ADEM

Founded in 2009 and based in Kentucky, US, Advanced Energy Materials, LLC, trading under the name ADEM, operates as a producer and innovator of nanomaterials that focuses on creating a wide range of nanomaterials that can be used in several catalytic processes. In October 2024, ADEM raised USD 1. 35 million in seed funding led by Bluegrass Angels, including the Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation, Commonwealth Seed Capital Fund, and Chemical Angels Network. As of 2024, the company is led by its CEO and president, Vasanthi Sunkara.

The company specializes in catalysis solutions for the energy and chemical processing industries, with a focus on sustainable refining processes. The firm delivers products designed to enhance efficiency and reduce sulfur emissions that serve sectors such as oil and gas refining, chemical processing, and bio-based product processing. ADEM’s product lineup includes specialized catalysts like AdE-Scat™, a hydrodesulfurization catalyst for refinery applications, and AdE-Sulfur™, a catalytic adsorbent that enables ultra-deep desulfurization. For settings with low hydrogen requirements, the company also offers AdE-Sorb™, a desulfurizer designed for unique operational environments, while AdE-Ccat™ provides a versatile solution for fuel upgrading processes.

In addition, ADEM explores technology such as metal oxide nanowires and mixed metal oxide alloys, with a focus on sulfur analysis and carbon capture to support environmental goals. The organization plans to use the October 2024 funding to facilitate the skid-mounted experiments at several refineries in the United States, bringing its desulfurization technologies closer to market acceptance.