Catalysis and Chemical Engineering Global Conference

Plasma catalysis is an emerging field positioned at the intersection of plasma and catalytic materials, enabling energy-efficient and sustainable chemical reactions. By combining non-thermal plasma with catalytic processes, plasma catalysis achieves reactions that are typically inaccessible or would otherwise require high temperatures. This session explores the principles and applications of plasma catalysis, showcasing its potential in environmental remediation, renewable energy, and other green chemical productions.

In plasma catalysis, electrical energy is applied to a gas, producing a mixture of ions, electrons, and radicals. These reactive species can initiate chemical reactions at much lower temperatures than conventional thermal processes. When combined with catalysts, plasma catalysis not only accelerates reactions but also improves selectivity, allowing for the efficient conversion of reactants into valuable products. For instance, plasma catalysis can transform greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO₂) and methane (CH₄) into useful chemicals and fuels, advancing carbon capture and utilization efforts.

One of the key advantages of plasma catalysis is its ability to sustain reactions under mild conditions, such as ambient temperature and pressure. This results in lower energy consumption and minimizes the need for solvents or other chemicals, aligning well with green chemistry principles. For example, in ammonia synthesis, plasma catalysis presents an alternative to the high-energy Haber-Bosch process, potentially activating nitrogen and hydrogen to produce ammonia in a more sustainable way. This makes ammonia production more environmentally friendly for applications in fertilizers or as a clean fuel.

Plasma catalysis is also significant in environmental applications. Non-thermal plasma can help decompose pollutants in water and air, with efficiency enhanced through catalyst combinations. This technology has been used in exhaust gas treatment systems to eliminate volatile organic compounds and NOx from industrial emissions. Additionally, plasma-assisted catalytic reactors are under development for wastewater treatment, where plasma discharges produce reactive species to degrade contaminants and disinfect water.

The development of catalysts specifically designed for plasma environments is a growing area within plasma catalysis. Metal oxides and supported metals are commonly used, with properties tailored to optimize interactions with plasma species. These catalysts control reaction pathways, enhance selectivity, and improve stability under plasma conditions. Integrating plasma technology with advanced catalyst design could lead to scalable processes that are both environmentally friendly and economically viable.