Materials Science World Congress

Nanostructures in Catalysis: Improvement of Efficiency and Selectivity

Surface properties are improving dramatically in various industries of the world due to nanostructures in catalysis enhancing efficiency and selectivity as well. By taking advantage of the many characteristics of nanomaterials in the synthesis of catalysts, researchers, and engineers are coming up with enhanced catalysts that increase the rate and environmentally friendly chemical reactions.

Catalysts designed at the nanoscale are known as nanocatalysts and they possess larger surface area than any conventional catalyst. This increases the number of active sites available to engage in the interactions making reactions occur at faster rates and with increased effectiveness. Nanostructured PCs are used in energy production, pollution control, and the pharmaceutical industry.

Catalysis using nanostructures is one of the most potential fields since material conversion and storage technologies are inherent in energy systems. For instance, nanocatalysts have found enormous applications in fuel cells that help to convert chemical energy into electrical energy. Platinum-built nanocatalysts can be used to enhance the efficiency of hydrogen fuel cells thus enabling the enhancement of new energy sources.

Speaking of its applications in environmental catalysis, nanostructured materials are able to lower toxic emissions and pollutants. These catalysts are able to facilitate the decomposition of dangerous pollutants including carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides hence producing less hazardous by-products. Nanocatalysis is equally important in the purification of water, where nanomaterials play the crucial role of destroying organic dyes and other hazardous materials as well as removing heavy metals.

The pharmaceutical industry also gains from nanostructures in catalysis, especially in the synthesis of drugs. Nanocatalysts can offer improved selectivity and activity that is 5 to 25 times more effective than conventional catalysts; a more effective way of obtaining high yields and pure products.

Nanostructures in catalysis are poised to remain a core area of improvement with nanotechnology gradually expanding its frontiers while providing solutions that are cleaner, more efficient, and sustainable in numerous fields.