What are the Different Types of Catalysts in Green Chemistry?
There are several types of catalysts used to promote greener chemical processes:
Homogeneous Catalysts: These catalysts are in the same phase as the reactants, typically in a liquid solution. They offer high selectivity and efficiency but can be challenging to separate from the product. Heterogeneous Catalysts: These catalysts are in a different phase than the reactants, often solid catalysts used with liquid or gas reactants. They are easier to separate and reuse, making them more sustainable in many applications. Biocatalysts: Enzymes and other biological molecules that catalyze reactions under mild conditions, leading to high specificity and minimal by-products. Photocatalysts: Catalysts that harness light energy to drive chemical reactions, often used in environmental applications like pollutant degradation.
