Clariant, the sustainability-focused specialty chemical company, has announced that Prof Dr. Zhang Tao of the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics has been named the laureate of the National Catalysis Achievement Award at the 22nd National Congress on Catalysis of China (NCC 2025).
Presented by the Catalysis Society of China and sponsored by Clariant, the award recognizes Prof. Zhang’s exceptional contributions to catalysis research, including pioneering work in single-atom catalysis and sustainable chemical processes.
The award ceremony took place during the congress opening at Xiamen International Conference Center, marking Clariant’s fourth consecutive collaboration with the Catalysis Society of Chinese Chemical Society to honor breakthroughs in the field.
The National Congress on Catalysis, China’s premier biennial academic event in the field, brings together leading researchers and industry experts to discuss advancements in catalysis research and applications. This year’s congress, themed “Catalytic Science and Technology in the New Era: Upholding Fundamentals and Embracing Innovation,” showcased cutting-edge developments and practical applications in catalysis.
“We are honored to continue our sponsorship of the National Catalysis Achievement Award for the fourth consecutive time, demonstrating our long-term commitment to advancing catalysis research in China,” said Marvin Estenfelder, Head of Research & Development at Clariant Catalysts.
“Prof. Dr. Zhang Tao’s pioneering work in single-atom catalysis and sustainable chemical processes aligns perfectly with Clariant's focus on developing innovative catalytic solutions that enable more sustainable chemical production and support the transition to an environmentally responsible future.”
Prof. Dr. Zhang Tao, a CAS academician and Fellow of The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) as well as International Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering, has made landmark contributions to catalysis.
He pioneered the concept of “Single-Atom Catalysis” and developed a one-step catalytic process converting cellulose into ethylene glycol, which has already been scaled to a thousand-ton pilot plant. His work also underpins catalysts used across China’s aerospace, aviation, and petrochemical sectors.
“I am deeply honored to receive this prestigious award and grateful to Clariant for their continued support of catalysis research in China,” Prof. Dr. Zhang said.
“Catalysis plays a crucial role in addressing global challenges such as climate change and resource scarcity. I look forward to further collaboration between academia and industry to develop innovative catalytic solutions for a more sustainable future.”
