On September 4, 2026, the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) published an invention patent application filed by Suzhou Hengchang Biotechnology Co., Ltd., titled "An Efficient and Stable Chromium-Free Composite Catalyst, Its Preparation Method and Application" (《一种高效稳定无铬复合催化剂及其制备方法和应用》; application publication No. CN122682613A). Filed in July 2026, the application centers on a composite catalyst that uses no chromium components and is intended for the cleaner production of N-methylaniline.
N-methylaniline is an important intermediate in the dye, agrochemical, and rubber additive sectors. Mainstream production processes in the industry rely on the reaction of aniline with methanol over chromium-containing catalysts, a route that has long faced pressure from waste treatment and spent-catalyst disposal; chromium-containing waste and spent catalysts from chemical manufacturing are managed under the relevant categories of China's National Catalogue of Hazardous Wastes. Developing catalysts that use no chromium components helps reduce the use of chromium-containing materials and the generation of chromium-containing waste at the source.
The composite catalyst described in the application is intended for the reaction process in which aniline and methanol are used to prepare N-methylaniline. Earlier, in April 2025, the company filed an invention patent application for a synthesis process of N-methylaniline (《一种n-甲基苯胺的合成工艺》; application publication No. CN120383533A). Together, the two applications form a continuous technology portfolio around the same product, covering both the synthesis process and the core catalyst.
This patent application is consistent with the company's direction of green manufacturing and cleaner production. It represents further progress in using research and development to make production processes cleaner and builds a technology reserve for the continuous improvement of related processes.
Moving forward, the company will continue to increase its investment in research and development, steadily improve its green manufacturing system, honor its commitment to sustainable development, and create long-term value for customers and society.