ADI evaluated the commercial viability of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for arsine removal by analyzing adoption drivers in downstream Oleflex and PDH units. The research highlights the critical trade-offs between MOF performance and the lower costs of sacrificial zinc oxide catalysts. Final recommendations included identifying high-growth license opportunities globally.
The client
Materials technology developer
The situation
A materials developer needed to determine if MOF technology could displace conventional adsorbents in natural gas and downstream refining.
ADI’s contributions
Primary research with operators
Structured interviews with 26 natural gas and petrochemical experts revealed a lack of market interest in the upstream sector.
Downstream unit benchmarking
Analysis of global arsine removal units identified Oleflex and PDH processes as the primary drivers for future demand.
Adsorbent competitive landscaping
Profiling of 18 suppliers established that copper/zinc oxide remains the benchmark for multi-contaminant removal performance.
Pricing and growth modeling
Cost analysis showed that MOFs must compete with lower cost sacrificial catalysts to gain traction in cost-sensitive markets.
Key outcomes
- Prioritization of downstream petrochemical applications over natural gas and identification of the primary target market.
More insights
Premium content
Catching up to China on critical minerals
The U.S. government is spending real money on critical minerals right now. On August 7, 2026, the Department of Energy launched a $100 million program to train more mining engineers. It’s one of several moves happening at the same time, alongside price guarantees, tariffs, and new sourcing rules. None of it changes the basic picture: […]
Article
Middle East conflict’s fallout more limited than expected
Part of ADI Analytics’ ongoing coverage of the implications of the Iran conflict across oil & gas, LNG, refined products, and chemicals. Analysts have been quick to predict permanently altered LNG trade flows, structurally different chemical markets, and a new global energy order following the Iran conflict. Several months into the conflict, the evidence points […]
Article
Japan vs. South Korea: SAF projects diverge
Japan and South Korea are moving from aspirational sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) targets toward blending mandates. In July 2026, Japan announced plans to mandate a 1% SAF blend in fiscal year (FY) 2030, rising to at least 3% in FY2031 and 5% or more from FY2032–34. South Korea announced its phased SAF mandate in 2025, […]