What are the Industrial Applications of Catalysis?
Catalysis plays a vital role in various industrial applications. Here are some significant examples:
Petroleum Refining: Catalysts are essential in cracking processes to break down large hydrocarbons into smaller, more valuable molecules like gasoline and diesel. Chemical Synthesis: Many chemicals, including ammonia and methanol, are produced using catalytic processes. For instance, the Haber-Bosch process uses iron catalysts for ammonia synthesis. Environmental Catalysis: Catalysts are used in catalytic converters to reduce harmful emissions from vehicles. They convert toxic gases like carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides into less harmful substances. Pharmaceuticals: Catalysts are frequently used in the pharmaceutical industry to synthesize complex molecules efficiently and with high specificity.
