Introduction to Catalysis

The science and technology of catalysis is of great significance as it affects our daily life. Four major sectors of the world economy; petroleum and energy production, chemicals and polymer production, pharmaceutical and food industry and pollution control, involve catalytic processes.
More than 90 % of industrial processes actually use catalysts in one form or the other. Owing to expanding need of mankind, production in all sectors is increasing at a fast rate and catalysis science has a major contribution in this need. 1. production of fuels such as gasoline, diesel, heating oil, fuel oil, etc. 2. Production of plastics, synthetic rubbers, fabrics, cosmetics, etc. 3. The production of clean energy from renewable energy sources, such as H2 for fuel cells and transportation fuels from non-edible biomass. 4. Reduction emissions of COx, NOx and hydrocarbons from mobile vehicles. 5. Production of the polymers including adhesives, coatings, foams, textile and industrial fibers. 6. The pharmaceutical industry uses catalysts for production of drugs that are used to save lives and improve the health of people. 7. Catalysts are also widely used in food processing.
Increasing catalyst life is another area of importance to maximize catalyst efficiency.