Several important industrial processes rely on catalysis:
- Haber-Bosch Process: This process synthesizes ammonia from nitrogen and hydrogen gases using an iron-based catalyst. Ammonia is a key ingredient in fertilizers, which are critical for global agriculture. - Catalytic Cracking: Used in petroleum refineries to break down large hydrocarbon molecules into gasoline, diesel, and other valuable products. Zeolite catalysts are commonly used in this process. - Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis: Converts carbon monoxide and hydrogen into liquid hydrocarbons, using metal catalysts like iron or cobalt. This process is essential for producing synthetic fuels. - Hydrogenation: Addition of hydrogen to unsaturated organic compounds using metal catalysts like palladium, platinum, or nickel. This is widely used in food processing and the production of margarine.
