Johnson Matthey continuously develops new products based on our catalysis expertise and market needs. A current R&D focus is development of an SCR catalyst or SCR companion catalyst to achieve high mercury oxidation in coal-fired power plants. Unlike elemental mercury, oxidized mercury can be removed by flue gas desulphurization processes.

NOx reduction by SCR technology has already been "the state of the art" for many years in Germany and many other European countries, the USA as well as in Japan, Korea and lately also in China. The major research focus of the recent past, in particular, had been on the reduction of the SO₂ conversion across the catalyst, increase of NOx activity, improved resistance against catalyst poison and higher erosion. Prompted by US mercury emissions regulations for utility power plants, mercury oxidation across SCR catalysts became a new research subject.  Hence, Johnson Matthey Catalysts, the only manufacturer worldwide of both plate and honeycomb catalysts, has investigated the mercury oxidation properties of its catalysts for several years proving their mercury oxidation capabilities. Furthermore, Johnson Matthey has also developed modified catalysts for selective mercury oxidation for special applications. Meanwhile, essential findings from field tests and the development work are available, providing additional benefits to all our customers.