Catalysis and sustainable chemistry
Catalysis is an important scientific and technological area for the development of environmentally friendly chemical processes, and fundamental to process optimization, waste reduction and pollution prevention. These in turn are the basis of cleaner industrial development and are key elements in an overall philosophy of industrial pollution prevention. New, less polluting processes together with optimization of existing processes depend greatly on improvement of catalyst performance in heavy and fine chemical production lines. This has direct impact on the quality and quantity of by-products or waste generated. This is particularly valid in developing countries, where new technologies using catalytic processes can be introduced at SME level.
Catalysis thus has a strong impact on the global economy and the economy of developing countries, since it is widely applied, in sectors including polymer production, agricultural production, and the petrochemical, pharmaceutical and fine chemicals industries.
Within the industrialization programmes of many developing countries, the transfer of the latest know-how and technologies on catalytic systems and processes and their industrial application and adoption is recognized as urgent. Activities in this area target not only large chemical industries but above all SMEs and producers of fine chemicals, technologists, and researchers in the advanced application of catalysis.
In order to optimize an industrial process, special attention should be given to:
- recycling and reuse of specific fluids or semi-products into the mainstream of the process line
- introduction of innovative clean technologies into the process cycle
- use of new catalysts to give better kinetics of critical process reactions, thereby improving process and product efficiency as well as environmental quality of the waste by-product
- development and use of new catalysts in small and medium-sized enterprises
General approach adopted
- Evaluation of catalytic processes and materials applicable to SMEs
- Creation of an ICS internal expertise unit on catalysis for fine chemicals
- Identification and promotion of project proposals or feasibility studies on the development and application of catalysis
- Awareness-building in selected countries and regions on how to master, use and develop catalytic processes for local application and adaptation
- National case studies for reviewing industrial development on catalysis, by assessing national needs, R&D facilities and local technologies
- Publication of expert views on catalysis applicable to production of fine chemicals
- Assessment, evaluation and dissemination of the latest information on catalysis