Industrial catalysts are essential for achieving global climate goals. They enable the efficiency of existing processes to be increased, low-emission technologies to be developed and sustainable energy sources to be used. Their use and further development will be crucial to 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 decarbonisation of hard-to-decarbonise sectors (e.g. aviation, shipping).
2. Improving energy efficiency
Reducing energy consumption: Catalysts enable chemical reactions at lower temperatures and pressures, reducing energy consumption in industrial processes such as ammonia synthesis or fossil fuel refining.
Optimization of production processes: They help to maximize yield and selectivity in chemical processes, which means less waste of energy and resources.
3. Capture and use 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 reduce CO₂ emissions while 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 recycling of plastics into monomers or fuels, reducing waste and improving 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 catalysts 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 powerful greenhouse gas, into less harmful compounds.
