LANXESS Explores New Markets for Iron Oxide Innovations

LANXESS is exploring new applications for its iron oxide products across batteries, catalysts, water purification and hydrogen storage as its pigments business celebrates its 100th anniversary.

The company’s innovation team is conducting initial application tests and working with strategic partners to tailor products to emerging customer requirements. The initiative aims to take LANXESS iron oxides into new markets while strengthening its existing product portfolio.

Battery materials represent a major area of focus. LANXESS is working across several project phases to develop iron oxides and iron phosphates as precursor materials for lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries. These technologies are expected to support electric mobility and a wide range of energy-storage applications.

The company is also developing iron oxide-based catalyst precursors for styrene production. The first batches of a new precursor have been supplied to a major customer and are undergoing qualification testing. LANXESS recently joined academic and industrial partners in a research project exploring olefin synthesis through the Fischer–Tropsch process.

Further studies are examining the use of modified iron oxides in ammonia synthesis. The company is also advancing purification technologies by modifying Bayoxide® E33, traditionally used to remove arsenic from drinking water, to bind phosphates. The enhanced material is expected to offer improved mechanical stability and a longer service life.

LANXESS is also investigating the use of iron oxides for reversible hydrogen storage. Hydrogen reacts with the material to produce metallic iron and water vapour, while the reverse reaction releases hydrogen for chemical processes or electricity and heat generation.

A three-year joint research project involving potential users was launched in October 2025. The company aims to establish a demonstration plant using LANXESS iron oxides during the project period.

Alongside these emerging applications, the innovation team will continue improving existing iron oxide grades in response to customer requirements and opportunities identified through internal research.