What Are the Key Processes Involving Catalysts in the Petrochemical Industry?
Several key processes in the petrochemical industry rely heavily on catalysis:
Catalytic Cracking: This process breaks down large hydrocarbon molecules into smaller, more valuable products like gasoline and olefins. Zeolite catalysts are commonly used here. Hydrotreating: Used to remove impurities such as sulfur, nitrogen, and metals from crude oil fractions. Metal catalysts like cobalt-molybdenum are typically employed. Steam Reforming: A critical process for producing hydrogen and synthesis gas, using nickel-based catalysts. Polymerization: Catalysts such as Ziegler-Natta and metallocene are used to produce polymers like polyethylene and polypropylene.
