Catalysts for a Sustainable Future: Shepherd Chemical’s Commitment to Innovation

Catalysts play a crucial role in the chemical industry, accelerating reactions and enabling the efficient production of countless materials we rely on daily. At the forefront of catalyst innovation is The Shepherd Chemical Company, a leader in providing high-quality metal chemistry solutions designed to enhance the efficiency, selectivity, and longevity of catalytic processes across various industries.

Driving Efficiency in Petrochemical Processes

In the petrochemical sector, Shepherd Chemical manufactures high-concentration and high-purity metal nitrate catalyst precursors. These specialized compounds play a critical role in refining processes and petrochemical conversions, ensuring optimal reaction rates and product yields. By focusing on controlled impregnation of catalyst supports, Shepherd enhances the performance and durability of catalysts, contributing to more sustainable and cost-effective petrochemical operations.

Pioneering Polyurethane Catalysis with Sustainable Solutions

Shepherd Chemical has pioneered the development of environmentally friendly bismuth-based catalysts for polyurethane systems. Traditional catalysts often contain mercury, lead, or organotin compounds, which pose environmental and health concerns. Shepherd’s BiCAT® series offers a safer alternative without compromising performance.

• BiCAT® 8: This polymerization catalyst is designed for two-component polyurethane systems. Bismuth catalysts like BiCAT® 8 provide lower toxicity and high selectivity in urethane formation, improving mechanical properties and ensuring a gradual increase in viscosity during polymerization.
• BiCAT® 8840: A breakthrough in catalyst technology, BiCAT® 8840 is a bismuth carboxylate mixture that remains stable even in the presence of water. This stability addresses a common challenge in polyurethane production, where moisture can lead to catalyst degradation. By ensuring consistent performance, BiCAT® 8840 enhances the reliability and quality of polyurethane products.

Shepherd’s research into hydrolytically stable bismuth catalysts has further demonstrated that these catalysts maintain performance over extended periods, even in formulations containing high levels of water. This advancement improves product shelf life and broadens the applicability of bismuth catalysts in various polyurethane systems.

Supporting Synthetic Rubber Production

The automotive, pharmaceutical, and construction industries heavily rely on synthetic rubbers, which require efficient catalysts for their production. Shepherd Chemical supplies cobalt and nickel carboxylate catalysts essential for synthesizing materials like styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) and ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM). These high-grade catalysts ensure the production of synthetic rubbers with properties tailored to diverse applications, from tires to industrial components.

Engaging with the Catalysis Community

At Shepherd Chemical, our commitment to innovation goes beyond product development—we are deeply invested in advancing the catalysis community as a whole. Our team actively participates in key industry events, including the North American Catalysis Society (NACS) annual meeting, where we engage with leading researchers and collaborators shaping the future of the field. This year, we’ll also attend the prestigious Gordon Conference and EuropaCat, and are proud to sponsor both NAM and the Tri-State Catalysis Club (TSCC) Annual Meeting.

A key part of our community involvement includes leadership in local catalysis networks. Rob Hart, R&D Leader at Shepherd, currently serves as Chair of the Tri-State Catalysis Society, which brings together professionals across Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia.

Meet Rob Hart – Chair, Tri-State Catalysis Society

Rob Hart brings nearly two decades of experience to his role at Shepherd Chemical in Cincinnati. He holds a BS in Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin and a PhD in Physical Chemistry from Indiana University, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship with Chris Benmore at Argonne National Laboratory. Since joining Shepherd in 2005, Rob has led the development of dozens of metal-based specialty chemicals for applications ranging from ballistic modifiers and airbag components to personal care and medical device additives.

His work has earned recognition through peer-reviewed publications, patents, and industry awards. Rob combines spectroscopy, scattering techniques, and physical property measurements with modeling to explore the structures of amorphous materials—insights that inform and improve manufacturing processes. More recently, his focus has expanded to next-generation chemistries that support the clean energy transition, including methane dehydroaromatization, pyrolysis, carbon capture, and hydrogen production.

For inquiries or collaboration opportunities, Rob can be reached at rhart@shepchem.com.

Shepherd Chemical’s Vision for the Future

Shepherd Chemical’s extensive work in catalyst development exemplifies our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and industry leadership. Through our advanced metal chemistry solutions, we continue to empower industries to achieve more efficient and environmentally friendly catalytic processes. By developing high-performance, sustainable catalyst technologies, Shepherd Chemical is shaping a future where chemical production is both effective and responsible.

If you’d like to partner together, please contact our team today!