What are some cost-effective alternatives to precious metal catalysts?
Alternatives to precious metal catalysts include base metals like nickel, cobalt, and iron. These metals are significantly cheaper and can be effective in certain catalytic reactions. Nickel-based catalysts are commonly used in hydrogenation reactions, while cobalt catalysts are employed in Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. Additionally, biocatalysts and zeolites offer cost-effective solutions for specific applications.