Catalysis and Chemical Engineering Global Conference

Catalysis is a key enabler in optimizing the extraction, refining, and processing of fossil fuels, including coal, petroleum, and natural gas. Catalysis for Fossil Energy: Coal, Petroleum, and Natural Gas explores how catalysis can make fossil energy sources cleaner, more efficient, and less environmentally harmful, even as society increasingly shifts toward renewable alternatives.

In the petroleum industry, catalytic processes are crucial for refining crude oil into usable fuels and chemicals. Catalytic cracking, for instance, breaks down large hydrocarbon molecules into lighter molecules that make up vehicle fuels like gasoline and diesel, among other valuable products. This process not only enhances yield but also reduces reliance on more energy-intensive refining methods. Catalysts are also essential in hydrodesulfurization, a process that removes sulfur from petroleum, resulting in cleaner-burning fuels with reduced toxic emissions. Research into catalyst design is advancing with a focus on improving efficiency and environmental impact in these refining processes.

Natural gas, another major fossil fuel, is widely used for electricity generation and as a feedstock in chemical production. In steam methane reforming, hydrogen is efficiently produced from natural gas, which can then be used to power fuel cells or as a base for other chemical products. Current research is focused on developing catalysts that improve efficiency in methane reforming, while also reducing CO₂ emissions, thus supporting cleaner natural gas production methods.

Coal also benefits from catalytic processes, especially in gasification, which converts coal directly into syngas, a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide. Syngas can be utilized in engines or for chemical synthesis, offering a cleaner alternative to traditional coal combustion. This process allows for CO₂ emissions to be captured and stored, further reducing environmental impact. Catalysts can also help purify coal by removing impurities like sulfur and nitrogen, which in turn reduces the release of pollutants during combustion.