Investment in research and development (R&D) is an integral part of Johnson Matthey’s growth strategy. It underpins the development of new products and manufacturing processes and enables the group to differentiate itself using its world class technology. In 2009/10 Johnson Matthey spent £91.7 million gross on R&D.
Our group technology centre is a central resource which conducts strategic R&D on behalf of all Johnson Matthey’s businesses. It operates across three sites in the UK (Sonning Common, Billingham and Royston) and employs around 200 people. In addition, the group’s businesses also have their own dedicated R&D and technical centres around the world which focus on the delivery of shorter term business specific projects.
In the group technology centre, R&D activities are broadly divided into four categories; core science, divisional projects, sponsored university programmes and collaborative external projects. This combination of internal research and collaboration ensures we have access to the very latest technology and develop relationships with leading scientists around the world.
Core Science
Some research skills are considered core to the company’s technical expertise and are applicable across multiple businesses. In order to develop these skills the core science group develops fundamental knowledge about the science underpinning many of Johnson Matthey’s technologies, transferring new products and processes to the divisions as appropriate.
An example of a core science technology area is advanced materials synthesis which has wide applications in our catalyst businesses. Johnson Matthey has a dedicated facility to produce a range of advanced materials using a state of the art technique called flame spray pyrolysis. This can be used to produce a wide array of materials ranging from metals, metal oxides and more complex mixed oxides or catalysts. Flame spray pyrolysis is a single step process where one or more precursor compounds are dissolved in a solvent and sprayed into a flame zone. The spray is combusted and the precursor is converted into extremely small metal or metal oxide particles. The technique is versatile and allows the use of a wide range of precursors, solvents and process conditions, thus providing control over particle size and composition.
Divisional Projects
The group technology centre undertakes a wide range of work for and directly funded by Johnson Matthey’s divisions. One example is in the area of refining research where we are working to improve our platinum group metal (pgm) refining operations and services. By combining creative synthetic chemistry with cutting edge characterisation technology, we are developing faster and more efficient processes that separate pgms in very high yields. We are also able to draw on our international links with academia to build on our understanding of chemical transformations and to control more precisely the chemical behaviour of the precious metals. As with all divisional projects, we are working closely with development teams in Johnson Matthey’s Refining business. Together we are delivering advances in process technology which will lower raw material consumption, minimise energy use and eliminate waste. We are also launching a modelling programme in which powerful simulations track and ultimately predict the behaviour of metals throughout the numerous complex processes within the refinery. Our range of R&D projects in this area all focus on delivering a streamlined and more sustainable refinery design.
Sponsored University Programmes
Developing our knowledge and expertise in advanced analytical and characterisation methods are a key component of our R&D programme. For a number of years we have worked closely with the University of Warwick in the UK to apply solid state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to industrial R&D issues. The successful application of this method has led to major improvements in our understanding of the fundamental science of catalyst, glass and ceramic materials. We are now working to automate the technique which will allow for rapid screening and early identification of novel, highly tailored catalysts.
Collaborative External Projects
The continued development of new products or access to new markets requires the company to collaborate with both leading participants in these markets and with academic researchers who have an understanding of the latest developments. To support this, Johnson Matthey participates in a diverse range of UK and US government and European Union (EU) funded R&D programmes.
In one example, Johnson Matthey’s researchers are engaged in a large EU collaboration that addresses some of the specific challenges around purifying bioderived synthesis gas. There is growing interest around the world in using non-food crops, such as wood and agricultural waste, to produce sustainable biofuels via bioderived synthesis gas. A range of biochemical and thermochemical processes are emerging, all of which offer opportunities for growth in the areas of catalysts, process technology and precious metals. Biofeedstocks are inherently variable and so fuel upgrading and purification of the bioderived synthesis gas are key issues. By engaging with a range of academic groups, Johnson Matthey is working to develop the purification materials, catalysts and processes for synthesis gas cleaning in the production of biofuels.
We maintain a close link between the four categories of our R&D activities and with the development work carried out directly by Johnson Matthey’s businesses. This interaction is key in ensuring the rapid transfer of technology to support the continued development of new products and services for our customers.