What is Catalysis?
Catalysis is a process that increases the rate of a chemical reaction by adding a substance known as a
catalyst, which is not consumed in the catalyzed reaction and can continue to act repeatedly. Catalysts work by providing an alternative reaction pathway with a lower activation energy.
What are Catalytic Converters?
Catalytic converters are devices installed in the exhaust systems of vehicles to reduce the emission of harmful gases such as carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and hydrocarbons (HC). They use catalysts, typically made of platinum, palladium, and rhodium, to convert these pollutants into less harmful substances like carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen (N2), and water (H2O).
What is Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR)?
Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) is an advanced active emission control technology used to reduce NOx emissions from industrial and vehicle sources. In the SCR process, a reductant, typically ammonia or urea, is added to the exhaust gases and reacted over a
catalyst to convert NOx into nitrogen and water.
How Do Catalysts Aid in Industrial Emission Control?
In industrial processes, catalysts are used to convert harmful by-products into less harmful substances. For example, in
flue gas desulfurization systems, catalysts help remove sulfur dioxide (SO2) from exhaust gases, reducing acid rain. Similarly, in petrochemical industries, catalysts are used to control volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emissions.
What is Photocatalysis?
Photocatalysis is a process that uses light to activate a catalyst, which then helps to decompose pollutants. This method is particularly useful for treating water and air pollutants. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a common photocatalyst used in applications like self-cleaning surfaces and air purifiers.
What Role Do Catalysts Play in Water Treatment?
Catalysts are used in various water treatment processes to remove contaminants. For instance, in
advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), catalysts help generate hydroxyl radicals that can degrade organic pollutants in water. Additionally, catalysts are used in the removal of heavy metals and in the breakdown of persistent organic pollutants.
What are Green Catalysts?
Green catalysts are environmentally friendly catalysts that aim to reduce the environmental impact of chemical processes. They are designed to be more efficient, less toxic, and often made from renewable resources. Examples include
biocatalysts, which use enzymes to catalyze reactions, and
ionic liquids that serve as both solvents and catalysts in various chemical processes.
