Catalysts are substances that speed up chemical reactions without being consumed or permanently altered themselves. They work by providing an alternative reaction pathway with a lower activation energy, thereby increasing the rate at which reactants are converted into products. Catalysts are crucial in various industrial processes and are extensively used in the manufacturing of chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and petrochemicals. They also play a vital role in environmental technology, particularly in reducing pollutants in vehicle exhaust. For example, catalytic converters in cars transform harmful gases like carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and hydrocarbons into less harmful substances such as carbon dioxide and water vapor. Catalysts can be categorized broadly into two types: homogeneous catalysts, which exist in the same phase (solid, liquid, or gas) as the reactants, and heterogeneous catalysts, which are in a different phase. Enzymes are a common example of biological catalysts that facilitate biochemical reactions within living organisms, illustrating the broad applicability and importance of catalysts in both nature and technology.
Combining zirconium with silicon nitride improves the transformation of propane, a component of natural gas, into polypropylene, a highly sought-after plastic. Polypropylene is a widely…
A study has revealed a more efficient method for creating methanol. For years, chemists have been striving to synthesize valuable materials from waste molecules. Now,…
German researchers have created a catalyst that converts ammonia into hydrogen and nitrite, potentially combining hydrogen production and fertilizer creation in one process. A research…
Photocatalytic water splitting, employing strategies like doping and defect control, has seen efficiency improvements, notably through recent advancements in doping methods that optimize energy conversion…
Recent research has demonstrated the effectiveness of ultrathin Bi4O5Br2 nanosheets with controlled oxygen vacancies in enhancing the piezocatalytic production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), presenting a…
Researchers at the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics have advanced the analysis of zeolites using innovative 17O solid-state NMR techniques, revealing the intricate structures of…
An electrochemical catalyst for converting CO2 to valuable products can stand up to an impurity that poisons current versions. A new catalyst enhances the conversion…
A new technique developed by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory uses advanced microscopy to study electrochemical reactions at the atomic level, revealing detailed transformations in catalyst…
A new oxide catalyst coating technique significantly enhances the performance of solid oxide fuel cells, tripling their efficiency. This breakthrough technology is versatile and can…
Researchers have developed a breakthrough iridium-free catalyst for water electrolysis, paving the way for sustainable and large-scale green hydrogen production. Hydrogen offers significant potential as…
A successful demonstration could enhance the production of hydrogen from water. Hydrogen (H2) holds great potential as a fuel to reduce greenhouse gases, particularly when…
Stanford scientists are enhancing liquid fuel storage methods by developing new catalytic systems for isopropanol production to optimize energy retention and release. As California transitions…
A research team at DGIST has developed an advanced photocatalyst that efficiently converts CO2 into methane, potentially offering a sustainable solution to combat global warming….
Combination of techniques reveals how a nanoparticle catalyst forms from individual atoms during operation and subsequently breaks down for recycling. Researchers at the U.S. Department…
A German junior research group is investigating how to convert carbon dioxide using sunlight. A new junior research group at the University of Oldenburg, led…
Researchers at the University of Virginia have developed a scalable method for fabricating MOF-525, a material that can effectively capture and convert carbon dioxide into…
A low-cost, tin-based catalyst can selectively convert carbon dioxide to three widely produced chemicals — ethanol, acetic acid, and formic acid. Lurking within the emissions…
Tohoku University researchers have devised a method to predict the performance of new catalysts for fuel cells, potentially hastening the development of more efficient clean…