Collaboration Opportunity: Cost-effective transition metal oxide catalysts for tunable syngas production
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), under the Department of Energy, is seeking industry partners for a collaboration opportunity focused on cost-effective transition metal oxide catalysts for tunable syngas production. This initiative aims to further develop and commercialize materials for dry reforming, bi-reforming, and steam reforming applications. Statements of interest are due by June 20, 2026.
Opportunity Details
NETL has developed a class of precious-metal free transition metal oxide catalysts suitable for converting mixtures of CO2, natural gas, and water into tunable syngas compositions. These catalysts have been successfully synthesized at the 10 kg scale and demonstrate:
- High thermal stability, low coke formation, and easy regeneration.
- Flexible production of syngas chemical building block compositions (1-3 H2:CO).
- Energy efficiency superior to electrolytic methods for dry reforming and surpassing state-of-the-art industrial reforming for steam reforming.
- Ability to be structured into various form factors for different reactor types.
- Compatibility with conventional thermal reactors or next-generation microwave reactors.
Potential Applications
- Industrial and specialty chemicals production.
- Synthetic aviation and transportation fuels.
Development Status & Patent
The technology is currently at TRL 3-5. NETL holds patent protection for this invention under US11981565B2.
Collaboration & Timeline
- Type: Special Notice / Collaboration Opportunity (NOT a procurement).
- Set-Aside: None specified.
- Response Due: June 20, 2026, by 5:00 PM ET.
- Published: May 5, 2026.
Response Requirements
NETL is seeking partners capable of bringing these inventions to market through licensing and/or cooperative research and development collaborations. Interested parties can discuss this opportunity under non-disclosure agreements. To be considered, submit an electronic or written statement of interest including:
- Company Name and Address.
- Name, address, and telephone number of a point of contact.
- A description of relevant expertise and/or facilities.
The email subject heading should include the Notice ID (32f6f257397644b680ffa0fe900d02da) and the opportunity title. Direct responses to partnerships@netl.doe.gov.