Industrial catalysts are indispensable for achieving global climate goals. They enable the efficiency improvement of existing processes, the development of low-emission technologies, and the use of sustainable energy sources. Their application and further development will be crucial for achieving a climate-neutral future.
1. Promotion of green energy sources
Hydrogen production: Catalysts are central to the electrolysis of water and the reforming of biomass to produce green hydrogen – a key raw material for the energy transition.
Power-to-X technologies: Catalysts enable the conversion of CO₂ and hydrogen into synthetic fuels and chemicals, serving as a bridge to the decarbonization of hard-to-degrade sectors (e.g. aviation, shipping).
2. Improving energy efficiency
Reducing energy consumption: Catalysts enable chemical reactions at lower temperatures and pressures, thereby reducing energy consumption in industrial processes such as ammonia synthesis or the refining of fossil fuels.
Optimization of production processes: They help to maximize yield and selectivity in chemical processes, which means less energy and resource waste.
3. Capture and utilization of CO₂
Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU): Catalysts are used to convert captured CO₂ into useful products such as methanol, plastics, or fertilizers. This helps to reduce CO₂ emissions while simultaneously producing valuable products.
Direct CO₂ conversion: Advances in catalysis enable direct conversion processes that are becoming more cost-efficient and scalable.
4. Promoting the circular economy
Recycling of plastics: Catalysts play a role in the chemical reprocessing of plastics into monomers or fuels, which reduces the amount of waste and improves resource utilization.
Biomass processing: Catalysts support the conversion of biomass into biofuels and biochemicals that can replace fossil raw materials.
5. Reduction of pollutants
Exhaust gas purification: Catalysts such as three-way catalytic converters in vehicles and catalysts for industrial exhaust gases minimize emissions of NOₓ, CO and other pollutants.
Methane reduction: Special catalysts can efficiently convert methane, a potent greenhouse gas, into less harmful compounds.
