Advanced Energy Materials

Advanced Energy Materials, LLC (ADEM), now operating as ADEM Technologies Inc., was established in 2009 and is focused on the nanomaterials sector. Initially targeting the lithium-ion battery market, the company pivoted to the catalysis industry, specializing in hydrodesulfurization (HDS) for refinery applications. The company's creation followed a technological breakthrough at the University of Louisville's Conn Center of Renewable Energy Research, leading to an exclusive license agreement for a portfolio of patents. The founder and CTO, Dr. Mahendra Sunkara, also serves as the Director of the Conn Center, bringing over 25 years of experience in advanced materials. He is joined by CEO & President Vasanthi Sunkara, who has led business operations since 2010. ADEM operates as a minority-owned and economically disadvantaged woman-owned small business.

The company develops and manufactures nanowire-based catalysts designed to replace existing solutions in the oil and gas refining, chemical processing, and fuel upgrading markets. Its business model centers on providing these high-performance materials as drop-in solutions, which can be customized for specific client processes. ADEM serves small to large-scale refineries and chemical processors. Revenue is generated through the sale of its catalyst products, supported by significant research and development efforts funded by over $7.5M in federal and state grants.

ADEM's core products are its nanowire-based catalysts, including the AdE-Scat™ and AdESulfur™ series. These products facilitate the removal of sulfur from fuels like diesel to levels below 1 part-per-million (ppm), a performance benchmark that is challenging for many existing market products. The catalysts are engineered for high activity and selectivity at milder operating conditions, which can extend catalyst lifetime and lower operational costs for refineries. Beyond desulfurization, the company has developed catalysts for processing biomass into platform chemicals (AdE-Biocat™), purifying bioethanol, and is exploring applications in carbon capture and conversion to methanol. The company has established a commercial manufacturing and R&D facility with the capacity for ton-scale production.

Keywords: hydrodesulfurization catalyst, nanowire materials, sulfur removal, refinery applications, nanomaterials manufacturing, catalysis, chemical processing, fuel upgrading, deep desulfurization, advanced materials, AdE-Scat, AdESulfur, University of Louisville, Mahendra Sunkara, Vasanthi Sunkara, oil and gas refining, drop-in catalyst solution, bio-based chemicals, carbon capture, ton-scale manufacturing