LEIBNIZ INSTITUT FUER KATALYSE EV

Their core work

LIKAT is Germany's largest publicly funded research institute dedicated entirely to applied and fundamental catalysis. They develop catalytic processes using non-noble metals to transform biomass, CO2, and other renewable feedstocks into valuable chemicals and fuels. Their work spans homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis, ligand design, and flow chemistry — bridging molecular-level catalyst development with industrial-scale chemical manufacturing. They are particularly strong in replacing expensive precious-metal catalysts with sustainable, earth-abundant alternatives.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

LIKAT's early H2020 work (2015–2018) centered on fundamental catalysis research — developing non-noble metal catalysts and exploring biomass precursors like humins, with projects such as NoNaCat, NoNoMeCat, and HUGS. From 2020 onward, their focus shifted decisively toward applied sustainability: CO2 utilization, lignin-to-fuel conversion, isotopic labeling techniques, and flow chemistry for industrial applications. This evolution shows a clear trajectory from basic catalyst science toward real-world deployment in green chemistry and circular carbon economy.

LIKAT is moving from fundamental catalyst design toward applied green chemistry — expect future work in industrial CO2 valorization, bio-based chemical production, and scalable flow processes.

How they like to work

LIKAT primarily operates as a specialist partner (7 of 9 projects), contributing deep catalysis expertise to consortia led by others, though they have coordinated two projects including the large €2.5M NoNaCat training network. With 60 unique partners across 17 countries, they maintain a broad European network rather than relying on a small circle of repeat collaborators. Their participation in MSCA training networks and BBI demonstrations shows they are comfortable in both research-training and industry-demonstration consortia.

LIKAT has built a broad European network of 60 unique consortium partners spanning 17 countries, reflecting their role as a go-to catalysis specialist that different consortia seek out. Their network bridges academic training (MSCA projects) and industrial demonstration (BBI), giving them connections across both research and applied sectors.

What sets them apart

LIKAT's exclusive focus on catalysis — as a full institute, not just a department — gives them unmatched depth in this field within the German research landscape. Their specific strength in non-noble metal catalysis positions them as a key partner for any consortium looking to develop cost-effective, sustainable chemical processes without dependence on platinum-group metals. For businesses seeking greener production routes for chemicals, fuels, or materials, LIKAT offers a rare combination of molecular design capability and awareness of industrial requirements.

Highlights from their portfolio

• NoNaCat
  LIKAT's largest H2020 project (€2.5M) and one of two they coordinated — an MSCA training network that defined their core identity in non-noble metal catalysis.
• EHLCATHOL
  Directly converts lignin waste into fuel components via catalytic solvolysis — the clearest example of LIKAT translating catalysis science into energy-sector applications.
• FLIX
  Combines flow chemistry with isotopic exchange — a specialized, high-value capability relevant to pharmaceutical and diagnostic industries beyond LIKAT's usual green chemistry focus.