How Does Catalysis Benefit Environmental Technology?
Catalysis plays a crucial role in environmental technology by enabling processes that can reduce pollution, conserve energy, and promote the sustainable use of resources. Here are some key benefits:
Reduction of Emissions: Catalytic converters in automobiles help reduce harmful emissions like carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and hydrocarbons by converting them into less harmful substances such as carbon dioxide and water. Energy Efficiency: Catalysts are essential in processes like the Haber-Bosch process for ammonia synthesis, which is crucial for fertilizer production. Improved catalytic processes can make these industrial reactions more energy-efficient, reducing their environmental impact. Waste Treatment: Catalysts are used in the treatment of industrial effluents to break down hazardous substances into non-toxic compounds. For example, advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) use catalytic reactions to degrade organic pollutants in wastewater.
