Sustainable catalysts as energy transition enablers

Catalysts increase the reaction rate without being consumed in order to achieve the chemical equilibrium at a suitable temperature. A catalyst is specific to each final product, reaction conditions and type of process.

Platinum group metal (PGM) catalysts dominate today’s applications with the vast development of electrochemical processes, that build a bridge between the molecule-based economy and green electricity production. Alternative catalysts to replace iron, nickel and copper also exist, but they are rare and costly. As such, a significant scientific effort is being devoted to the development of low-PGM and PGM-free catalysts.

Research is currently focusing on these sustainable catalysts with non-transition metals.