co. Ltd and Solberg.

Why Purchase the Report?

• To visualize the global precious metal catalysts market segmentation based on type, application and region, as well as understand key commercial assets and players.
• Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development.
• Excel data sheet with numerous data points of precious metal catalysts market level with all segments.
• PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
• Product mapping available as Excel consisting of key products of all the major players.

The Global Precious Metal Catalysts Market Report Would Provide Approximately 53 Tables, 50 Figures and 188 Pages.

Target Audience 2023

• Manufacturers / Buyers
• Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
• Research Professionals
• Emerging Companies