Several catalytic processes are pivotal to petrochemical production:
- Catalytic Cracking: Converts heavy fractions of crude oil into lighter fractions like gasoline and diesel. - Hydroprocessing: Includes hydrocracking and hydrotreating to remove impurities and produce cleaner fuels. - Steam Reforming: Produces hydrogen from hydrocarbons, essential for ammonia production and fuel cells. - Polymerization: Uses catalysts to polymerize monomers into polymers, forming plastics and synthetic rubbers.
