Catalysis and Chemical Engineering Global Conference

Being a porous material either of natural or synthetic origin, zeolites are significant in catalysis due to their structure and chemical properties. With its high surface area, thermal stability, and ability to selectively absorb molecules, zeolites have wide applications in catalysis in several chemical processes. The session deals with synergism between catalysis and zeolites, including the applications of zeolites in petrochemical, environmental protection, and renewable energy. Zeolites are aluminosilicate minerals with a very ordered three-dimensional structure of pores and channels. These pores produce very much surface area, which is ideal for catalysis since the reacting molecules can penetrate and react within the active sites inside the structure. Because of such selective molecular absorption, zeolites are particularly valuable for reactions in which precise control on molecular interaction is crucial, such as breaking up large hydrocarbon molecules into useful fuels and chemicals during the refining of crude oil. Catalytic cycles executed with zeolites have some advantages over conventional catalysts. In many types of catalysis, zeolites can catalyze reactions under milder conditions. This, for example benefits isomerization, cracking and hydrocracking processes in petrochemical industries. The use of zeolites reduces the demand for high temperatures and pressures in industrial processes hence reducing energy consumption as well as environmental footprint. Zeolites are also very stable and can be used to regenerate with the ability to be used many times, thereby creating a sustainable option for long-term catalytic applications. Zeolites also feature greatly in environmental applications. For example, they are employed with catalytic converters for minimizing injurious emissions that emanate from the source of vehicles which breakdown pollutants such as NOx and carbon monoxide (CO). In water treatment, zeolites absorb heavy metals and other pollutants, making them some of the most effective and natural methods of purifying water. Another application field in which zeolites could be of significance is in carbon capture where they could selectively adsorb CO2 from industrial emissions.Being a porous material of either natural or synthetic origin, zeolites are significant in catalysis due to their structure and chemical properties. With a high surface area, thermal stability, and selective molecular absorption capability, zeolites have broad applications in catalysis across various chemical processes. This session explores the synergy between catalysis and zeolites, focusing on their applications in petrochemicals, environmental protection, and renewable energy.

Zeolites are aluminosilicate minerals with a highly ordered three-dimensional structure of pores and channels. These pores create an extensive surface area, ideal for catalysis since reacting molecules can penetrate and interact within the active sites inside the structure. Due to their selective molecular absorption, zeolites are particularly valuable for reactions that require precise molecular control, such as breaking down large hydrocarbon molecules into useful fuels and chemicals during crude oil refining.

Catalytic cycles involving zeolites have several advantages over conventional catalysts. In many catalytic processes, zeolites can facilitate reactions under milder conditions. This is beneficial in isomerization, cracking, and hydrocracking processes within the petrochemical industry. The use of zeolites reduces the need for high temperatures and pressures in industrial processes, thus lowering energy consumption and environmental impact. Zeolites are also very stable and can be regenerated for repeated use, making them a sustainable choice for long-term catalytic applications.

Zeolites are also widely used in environmental applications. For instance, they are utilized in catalytic converters to minimize harmful emissions from vehicles by breaking down pollutants like nitrogen oxides (NOx) and carbon monoxide (CO). In water treatment, zeolites absorb heavy metals and other pollutants, making them one of the most effective natural methods for purifying water. Additionally, zeolites are significant in carbon capture applications, where they can selectively adsorb CO₂ from industrial emissions.