Catalysis and Chemical Engineering Global Conference

Two of the most prominent technologies applied in the chemical and petrochemical industries transform raw materials into highly valued fuels, chemicals, and materials. In micro-emulsion catalysis, emulsions, a liquid or liquid mixture made up of water, oil, and surfactants, are used to accelerate reaction rates. Catalytic cracking is also applied for breaking down large hydrocarbons into more useful smaller products. This session will focus on the contributions these processes can offer toward sustainable energy, resource efficiency, and innovative chemical production.

Microemulsions are stabilized mixtures of two liquids that otherwise cannot mix, like oil and water, due to surfactants. These systems provide an ideal environment for catalytic reactions by enhancing reagent dispersion and increasing contact between reacting molecules and catalytic sites. Catalysis in micro-emulsion systems can take place within either the oil or water phase, or both. This process is highly effective as a reaction medium, especially in polymerization, organic synthesis, and environmental remediation, where transformation under mild conditions may improve selectivity and efficiency.

The main advantage of micro-emulsion catalysis is that it can facilitate faster reaction rates and control over reaction pathways. By adjusting the composition of the emulsion and the type of surfactants used, researchers can fine-tune the micro-emulsion environment to support specific reactions. For example, in environmental applications, micro-emulsions may facilitate the degradation of water pollutants. Catalysts impregnated into the emulsion phase can help break down harmful chemicals, supporting cleaner and more sustainable conditions in line with green chemistry principles.

Catalytic cracking, in contrast, is a highly developed process in the petroleum refining industry, with major applications focused on upgrading heavy hydrocarbons into lighter, more valuable product streams, such as gasoline, diesel, and petrochemical feedstocks. In fact, fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) units are specifically designed for this purpose: large hydrocarbon molecules are rapidly cracked at high temperatures in the presence of a solid catalyst, typically zeolites. This process helps break carbon-carbon bonds to produce lighter hydrocarbons, which are easier to refine and transport.

Petrochemical processes, including catalytic cracking, continue to maximize the value extracted from crude oil by converting low-value residue streams into high-demand products. Through these technologies, the chemical and petrochemical industries contribute to sustainable energy solutions, resource efficiency, and innovative production of chemicals.