Zeolite Synthesis & Crystallization Patent Landscape 2026
Zeolite synthesis and crystallization patent activity is concentrated among a small tier of energy and chemicals incumbents — led by UOP LLC, ExxonMobil, and Chevron — who collectively dominate both catalysis and inorganic-compound subclasses. The field peaked in 2019 and has since eased on an annual basis, with the most recent filing years reflecting normal publication lag rather than full market exit.
UOP LLC leads a concentrated incumbent field with a clear top-tier gap
UOP LLC holds the leading position in zeolite synthesis and crystallization, followed by ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc, Chevron USA Inc, ExxonMobil Technology & Engineering Co, and Mobil Oil Corp — all large integrated energy or specialty-chemicals firms.
The top five filers account for 29% of the combined output of the hundred largest filers, indicating meaningful but not extreme concentration. A clear tier gap separates the top six from the broader field, with Johnson Matthey PLC and NGK Insulators Ltd representing strong second-tier positions.
| # | Applicant | Patent records | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | UOP LLC | 479 | |
| 2 | ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc | 355 | |
| 3 | Chevron USA Inc | 334 | |
| 4 | EXXONMOBIL TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING CO | 309 | |
| 5 | Mobil Oil Corp | 302 | |
| 6 | Johnson Matthey PLC | 295 | |
| 7 | NGK Insulators Ltd | 226 | |
| 8 | Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation | 213 | |
| 9 | CHINA PETROLEUM & CHEMICAL CORP | 160 | |
| 10 | Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences | 143 |
| # | Applicant | Patent records | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | Union Carbide Corporation | 143 | |
| 12 | Tosoh Corporation | 139 | |
| 13 | Asahi Kasei Corporation | 133 | |
| 14 | Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Saudi Aramco) | 125 | |
| 15 | IFP Energies Nouvelles | 118 | |
| 16 | Furukawa Electric Co Ltd | 118 | |
| 17 | Engelhard Corporation | 115 | |
| 18 | Sumitomo Chemical Co Ltd | 99 | |
| 19 | Regents of the University of California | 77 | |
| 20 | BASF Mobile Emissions Catalysts LLC | 76 |
The incumbents’ entrenched positions across both catalysis (B01J) and inorganic-compound synthesis (C01B) subclasses mean new entrants face broad prior-art barriers in the core routes, making differentiation through adjacent or specialty branches strategically important.
The most recent 18–24 months of filing data are subject to publication lag and likely understate actual activity; trend readings for 2024–2026 should be treated as provisional. Longer-window growth, applicant concentration, and technology-route coverage are therefore more reliable signals than the latest-year bar alone.
Annual filings have eased from a 2019 peak; catalysis and inorganic synthesis dominate the technology mix
The filing trend and IPC composition together show a maturing field with a clear structural core and several lower-density branches that present differentiation potential.
Annual filing trend
Filing volume peaked in 2019 and has trended downward since. Data for 2024–2026 are incomplete due to publication lag and should not be read as confirmed decline; the underlying activity level is likely higher than recorded counts suggest.
↗ Hover for values · click a bar to ask EurekaTechnology composition
B01J (chemical/physical processes and catalysis) and C01B (non-metallic elements and inorganic compounds) together dominate the IPC mix, reflecting the field’s core focus on zeolite framework synthesis and catalytic application. C07C (acyclic and carbocyclic compounds) and B01D (separation processes) are the next largest branches, pointing to downstream hydrocarbon and separation applications. Branches such as F01N (exhaust treatment), C30B (crystal growth), and B82Y (nanotechnology) are sparsely populated relative to the core.
↗ Hover for values · click a bar to ask EurekaHighly cited patent families surfaced by the query
Citation-heavy patent families returned by the query. Use this section as citation context, not as a curated list of the most topic-specific patents.
Zeolite synthesis sol, method of producing zeolite…
A zeolite synthesis sol includes particles of an aluminum source with a mean particle diameter of 5 to 500 nm, and a solvent in which the particles are dispersed, the solvent being water that contains a phosphorus source, a structure-directing agent, and a carboxylic acid. (excerpt from the patent abstract)
| # | Patent | Citations |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Crystalline metallophosphate compositions | 1,748 |
| 2 | Crystalline aluminosilicate PSH-3 and its process … | 1,368 |
| 3 | Zeolite P, process for its preparation and its use… | 1,226 |
| 4 | Production of light olefins | 1,063 |
| 5 | Transition metal/zeolite SCR catalysts | 628 |
| 6 | Use of modified 5-7 a pore molecular sieves for is… | 583 |
| 7 | Production of high viscosity index lubricating oil… | 532 |
| 8 | Silicon substituted zeolite compositions and proce… | 529 |
Ranked by total forward citations. Citation counts favour older and broadly cited patent families, and broad or adjacent patents may appear when they match the search scope. Treat this section as citation context, not as a curated list of the most topic-specific patents. Some patent titles may be shown in their original, non-English language where an accurate translation could not be guaranteed.
What the competitive structure means for R&D investment decisions
Four structural dimensions — maturity, concentration, collaboration, and geography — shape the strategic risk and opportunity profile for any organization considering entry or expansion in zeolite synthesis and crystallization.
Field is in decline from its 2019 peak
Annual filing volume peaked in 2019 and has eased back since, placing the field in a decline life-cycle stage. The multi-year corpus of 2,492 patent families reflects decades of accumulated prior art, making step-change novelty progressively harder to establish in the core subclasses. R&D investment is best justified where adjacent applications or new structural types remain lightly patented.
Life-cycle: DeclineIncumbent oligopoly with a visible tier gap
The top five filers — UOP LLC, ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc, Chevron USA Inc, ExxonMobil Technology & Engineering Co, and Mobil Oil Corp — hold 29% of the hundred largest filers’ combined output. A second tier including Johnson Matthey PLC (295 patent records) and NGK Insulators Ltd (226 patent records) is meaningfully below the leader. New entrants face broad prior-art coverage in B01J and C01B core subclasses, favouring differentiated or application-specific routes.
High concentrationBASF–Dow and Chevron–UC Berkeley are the most active co-filing pairs
The most active co-applicant pair is BASF AG and Dow Global Technologies LLC with 63 co-filed records, followed by Chevron USA Inc and the Regents of the University of California with 53 co-filed records. Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation shows multiple academic and industrial co-filing relationships, including with the University of Tokyo, Tokyo Institute of Technology, and JGC Corporation. These pairings signal that industry–academia collaboration is a proven pathway for generating novel zeolite IP in this field.
Industry–academia linksUS-centric filings with growing Asian and European presence
The United States is the dominant filing jurisdiction, followed by Europe (EPO) and China. Japan ranks fourth, reflecting the presence of strong domestic players such as NGK Insulators Ltd, Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, and Tosoh Corp. China’s position and the presence of players such as China Petroleum & Chemical Corp and the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics suggest rising Asian activity, particularly relevant for monitor-and-watch strategies.
US-led, Asia growingGo beyond the landscape: Eureka’s TRIZ Solution agent breaks down an R&D problem and returns patented concept solutions, each with a technical approach and cited patent & literature evidence.
| Applicant | Collaborator | Co-filings |
|---|---|---|
| BASF SE | Dow Global Technologies LLC | 63 |
| Chevron USA Inc | Regents of the University of California | 53 |
| Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation | Research Association for Artificial Photosynthesis Chemical Process Technology | 8 |
| Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation | Mitsubishi Plastics Inc | 8 |
| BASF SE | BASF Catalysts LLC | 7 |
| Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation | JGC Corporation | 6 |
| Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation | University of Tokyo | 6 |
| BASF SE | BASF China Co Ltd | 5 |
| Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation | Tokyo Institute of Technology | 5 |
| ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc | EXXONMOBIL CHEMICAL LTD | 4 |
Co-filing pairs, ranked by the number of jointly-filed patent families.
UOP LLC and Johnson Matthey PLC lead by different route emphases
The top applicants share a common focus on B01J catalysis and C01B inorganic synthesis but diverge in secondary emphasis — UOP LLC and ExxonMobil lean toward hydrocarbon conversion, while Johnson Matthey PLC and NGK Insulators Ltd weight separation and exhaust-treatment applications.
UOP LLC
UOP LLC leads with 479 patent records, concentrated in B01J catalysis, C01B inorganic synthesis, and C07C hydrocarbon conversion — the classic zeolite refining route. Momentum has eased at –30% in the recent period, consistent with the broader field decline from the 2019 peak.
patent records: 479Johnson Matthey PLC
Johnson Matthey PLC holds 295 patent records and distinguishes itself through a stronger emphasis on B01D separation processes — including exhaust-gas filtration — alongside the core B01J and C01B subclasses. Recent momentum shows a modest –7% trend, making it the most stable of the major filers tracked and a credible challenger for application-specific zeolite IP.
patent records: 295| Applicant | Recent (3 yrs) | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| UOP LLC | 14 | ▼ -30% |
| ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc | 6 | ▲ new entrant |
| Chevron USA Inc | 36 | ▲ +89% |
| ExxonMobil Technology & Engineering Co | 29 | ▼ -46% |
| Johnson Matthey PLC | 40 | ▼ -7% |
| NGK Insulators Ltd | 4 | ▼ -90% |
| BASF SE | 9 | ▼ -68% |
| Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation | 19 | ▲ +6% |
Under-served branches adjacent to the zeolite synthesis core
Several IPC branches appear at notably lower density relative to the dominant B01J and C01B core. These are observations of relative sparsity; only where technical fit and a realistic entry path coexist are they flagged as potential opportunities.
C30B · Crystal Growth
C30B (crystal growth) registers only 67 patent records across the corpus — sparse relative to the thousands recorded under B01J and C01B. Precision control of zeolite crystal morphology, size distribution, and defect engineering is technically adjacent to synthesis and has direct implications for membrane performance and catalytic selectivity. The low incumbent density in this specific subclass, combined with growing interest in zeolite membranes (evidenced by NGK Insulators Ltd’s B01D emphasis), suggests a realistic entry path for teams with crystal-growth expertise.
Search this in Eureka →B82Y · Nanotechnology Applications
B82Y (nanotechnology applications) accounts for only 70 patent records, placing it among the sparser branches in this corpus. Nano-zeolites and hierarchical porous structures are an active area of academic research relevant to drug delivery, semiconductor processing, and advanced catalysis, yet the patent record here is thin. The branch is observed as sparsely populated; teams combining zeolite synthesis with nano-structuring or hierarchical design may find meaningful differentiation space, particularly for non-refining applications such as H01M (batteries and fuel cells, 31 records) or A61K (medicinal preparations, 23 records).
Search this in Eureka →How leading applicants differ across technology routes
Route coverage across the main technology branches in the current evidence set.
| Player | C01B 39 · Non-metallic elements & inorganic compounds | B01J 29 · Chemical/physical processes & catalysis | B01J 35 · Chemical/physical processes & catalysis | B01J 37 · Chemical/physical processes & catalysis | B01D 53 · Separation processes (filtration etc.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UOP LLC | Strong · 292 | Strong · 363 | Emerging · 65 | Emerging · 63 | Absent |
| Johnson Matthey PLC | Strong · 220 | Strong · 236 | Moderate · 71 | Moderate · 60 | Strong · 157 |
| ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc | Strong · 228 | Strong · 282 | Emerging · 51 | Moderate · 94 | Absent |
| Chevron USA Inc | Strong · 259 | Strong · 208 | Emerging · 38 | Emerging · 38 | Emerging · 20 |
| ExxonMobil Technology & Engineering Co | Strong · 200 | Strong · 202 | Moderate · 49 | Moderate · 53 | Absent |
| Mobil Oil Corp | Strong · 236 | Strong · 265 | Absent | Absent | Absent |
| BASF Corporation | Absent | Strong · 148 | Moderate · 54 | Strong · 84 | Moderate · 69 |
Frequently asked questions
UOP LLC holds the leading position with 479 patent records, ahead of ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc (355), Chevron USA Inc (334), ExxonMobil Technology & Engineering Co (309), and Mobil Oil Corp (302).
The field is classified as Decline, with annual filings having eased back from a peak in 2019. The most recent filing years (2024–2026) are subject to publication lag and should not be interpreted as the full extent of current activity.
B01J (chemical/physical processes and catalysis) and C01B (non-metallic elements and inorganic compounds) are the two dominant IPC branches, reflecting the field’s core focus on zeolite framework synthesis and catalytic application. C07C (acyclic and carbocyclic compounds) and B01D (separation processes) are the next most represented branches.
The United States leads all jurisdictions, followed by Europe (EPO), China, Japan, and WIPO (PCT). This distribution reflects the field’s origins in US and European energy majors, with rising Asian activity from Chinese and Japanese institutions.
The most active co-applicant pair is BASF AG and Dow Global Technologies LLC (63 co-filed records), followed by Chevron USA Inc and the Regents of the University of California (53 co-filed records). Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation also maintains several active co-filing relationships with Japanese universities and industrial partners.
C30B (crystal growth) and B82Y (nanotechnology applications) are among the sparsest branches relative to the dominant core, with 67 and 70 patent records respectively. These branches are adjacent to zeolite synthesis and may offer differentiation potential for teams with relevant expertise, though they should be validated against specific commercial applications before committing R&D resources.
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Disclaimer. This page is generated from PatSnap Eureka data drawn from a limited snapshot of global patent and scientific-literature records, and is provided for general information and reference only.
Patent data carries inherent limitations: recent filings (typically the most recent 18–24 months) are under-counted due to standard publication lag; counts may be reported at either a patent-family or a patent-record basis and are not always directly comparable; classification, applicant-name, and citation data may contain errors, duplicates, or omissions; and the underlying search query defines and constrains the scope shown. As a result, the analysis may be incomplete or inaccurate and may not reflect the full technology landscape.
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