Several ethical concerns arise in the field of catalysis, including:
- Environmental Impact: How do catalytic processes affect the environment? It's essential to assess and mitigate any negative environmental impacts, such as pollution or resource depletion. - Safety: Are catalytic processes safe for workers and communities? Ensuring the safety of all stakeholders is a fundamental ethical responsibility. - Sustainability: Are the materials and methods used in catalysis sustainable? The use of rare or non-renewable resources can be ethically problematic. - Social Responsibility: Does the development and implementation of catalytic processes consider the well-being of society? Innovations should aim to improve quality of life without exacerbating social inequalities.
