Catalysts can significantly reduce the environmental impact of chemical processes by: - Lowering energy consumption: Catalysts can lower the activation energy required for reactions, reducing the need for high temperatures and pressures. - Improving selectivity: By directing reactions to produce only the desired product, catalysts reduce the formation of unwanted by-products, minimizing waste. - Enabling the use of green solvents: Catalysts can operate in environmentally benign solvents such as water or supercritical CO₂, replacing harmful organic solvents.
