Catalysis and Chemical Engineering Global Conference

Metal-free catalysis is one of the most intriguing and fast-evolving arenas of sustainable chemistry. This area promises to substitute environmentally friendly, innovative catalysts in place of traditional metal-based catalysts. Thus, metals, which are usually scarce, toxic, costly, etc., are completely avoided through the action of metal-free catalysts. This method acts as a greener alternative for any chemical reaction, catering to the objectives of green chemistry, including less environmental impact, utilization of renewable sources, and generation of minimal hazardous waste.

In metal-free catalysis, chemical reactions are influenced by non-metallic elements such as carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and boron, which could be engineered in organic molecules, polymers, and carbon-based materials like graphene. For example, graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) has attracted much attention as a metal-free catalyst due to its stability, reactivity, and photochemical activity, meaning it absorbs light, qualifying it for application in photochemistry and environmental remediation.

Metal-free catalysis represents one of the most important applications of organic synthesis, where the role of metal-based catalysts is often replaced by organic molecules: organocatalysts. These catalysts are very effective promoters of specific reactions with excellent selectivity, such as simple compounds like proline or another simple amino acid. Organocatalysts manufacture pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals using sustainable synthetic alternatives from abundant, renewable resources, cutting costs and minimizing environmental footprints.

Metal-free catalysis has also gained popularity through hydrogen fuel production in energy applications. Nonmetallic catalysts assist in the splitting of water into hydrogen and oxygen-a much cleaner alternative to the costly platinum and other precious metals that are typically used in this process. Earth-abundant elements are incorporated into these metal-free systems, thus reducing dependence on rare metals in hydrogen fuel production, making this approach more environmentally friendly and economically viable.