Company patents

BASF SE

BASF SE's patent strategy reveals a surprising emerging focus on Batteries & Fuel Cells, with a significant 45.2% year-over-year growth in 2025, despite it currently representing only 5.4% of their total portfolio. Concurrently, while Biocides & Pesticides saw a strong 36.5% growth in 2025, the overall trend for their largest category, Polymer Synthesis (Polycondensation), shows a notable decline of 29.0% in 2025 and a sharp drop of 69.7% so far in 2026, indicating a potential shift in their core materials science priorities.

Patent Trend by Technology Area

Yearly patent publications since 2023

Product themes

Product-level themes inferred from filings since 2023, with category chips showing where each theme appears. Select a theme to filter the patents below.

2,344 US filings (since 2023) · 11 categories · 47 themes

Biological Pest & Pathogen Control is up +73.0% YoY. Worth a look.
Herbicidal Active Ingredients

Innovation in chemical compounds or optimized formulations specifically designed to control or inhibit the growth of unwanted plants (weeds) in agricultural settings, often with improved selectivity or reduced environmental impact.

Biocides & Pesticides
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275since 2023
+21.3%YoY
Sustainable Polymer Materials

Development and application of polymer compositions designed for reprocessability, recyclability, or incorporating sustainable additives, often featuring reversible bonds or bio-based components.

Polymer Synthesis (Polycondensation)Polymer Working & CompoundingPolymer AdditivesCoating Compositions (Paints, Inks)
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271since 2023
-12.6%YoY
Industrial Organic Synthesis

Methods and apparatus for the efficient and selective production of organic compounds, including amines, acids, and esters, often involving catalytic or continuous processes and purification steps.

Acyclic / Carbocyclic Compounds
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197since 2023
+14.8%YoY
Polymer Composites with Functional Fillers

Polymer compositions incorporating inorganic or organic filler materials to impart specific functional properties such as thermal conductivity, flame retardancy, electrical conductivity, or enhanced mechanical strength and dimensional stability.

Polymer AdditivesPolymer Working & CompoundingPolymer CompositionsCoating Compositions (Paints, Inks)Polymer Synthesis (Polymerization)
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193since 2023
+3.2%YoY
Urethane/Urea Polymerization

Methods for synthesizing polyurethanes and polyureas, including non-isocyanate routes, using various monomers, catalysts, and curing agents, often for foams, coatings, or adhesives.

Polymer Synthesis (Polycondensation)
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192since 2023
-27.8%YoY
Advanced Thermoplastic Synthesis

Synthesis and modification of high-performance thermoplastic polymers, such as poly(arylene ether ketone) (PAEK) or polycarbonates, to achieve enhanced thermal stability, mechanical strength, or specific processing characteristics.

Polymer Synthesis (Polycondensation)
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155since 2023
-36.5%YoY
Biological Pest & Pathogen Control

Development and application of living organisms (e.g., bacteria, fungi, viruses) or their natural derivatives (e.g., peptides, plant extracts) as agents to suppress or eliminate agricultural pests, weeds, or plant diseases.

Biocides & Pesticides
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152since 2023
+73.0%YoY
Chemical Synthesis of Drug Intermediates

Processes and methodologies for the efficient and scalable preparation of complex heterocyclic compounds and their precursors, including specific reaction conditions, purification techniques, and intermediate compounds.

Heterocyclic Compounds (Pharma)
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121since 2023
-21.1%YoY
Plant Disease Resistance Induction

Methods and compositions that stimulate a plant's natural defense mechanisms or improve its physiological resilience against pathogens, pests, or environmental stressors, rather than directly eliminating the threat.

Biocides & Pesticides
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116since 2023
+18.8%YoY
Advanced Polymerization Processes

Novel methods and reactor designs for polymer synthesis, focusing on improving efficiency, achieving continuous production, or controlling specific polymer architectures and product morphologies like particle size or sheet formation.

Polymer Synthesis (Polymerization)
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114since 2023
-9.1%YoY
Advanced Curing Chemistries

Novel formulations and mechanisms for initiating or controlling the polymerization and cross-linking of adhesives, including dual-curing systems, radical polymerization, and partial curing for tailored material properties.

Coating Compositions (Paints, Inks)
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99since 2023
-19.4%YoY
High-Performance Thermally Stable Resins

Polymer compositions engineered for enhanced heat resistance, thermal stability in molten states, or improved processability at high temperatures, often involving specific copolymers, blends, or stabilizing additives for applications in electronics or automotive.

Polymer Compositions
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93since 2023
-41.7%YoY
Polymer Particle and Powder Production

Methods for creating fine polymer particles, powders, or microspheres with controlled size, morphology, and distribution, used as raw materials or for specific applications.

Polymer Working & Compounding
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88since 2023
-38.2%YoY
Biocide Formulation & Delivery Systems

Technologies focused on enhancing the stability, efficacy, spread, or targeted application of biocidal active ingredients through specialized carriers, adjuvants, encapsulation, or physical forms (e.g., gels, spray-dried particles).

Biocides & Pesticides
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86since 2023
+94.1%YoY
Functionalized Polysiloxanes

Synthesis and modification of polysiloxane polymers to introduce specific functional groups or structures, enhancing properties for applications like composites, coatings, biomedical uses, or powder treatment.

Polymer Synthesis (Polycondensation)
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82since 2023
-21.2%YoY
Functional Coatings and Surface Modifiers

Additives or compositions specifically formulated for surface application or modification to impart protective, decorative, or specialized functional properties to polymer products.

Coating Compositions (Paints, Inks)Polymer Additives
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77since 2023
+150.0%YoY
Polymers for Electronic Devices

Synthesis and formulation of polymers, such as epoxy resins, polyimides, or ionic binders, tailored for specific functions in electronic components like sealing, insulation, or energy storage.

Polymer Synthesis (Polycondensation)
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65since 2023
-34.8%YoY
Reactor System Design & Optimizationfiltered

Engineering approaches to improve the efficiency, control, and performance of chemical reactors, encompassing continuous processes, heat exchange integration, and specialized reactor configurations for various chemical transformations.

Catalysts & Reactors
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62since 2023
-18.2%YoY
Lithium Battery Anode Materials

Active anode materials and manufacturing techniques for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, including silicon-carbon composites, graphite, lithium-metal anodes, and electrode coating processes that improve capacity, cycle life, and rate capability.

Batteries & Fuel Cells
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58since 2023
+28.6%YoY
Catalytic Olefin Polymerization

Methods and catalyst systems, often supported (e.g., on silica or alumina), for the synthesis of polyolefins like polyethylene and polypropylene, focusing on controlling molecular weight, distribution, and polymer morphology.

Polymer Synthesis (Polymerization)
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56since 2023
+16.7%YoY
Biomedical Polymer Formulations

Polymer compositions tailored for medical and biological applications, including implantable devices, drug delivery systems, and diagnostic tools, emphasizing properties like biocompatibility, hydrolysis resistance, optical clarity, and specific mechanical characteristics.

Polymer Synthesis (Polymerization)Polymer Compositions
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55since 2023
+25.0%YoY
Insect Attractants & Repellents

Compositions and methods designed to either lure insect pests to traps or away from crops, often utilizing specific volatile organic compounds such as pheromones, kairomones, or natural essential oils.

Biocides & Pesticides
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55since 2023
+5.9%YoY
Polymer Thermal Stability & Flame Retardancy

Additives that enhance a polymer's resistance to thermal degradation, high temperatures, or ignition, including flame retardants and heat stabilizers for improved safety and durability.

Polymer Additives
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55since 2023
-71.4%YoY
Novel Catalyst Materials

Development and synthesis of catalysts with unique compositions or structures, such as medium entropy alloys, metal foam-supported catalysts, layered catalytic articles, or high-entropy oxides, to enhance activity, selectivity, or stability in chemical reactions.

Catalysts & Reactors
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52since 2023
-38.5%YoY
Bio-derived Chemical Production

Methods for producing organic chemicals from biomass or through fermentation processes, often focusing on carbohydrates or fatty acid derivatives for food, health, or industrial applications.

Acyclic / Carbocyclic Compounds
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45since 2023
+14.3%YoY
Advanced Adsorbent & Separation Media

Development of materials with tailored porosity, surface chemistry, or structure, such as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), zeolites, or superficially porous particles, for selective adsorption, ion exchange, or chromatographic separations.

Catalysts & Reactors
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40since 2023
+30.0%YoY
Targeted Small Molecule Therapeutics

Design and synthesis of acyclic or carbocyclic organic compounds that selectively modulate specific biological targets or pathways for the treatment of diseases.

Heterocyclic Compounds (Pharma)Acyclic / Carbocyclic Compounds
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40since 2023
-60.0%YoY
Adhesion and Curing Modifiers

Substances incorporated into polymer systems to control or enhance adhesive properties, cross-linking reactions, or processing characteristics such as mold release and flow.

Polymer Additives
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38since 2023
-36.4%YoY
Battery Material Recovery

Processes and apparatus for disassembling spent batteries and recovering valuable materials (e.g., metals, electrolytes, plastics) through mechanical, chemical, or electrochemical methods for reuse or sustainable disposal.

Batteries & Fuel Cells
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37since 2023
+100.0%YoY
Polymer Film and Membrane Fabrication

Techniques for manufacturing thin polymer layers, sheets, or multi-layer structures, often optimized for specific properties such as flexibility, barrier function, filtration, or mechanical strength.

Polymer Working & Compounding
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35since 2023
-20.0%YoY
Battery Electrode Coating & Slurry

Slurry compositions and coating processes for battery electrodes, including binder/active-material slurries, surface coating layers, and electrode-to-foil adhesion for cathode and anode.

Batteries & Fuel Cells
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32since 2023
+75.0%YoY
Dynamic & Reversible Polymer Networks

Polymers incorporating reversible bonds or crosslinks that enable reprocessing, self-healing, or tunable mechanical properties, often responding to stimuli like heat, light, or pH for de-crosslinking and re-crosslinking.

Polymer Synthesis (Polymerization)
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25since 2023
+300.0%YoY
Carbon Dioxide Capture & Conversion

Technologies and materials for capturing carbon dioxide from gas streams and subsequently converting it into valuable chemical products or materials, rather than simply storing it.

Acyclic / Carbocyclic CompoundsCatalysts & Reactors
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25since 2023
-27.3%YoY
Photopolymerization for Device Fabrication

Light-initiated polymerization processes used to create structures, coatings, or components, particularly for electronic devices, displays, or additive manufacturing, often involving photoinitiators and specific monomer/oligomer compositions.

Polymer Synthesis (Polymerization)
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20since 2023
-60.0%YoY
Elastomer Formulations for Performance

Development of rubber and elastomer compositions, often involving specific polymer blends, additives (e.g., process oils, reinforcing agents), and cure packages, to achieve desired mechanical properties like abrasion resistance, wet grip, shear durability, or flexibility for demanding applications.

Polymer Compositions
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18since 2023
-75.0%YoY
API Solid Form Engineering

Techniques for preparing and characterizing specific solid forms, such as crystal forms, salts, co-crystals, or amorphous forms, of active pharmaceutical ingredients to optimize properties like stability, solubility, and bioavailability.

Heterocyclic Compounds (Pharma)
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14since 2023
-28.6%YoY
High-Barrier Packaging Films

Multi-layer polymer films engineered to provide superior barrier properties against gases (e.g., oxygen), moisture, or aromas, often incorporating heat-sealing or resealing mechanisms for food and product preservation.

Polymer Compositions
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14since 2023
+100.0%YoY
Solid-State Battery Manufacturing

Process and equipment for producing solid-state battery cells, including solid electrolyte synthesis (sulfide/oxide/polymer), thin-film deposition, lamination, sintering, dry-electrode fabrication, and stacking under controlled atmosphere.

Batteries & Fuel Cells
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11since 2023
+33.3%YoY
Smart/Responsive Polymer Materials

Polymer compositions designed to change their properties (e.g., shape, optical transmittance, solubility) in response to external stimuli such as pH, temperature, light, or chemical presence, enabling applications in sensors, smart windows, or controlled release.

Polymer Compositions
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7since 2023
+50.0%YoY
Functional Organic Materials

Synthesis and application of organic compounds designed to impart specific functionalities in material science, such as photosensitivity or charge transport, for electronic or optical devices.

Acyclic / Carbocyclic Compounds
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7since 2023
0.0%YoY
Emerging Contaminant Removal

Specific techniques and materials developed to remove persistent or difficult-to-treat pollutants from water, such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), micropollutants, or specific industrial chemicals.

Catalysts & Reactors
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7since 2023
-33.3%YoY
Battery Pack Mechanical Design

Focuses on the structural integrity, housing, mounting, and physical integration of battery cells into robust and protected packs within electric vehicles, including manufacturing considerations.

Batteries & Fuel Cells
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6since 2023
+100.0%YoY
Phenolic Epoxy Resins

Synthesis and formulation of epoxy resins, often derived from phenolic precursors like cardanol and vanillin, for applications requiring specific thermal, mechanical, or electrical properties.

Polymer Synthesis (Polycondensation)
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6since 2023
new
Functional Hydrogels

Synthesis and application of crosslinked polymer networks designed to swell in water, often for medical, sensing, or smart material applications, exhibiting properties like hydrolysis resistance, thermochromism, or radiation protection.

Polymer Working & Compounding
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6since 2023
-66.7%YoY
Battery Management Systems

Software, algorithms, and associated hardware for monitoring, controlling, and optimizing battery performance, safety, and lifespan, including charge/discharge cycles, thermal regulation, and system integration.

Batteries & Fuel Cells
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4since 2023
+200.0%YoY
EV Thermal Management Systems

Systems designed to manage the temperature of multiple components in electric or hybrid vehicles, such as batteries, electric motors, power electronics, and the passenger cabin, often using shared or interconnected cooling/heating circuits.

Batteries & Fuel Cells
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3since 2023
new
Thermally Conductive Additives

Materials added to polymers to modify their thermal transfer properties, typically increasing conductivity for heat dissipation in applications like electronics or battery packs.

Polymer Additives
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3since 2023
n/a

Patents

Page 1 of 8
US 20260008742 A1APPLICATION
C07C67/08

CONTINUOUS PROCESS FOR PRODUCING N-BUTYL (METH)ACRYLATE WITH A CATALYST RECIRCULATION SYSTEM

Filed:2023-08-07Pub:2026-01-08
Applicant:BASF SE

The invention relates to a process for continuous production of n-butyl (meth)acrylate by reaction of (meth)acrylic acid with n-butanol in the presence of an acidic catalyst and a polymerisation inhibitor, comprising the steps, according to a first embodiment: ⋅carrying out an esterification within a reactor (A) with a column (B) attached thereto, wherein the components (meth)acrylic acid and n-butanol are used in a molar ratio in the range from 1.0:1.0 to 1.0:2.0, preferably in the range from 1.0:1.1 to 1.0:1.5, and wherein the esterification takes place at a temperature in the range from 80 to 150° C., preferably in the range from 100 to 130° C., and at an absolute pressure in the range from 0.2 to 5.0 bar, preferably in the range from 0.4 to 1.5 bar, resulting in a reaction product (6) and a vapour stream at the head of the column (B), ⋅discharging the vapour stream at the head of the column (B), ⋅condensing the vapour stream in a condenser (C), forming an organic phase enriched with n-butyl (meth)acrylate and an aqueous phase, ⋅continuously separating the organic phase from the aqueous phase by means of a phase separator (D), ⋅feeding the resulting reaction product (6) into a rectification column (E), ⋅separating the azeotropes within the rectification column (E): a) water and n-butyl (meth)acrylate, b) n-butanol and n-butyl (meth)acrylate, c) n-butanol and water, d) n-butanol, n-butyl (meth)acrylate and water, wherein the rectification column (E) is operated at a bottom temperature in the range from 80 to 150° C. and at a head temperature in the range from 70 to 130° C. and at an absolute pressure in the range from 0.2 to 5 bar, preferably in the range from 0.4 to 1.5 bar, ⋅discharging a gas stream enriched by the azeotrope at the head of the rectification column (E), ⋅condensing the gas stream in a condenser (F) to form an organic phase enriched with n-butyl (meth)acrylate and an aqueous phase, ⋅continuously separating the organic phase from the aqueous phase by a phase separator (G), ⋅continuously discharging at least part of the organic phase from the phase separator (G), wherein this discharged part of the organic phase enriched with n-butyl (meth)acrylate represents the raw product stream ( 15 ), ⋅discharging a high-boiling bottom product ( 23 ) from the bottom of the rectification column (E), wherein the mass flow ratio between the high-boiling bottom product ( 23 ) and the (meth)acrylic acid fed to the reactor (A) as reactant is in the range from 0.5 to 5, ⋅feeding a high-boiling sub-stream ( 7 ) of the discharged high-boiling bottom product ( 23 ) into a mixer (H), wherein the mass flow ratio between the high-boiling sub-stream ( 7 ) and the high-boiling bottom product ( 23 ) is in the range from 0.01 to 0.50, preferably in the range from 0.05 to 0.08, ⋅feeding a mixture ( 10 ) resulting from the mixer (H) into a downstream extraction phase separator (I), ⋅continuously separating the mixture ( 10 ) in the extraction phase separator (I) to obtain an organic raffinate ( 11 ) and an aqueous extract ( 12 ) containing a catalyst, wherein the aqueous extract ( 12 ) is at least partially returned to the reactor (A) and/or the rectification column (E), wherein an external water ( 19 ) is fed to the mixer (H), wherein the mass flow ratio between the mass flow of the external water ( 19 ) and the high-boiling sub-stream ( 7 ) of the discharged high-boiling bottom product ( 23 ) is in the range from 0.08 to 0.50, preferably in the range from 0.10 to 0.30.